Florida State Football: 5 Games That Will Make or Break the Seminoles' Season

Florida State enters the 2012 season with one of the most talented and deep rosters in the entire country. Expectations will be high for the Seminoles, and five games have the ability to make or break a season.

Entering into year three of the Jimbo Fisher era, the time is now for the Seminoles to be a title contender on both the ACC and national level. After a 19-8 record in the last two years and finishing both seasons in the top 25, anything less than a championship season and a BCS berth should be considered a failure.

In order to play at a championship level, the Seminoles will need to bring their "A" game week in and week out. Here are five games that have the potential to make or break the 2012 season for Florida State.

Vs. Wake Forest

A home game against Wake Forest serves as the team's first real game of the season after the Seminoles play host to FCS opponents Murray State and Savannah State.

The Seminoles should come into this game as a sizable favorite and will look to avenge one of their losses from 2011 when the 'Noles were stunned by the Demon Deacons, 35-30. If the 'Noles can kick off the ACC slate by blowing out Wake Forest at home, they will be well on their way to a successful season.

Should the Seminoles be upset by Wake Forest for a second year in a row, the wheels could come off—and fast. This game shouldn't be a problem, but getting off to a good start is always crucial, and this will be the first test of the very young season.

Vs. Clemson

The winner of the Coastal Division could be decided in this game alone.

Clemson comes into the 2012 season as the defending ACC champions. Given the Tigers' explosive offense and returning experience, they very well could present the toughest challenge to the Seminoles in their quest for an ACC championship.

Clemson claimed a victory over Florida State in 2011 at home in a tightly contested 35-30 game. The 2012 edition should be just as good—if not better.

Although this game is early in the season, it could determine what is at stake for the Seminoles. A loss would put them at a big disadvantage to even represent the Atlantic in the ACC championship game. A win for the 'Noles would allow them to set their sights toward a run at a BCS bowl—or the national championship.

At South Florida

Florida State hasn't played South Florida since 2009 when they were upset by the Bulls, 17-7. In 2012 the Seminoles will look to avenge that loss in their first test on the road.

While most of the names involved in the 2012 edition of the game will be different, South Florida quarterback BJ Daniels will try to repeat his stellar performance from his freshman year against the 'Noles.

Daniels quickly made his presence known with his arm and his legs as he passed and rushed for a combined 341 yards to lead the Bulls to the win.

Daniels will find himself in a vastly different situation this year, as the Florida State defense is much-improved from the 2009 version. Establishing dominance on the road with a win over the in-state rival Bulls will be big in gaining momentum for the rest of the season.

At Miami (FL)

On Oct. 20, the Seminoles will once again hit the road to take on the rival Miami Hurricanes. The rivalry always means a lot to these teams, but if Florida State is able to enter this game undefeated, it will have more national significant success than it has had in recent years.

Miami may not have the same potential as the Seminoles in 2012, and the 'Canes would love nothing more than to ruin the season for their rival. Second-year head coach Al Golden has yet to bear Florida State, and a win for the Hurricanes would define their season.

Florida State will have the opportunity to prove that it deserves to be the favorite and extend its current streak against Miami to three consecutive wins and close the gap in the overall series—Miami holds a 31-25 advantage all-time against Florida State.

A win for the 'Noles would be a memorable moment in a great season, and a loss to their rival would leave a bitter mark on the season that would be a huge blow for fans.

Vs. Florida

After losing six straight games to Florida from 2004-2009, Florida State has reclaimed the momentum in this rivalry with back-to-back victories over the Gators.

In 2012, the Seminoles will need to keep the momentum going and win yet another against their bitter rivals. Last year's game saw both teams play great defense as Florida State was able to pull out the 21-7 win on the road despite only gaining 95 yards of offense.

Both teams should be markedly improved from last season as the Gators were a very non-Florida like 6-6 and should be able to improve on that mark with what they have returning. Florida State of course comes into the season as one of the most promising teams in 2012.

This should be a big-time matchup to end the regular season for Florida State and its SEC neighbor.