Florida State Football 2011: Looking at the ACC Atlantic Schedule for the 'Noles

With the hype only rivaled by Zac Efron at a Sweet 16 party, the Florida State Seminoles come into this season with a lot of high goals.

Despite the hype, they still have to play each game on their schedule and there are some doozies to be had this fall.

We could talk all day about the importance of the Oklahoma game on September 17th, but there are more important games—emphasis on the plural—on the schedule, mainly the ACC schedule.

The three games against the Coastal division are some of the easiest FSU has had in some time, with Miami and Virginia at Doak Campbell, then Duke on the road.

The five games against Atlantic competition hold much more of a challenge for the Seminoles and will determine any BCS aspirations in Tallahassee.

Three of the five games come on the road and will offer a challenge for the ‘Noles and their hopes for a division title.

Here are the games on Florida State’s Atlantic schedule and how they will fair against their competition.

1. Sept. 24 at Clemson

Clemson’s chance at revenge for last year’s miracle loss in Doak comes immediately after Florida State romps Oklahoma at home.

Many experts are calling the game in Death Valley a trap game and one of the most likely losses on the schedule.

Because it comes so quickly after the biggest game on the schedule (Oklahoma), this game will reveal what kind of team Florida State is this year.

It will be tough for FSU to bounce back to reality after the game against the Sooners, whatever the outcome.

Prediction: 21-17, Seminoles. Even if the ‘Noles drop the ball against Oklahoma, they have more than enough firepower to drop the Tigers on the road.

2. Oct. 8 at Wake Forest

I don’t want to offend anyone by actually taking a moment to analyze this game, but since we’re here...

Since that one crazy year when I liked coleslaw and Wake Forest was good at football, Wake has returned to being the perennial cellar-dweller of the Atlantic Division and will only provide a yawn on October 8th for FSU fans.

Don’t expect much from this game other than a possible career day for E.J. Manuel or one of the other guys on offense.

Prediction: 42-6, Seminoles. FSU walks out of this game with a big win on the road against the Demon Deacons.

3. Oct. 22 vs. Maryland

Maryland was a serious challenger for the Atlantic Division crown and aided the Seminole cause by beating NC State in the season finale last year.

This year, under new leadership, they look to continue on this success, especially against the ‘Noles, and will provide one of the more serious challenges for them this season.

Danny O’Brien is on his way to being a great quarterback for the Terps and could have a good game, but I don’t believe Maryland has a lot of the other pieces in place to beat the Seminoles.

The youth of Maryland will be their undoing and the ‘Noles will get another win at home.

Prediction: 30-17, Seminoles. FSU grabs another one in the ACC Atlantic division race, against some worthy competition in Tallahassee.

4. Oct. 29 vs. NC State

One of the more upsetting games of last year will turn into the major revenge game of this year.

NC State put a serious dent in FSU’s dreams last season and they will return the favor by crushing any and all efforts of the Wolfpack in this end-of-October matchup.

If Russell Wilson was still on the State’s squad this year, I would give them more of a chance, but head coach Tom O’Brien didn’t feel like giving his team a chance at winning this season.

Look for another FSU romp against Atlantic division competition in this game.

Prediction: 31-14, Seminoles. The Seminoles get some well-earned revenge at home in this one, while asserting their dominance in the Atlantic Division race.

5. Nov. 3 at Boston College

If there is a game amongst these five that scares me, it's this one.

Not to deny confidence to my team, but Thursday night games have not been kind to the Seminoles in recent years. Plus, Boston College and Florida State have had some serious duels in that time as well.

FSU will be coming off a short week against BC after the NC State game, which won’t be of assistance for the visiting team in Boston.

The Golden Eagles will challenge the ‘Noles at Chestnut Hill this year and offer some stiff competition, but I believe the few Seminole fans in attendance will be doing the tomahawk chop in this one.

Prediction: 24-17, Seminoles. FSU will be challenged by the Eagles in this game, but will prevail, once again making them undefeated in division play.