Champs Sports Bowl: 5 Matchups Florida State Must Win Against Notre Dame

Florida State and Notre Dame could give us one of the best non-BCS games we witness this postseason, but there are five advantages that the Seminoles must keep a close eye on.

Notre Dame had a huge Sun Bowl victory over Miami last season, but it did not lead to much success this season and the same could be said for FSU, who knocked off South Carolina in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

Obviously injuries were a leading culprit to FSU's struggles early on in the season, but Jimbo Fisher and his squad are on the verge of national relevancy with another bowl victory and a top-notch recruiting class.

Before national signing day approaches us, they must first take care of the Golden Domers in what should be a huge springboard into next season.

FSU Showing Different Looks to Andrew Hendrix

True sophomore Andrew Hendrix loves to tuck it and run, but Mark Stoops will likely throw the kitchen sink at the Golden Domer signal-caller.

Nigel Bradham, Tevin Smith, Christian Jones, Vincent Williams and Jeff Luc can all play the run extremely well, but the former FSU linebackers have had issues covering elite tight ends.

It is vital the secondary does not have busted coverages or it may result in game-breaking plays. Obviously covering the Irish receivers won't matter if they can harass Hendrix with their front four alone.

Brandon Jenkins, Bjoern Werner and Company are as talented as any defensive line in the country (save LSU) and they could easily force Hendrix into a few errant throws.

FSU Secondary Locking Up Irish Receivers

Greg Reid, Michael Harris, Xavier Rhodes and LaMarcus Joyner need to lock up on Michael Floyd and Eiffert. Notre Dame will attempt to run the ball early on in the game, but Florida State is too stout to allow many if any large gains.

Notre Dame is also playing without Jonas Gray though Cierre Wood is capable. Still, the loss of ND’s one-two punch will make it easier to game-plan against for the 'Noles.

EJ Manuel Against Manti Te’o

Manuel will have some pressure of his own since the FSU offensive line has been riddled with injuries this season. They will improve by next season, but they may not improve much in time for this matchup.

That is why it is vital for E.J. to be able to create on his own by dodging the bullets Notre Dame throws at him. FSU has solid receivers and the hope is that they will be able to torch the Irish when the offensive line can block ND’s front seven.

The running game has also been nonexistent for Florida State despite the improvement by freshman Devonta Freeman. Manuel has been arguably the one and only reliable option and he may get throttled by Te’o if he is not looking out for the future NFL star.

Note: Te'o has said he is coming back for his senior season

Jimbo Fisher’s Ability To Open Up the Playbook

Florida State did not open up the playbook much last season since they ran for 218 yards compared to only 90 yards passing.

Obviously, Christian Ponder was nicked up in their bowl game last season, but Manuel was not forced to throw the ball. They won the game by running it down the throats of South Carolina and their defense and special teams did not miss a beat.

However, the offensive personnel lean heavily towards the passing game. James Wilder Jr. and Devonta Freeman will do their best to help out Manuel, but Rashad Greene, Bert Reed, Rodney Smith, Kenny Shaw and Christian Green are the studs that stretch the field.

Dustin Hokins, Shaun Powell and Greg Reid

Powell leads the country in net punting, averaging 47 yards per punt, and it was amazing he was not even nominated for the Ray Guy (made Walter Camp All-American). Dustin Hopkins failed to win the Lou Groza though he was invited (20-of-25).

Also, Greg Reid is arguably the most dangerous punt returner in the nation not named Joe Adams or Tyrann Mathieu. Reid ranks 16th in the nation, averaging 11.37 yards per punt return.

If the Irish get stuck deep in their own territory, FSU can win a thriller on defense and special teams alone.