Notre Dame Football: Florida State Will Destroy Overrated Fighting Irish

The Florida State Seminoles will dominate the Champs Sports Bowl with their fantastic run defense on Thursday against an overrated Notre Dame Fighting Irish team.

Notre Dame played five good teams this season (USC, Stanford, South Florida, Michigan and Michigan St.) and they were 1-4 in those games.

The Seminoles allow just 2.3 yards per carry this season, the best mark in the country, and will not find it difficult to stop a Notre Dame rushing attack that is ranked 50th in America gaining 166 yards per game on the ground.

Florida State's exceptional defense also is fourth in the country in points against, allowing just 15.2 points per game this year.

The Seminoles did well to not let some explosive offenses, such as Oklahoma and Florida, from dominating them this season.

Against a stingy Florida State defense, the Irish must take care of the ball and not give up prime field position to the Seminoles.

Notre Dame has the fifth-worst turnover margin in America. Quarterback Tommy Rees has thrown 12 interceptions and lost five fumbles this season, and will not have a ton of time to sit in the pocket and find the open receiver against the Seminoles.

Seminoles quarterback E.J. Manuel is far more experienced in bowl games than his counterpart Rees, and makes his third bowl appearance and second start in his Florida State career.

He has thrown for 273 yards with one touchdown pass and no interceptions in two bowl appearances. Manuel has done well not to turn the ball over in recent games, and hasn't thrown an interception in his last 83 pass attempts.

The Fighting Irish aren't as talented as Florida State, and they won't be able to handle the athleticism and skill of the Seminoles defense.

Led by a fantastic defense and an experienced quarterback in bowl games, Florida State will destroy Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl.