Florida State Seminoles vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 9th 2024

Preview and Prediction

No. 10 Notre Dame is hailed as a strong favorite as it prepares to host Florida State on Saturday night in South Bend, Ind.

Head coach Marcus Freeman of the Fighting Irish issued a warning to his team this week: games are not won on paper.

According to oddsmakers, Notre Dame (7-1) was favored by 26 points at the beginning of the week, riding a six-game winning streak, while Florida State (1-8) is currently on a five-game losing streak. Freeman emphasized that despite their record, there is still a lot of talent on the Seminoles' roster that is evident when watching game footage.

"They are a very talented football team, and it doesn't take long to turn on the film and see that," Freeman stated. "They may be one of the most talented teams we face all year, and that's just what the film shows. Their record does not reflect their talent.

"They have had to deal with some injuries, especially at the quarterback position, which has affected the outcome of their games. Our team must, and we will, respect the challenge that awaits us on Saturday night here."

Florida State began the season with a top-10 ranking and hopes of making it to the 12-team College Football Playoff. However, those aspirations were quickly shattered by three consecutive losses to start the season, followed by a 14-9 victory against Cal, and then five more losses in a row.

Seminoles' coach Mike Norvell will try to lift his team up after their latest defeat, a 35-11 loss at home against North Carolina last week. While outsiders may be surprised by Florida State's 1-8 record, Norvell is familiar with the feeling.

"I am shocked by where we are," Norvell admitted this week. "It was not what we expected."

Norvell stated that there will be significant changes to the program during the offseason. However, for now, he wants to see which players step up and compete, starting with a high-profile primetime matchup against Notre Dame.

"I can tell you that there will be a change in what we have seen from this year to the next year," he said. "But right now, my entire focus is on what's ahead for these next three games, to be the best we can be."

The Seminoles will have their hands full trying to contain Notre Dame's versatile offense.

Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard has thrown for 1,360 yards and eight touchdowns, while also rushing for 539 yards and 11 scores.

Jeremiyah Love leads the team in rushing with 564 yards and nine touchdowns, while Beaux Collins is the top receiver with 28 catches for 359 yards and two touchdowns.

Florida State will counter with Brock Glenn at quarterback, with Luke Kromenhoek serving as his backup. Glenn, who is filling in for injured starter D.J. Uiagalelei, completed six of 11 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown last week against North Carolina.

Lawrance Toafili is the Seminoles' leading rusher with 303 yards and two touchdowns, while Ja'Khi Douglas has 25 catches for 404 yards and three scores.

Florida State currently holds a 6-5 lead in the all-time series. The Fighting Irish won the last meeting 41-38 on September 5, 2021.

PREDICTION

Florida State Seminoles

Notre Dame Fighting Irish