Florida State Football: Previewing The Duke Game

From once being ranked fifth in the country, to now having lost three straight games this season has been short of a disappointment. However, Florida State needs to pony up and find ways to win some more games in order to still get a bowl game.

When a season goes wrong, you don't just call it quits and wait for next season, or else your program will become a joke. They are still scheduled to get one of the top recruiting classes in the country despite stud defensive end Mario Edwards de-committing.

This weekend against Duke at Wallace-Wade Stadium, they need to quickly bounce back to their winning ways.

Florida State Offense vs. Duke Defense

The Seminoles are currently 53rd in total offense which is not a total disgrace, however, improvement needs to be quickly made. Star running back Chris Thompson is out for the season (vertebrate), and star left tackle Andrew Datko (shoulder) also has his season in jeopardy.

The rest of the offense is still lingering some injuries of their own, though none bigger than a mental injury with three consecutive losses. 

E.J. Manuel needs to avoid turning the ball because he still has a ton of talent around. The offensive has really under-performed this season, but that does not mean they can't still become effective.

Manuel moving out of the pocket is something to look forward to more, and with a rifle arm he just needs to be able to see the field a bit better. His struggles have been thanks largely to the injury he suffered against Oklahoma, but going up against a Duke defense that ranks just 80th in total defense should help calm this offense down.

Duke is 106th against the pass, whereas the 'Noles are 13th in passing offense averaging 325 yards per game. I would bank on Manuel finally getting the job and for FSU wide receivers to go bonkers.

Big Edge: FSU

Duke Offense vs. Florida State Defense

This defense somehow still ranks 10th in the nation in total defense allowing 283 yards per game, but they have struggled mightily the past three weeks allowing well over 375 yards of offense.

The tackling has been atrocious as the defensive line has gotten pressure, but they have not been able to put the clamps down on opposing quarterbacks.

I would look for Brandon Jenkins and Bjoern Werner to harass the Duke backfield and for them to force a few three-and-outs which in turn will keep the rest of their defense fresh.

Duke has a terrific passing attack of their own, ranking 16th in the nation, so Xavier Rhodes and Greg Reid better bring their "A" games or else another huge upset could be on the horizon.

I am looking for the defense to rise to the occasion and come up with a few huge turnovers caused by the front seven.

Moderate Edge: Florida State

Final Prediction

This game should mean a lot to Florida State if they expect to make a bowl game. They better stop the bleeding as soon as possible before all of their recruits for next year think twice. This has nearly become a laughing stock of a matter as this team was once half a quarter away from upsetting the No. 1 ranked team in the country.

How things change in the blink of an eye, but FSU needs to get back to the fundamentals. Either they took Wake Forest too lightly, or this offense with all of their injuries has taken a few giant steps backwards.

The defense is also suspect and prone to allowing huge plays in the air and they have been accustomed to getting gashed on the ground without wrapping up properly. Instead of going for the knockout hit, we just need to gang tackle guys much better before our defense falls apart by staying out there all game.

I would not be shocked if this squad takes all of their frustration out this weekend on the poor Dukies. Jimbo should have his team ready, finally, or else there seriously is something wrong in the water in Tallahassee. I am not counting on that happening for a fourth consecutive weekend.   

Experts' Pick: Florida State by 13.5

Drama's Pick: Florida State 38, Duke 21