Notre Dame Football: The Best Individual Matchups of Champs Sports Bowl

Roughly a week away from kickoff of the Champs Sports Bowl between Notre Dame and Florida State, it's time to take a look at the most significant individual matchups.

Both teams are loaded with talent, making this game a must-watch for football fans regardless of allegiance.

The rosters of both teams are likely to produce a number of NFL prospects, which likely has scouts from nearly every professional organization salivating. Expect to see a number of scouts in the seats at the Citrus Bowl on December 29.

Follow along to take a look at the best individual matchups of the Champs Sports Bowl.

Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd vs. Florida State CB Xavier Rhodes

Xavier Rhodes isn't the Seminoles' best defensive back, but his size (6'2") automatically gives him the task of covering Michael Floyd.

FSU defensive coordinator Mark Stoops would typically put his more experienced cornerback, Greg Reid, on a receiver such as Floyd, but Reid only stands 5'8", which would be a major disadvantage against a physically imposing receiver such as Floyd.

In essence, Floyd will be going toe to toe with the tallest cornerback he's faced all season. Because of that similarity in height, the jump ball won't be an easy grab for Floyd like it usually is.

Florida State WR Rodney Smith vs. Notre Dame CB Gary Gray

In another size mismatch, the advantage goes to Florida State. Seminole receiver Rodney Smith is one of the tallest receivers in the nation at 6'6" and and 216 pounds. His defender will be in for quite a challenging afternoon.

That defender is Notre Dame cornerback Gary Gray, who has been under more than intense scrutiny since his inexcusable number of miscues against Michigan back on September 10.

Gray has been slow to turn his head around against the deep ball, which should have Rodney Smith chomping at the bit to get on the field in Orlando.

Don't be surprised to see FSU quarterback toss the ball down the field to Smith quite often.

Notre Dame DE Aaron Lynch vs. Florida State OT Bobby Hart

If you're a Notre Dame fan, you know who Aaron Lynch is by now. The phenomenal freshman defensive end has made his presence felt on the field in nearly every game he has played in.

Lynch will be matched up against another freshman in Florida State left tackle Bobby Hart.

It's fair to say that Hart hasn't lined up across from as talented a defensive end as Lynch through 12 regular season games. Both players are Florida natives, so there may be some familiarity between them.

Because of the woes the Seminole offensive line has experienced this season, there's no argument that the advantage goes to Lynch in this matchup.

Florida State NT Timmy Jernigan vs. Notre Dame C Mike Golic, Jr.

Notre Dame will start backup center Mike Golic, Jr. in the Champs Sports Bowl with starter Braxston Cave having been inactive since a severe foot sprain suffered on November 5 against Wake Forest.

Golic, Jr. has played well in his absence, but the son of ESPN's Mike Golic hasn't faced a defensive lineman of Timmy Jernigan's status yet.

Jernigan may only be a freshman, but according to his Rivals.com profile, he has the speed, agility and lateral pursuit of an NFL talent.

Advantage goes to Timmy Jernigan in this matchup.

Florida State DE Brandon Jenkins vs. Notre Dame OT Zack Martin

In perhaps the single most significant individual matchup of the Champs Sports Bowl, Notre Dame left tackle Zack Martin will be charged with containing monster Florida State defensive end Brandon Jenkins.

Both players are considered among the nation's best at their respective positions, making for one heated individual war.

Fortunately for Notre Dame quarterbacks, all of whom were right-handed this season, their blindsides were well protected by Martin, who has yet to yield a sack this season.

That should be more than enough motivation for Jenkins, who recorded 13.5 sacks last season as a sophomore.

The advantage remains even in this matchup.

Notre Dame LB Manti Te'o vs. Florida State RB Devonta Freeman

Notre Dame inside linebacker Manti Te'o is known for his great instincts against the run. That's bad news for a Florida State rushing offense that is struggling behind a largely ineffective offensive line.

It may be even worse news for starting running back Devonta Freeman.

Te'o has grown rapidly in his three seasons on campus while developing into, perhaps, the country's best linebacker.

Look for Te'o to add to his impressive amount of tackles in the Champs Sports Bowl.

Clearly, the advantage here goes to Te'o.