ACC Championship 2014: TV, Live Stream and Projections for FSU vs. Georgia Tech
The Florida State Seminoles will be looking to keep their 28-win streak—as well as their chances of making the College Football Playoff—intact with a win against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Saturday in the 2014 ACC Championship Game.
Despite going 12-0 this season, the Seminoles are just No. 4 in the nation behind the Alabama Crimson Tide, Oregon Ducks and TCU Horned Frogs. A loss on Saturday could end their hopes for a second straight national title, but a win would likely secure a playoff berth. As for the Yellow Jackets, they'll be looking to take down their third consecutive ranked opponent after beating Clemson and Georgia.
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Although they're undefeated, the Seminoles have had some close calls recently, winning their past three games by a total of just 12 points. The Yellow Jackets could end up being their toughest test of the season, and a Florida State loss could cause a major shake-up in the playoff standings.
Game Info
When: Saturday, December 6, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Watch: ABC
Betting Info: (via Odds Shark)
- Over/Under: 61
- Spread: Florida State (-3.5)
Storylines to Watch
Triple-Option Will Challenge Florida State's Defense
Few teams in college football still run the triple-option offense, but the Yellow Jackets have found ways to succeed with it. Their offense ranks fourth in the nation with 333.8 rushing yards per game while also scoring 37.2 points per contest.
Florida State's defense is filled with NFL-caliber talent, but even the best defenses can struggle when having to go against a completely different type of offense. The Seminoles have allowed just 3.7 yards per carry this year while forcing around two turnovers per game.
Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher talked about planning against the triple-option, according to The Associated Press (via ESPN.com), saying:
"It's a whole different perspective of how you have to defend their offensive attack. It's going to have to be a complete gameplan overhaul as far as different things you do. Everybody had a certain way they play that. You have your plan, you know what you do. We work on those things in the offseason when you have to play teams like this and then you try to implement based on what they do.
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The defensive front seven for the Seminoles will have to remain disciplined against Georgia Tech's offense, because any slip-ups can result in big plays on the ground or through the air. The Yellow Jackets could struggle to pass the ball with leading receiver DeAndre Smelter out with a torn ACL, so sophomore quarterback Justin Thomas will have to be extra careful with the ball when passing.
Jameis Winston Must Avoid Turnovers
Opposing defenses have done a better job of containing Jameis Winston this season compared to his Heisman Trophy-winning freshman year. After throwing 40 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions in 2013, Winston has thrown just 21 touchdowns with 17 interceptions in 2014.
The turnovers have been especially concerning as of late for Winston. Over the past five games, Winston has thrown 11 interceptions, including three games with more than one. ESPN Stats & Info pointed out that no quarterback has helped his team win the national championship with more than 15 interceptions in a season:
Georgia Tech's defense is no stranger to forcing turnovers, either. This season, the unit has forced opposing quarterbacks to throw 16 interceptions while averaging 2.3 forced turnovers per game.
Florida State may want to consider establishing the run game to take some of the pressure off of Winston. Freshman running back Dalvin Cook will have to carry the load on the ground with Karlos Williams out due to a concussion, according to ESPN College Football:
Cook may only be a freshman, but he's emerged as a productive back, running for 728 yards and seven touchdowns on just 124 carries. If the Seminoles are going to keep the Yellow Jackets on their toes, Cook will need to help them maintain offensive balance.
Prediction
A lot will come down to what Georgia Tech can do offensively against the Seminoles. Florida State can expect plenty of running plays, but it must be prepared for when Thomas keeps the ball and tries to throw downfield.
Fortunately for the Seminoles, they have some terrific players in their secondary in P.J. Williams and Ronald Darby. Both are talented enough to be selected in the 2015 NFL draft if they declare, with Williams potentially going as early as the first round.
On offense, Florida State still has plenty of weapons for Winston to throw to, as well as a promising young running back in Cook. Rashad Greene and Nick O'Leary have become two of Winston's favorite targets, and both should find themselves open from time to time throughout the game.
At this point, the Seminoles are likely tired of being overlooked, especially considering that their last loss came in November of 2012. Winston may have taken a step back statistically, but the rest of the roster is filled with players who will likely be playing at the next level in the near future. Fisher should have them ready to prove to the nation that the Seminoles are still one of the top teams in the nation.
Prediction: Florida State 35, Georgia Tech 20
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