The season is not over yet for Florida State football, but there will be plenty of goodbyes on Saturday evening.
At least 18 redshirt seniors will play their final home game at Doak Campbell Stadium when the No. 4 Seminoles (10-0) host North Alabama (3-7) at 6:30 p.m. (Broadcast: The CW Network).
Among those players will be quarterback Jordan Travis, who has played five seasons with the Seminoles, following in the footsteps of his older brother Devon Travis, who played baseball at FSU.
Normally head coach Mike Norvell has been adamant about his team blocking out any outside noise before the game. But he has a different message for those seniors – and potentially other players who could be honored this week.
“I want them to take that part of it in,” Norvell said of senior day festivities. “I want them to understand, their career here at Florida State, they are playing in their last game. Enjoy the opportunity. You have a lot of people who have invested in you with your family members and all the support in the things you have done throughout this journey.
“It is great for them to be celebrated. Because they deserve to be celebrated. All the things building up to before the game just prepare you to go out there and play your best game. There are some potential distractions that are out there. Just like last week was an emotional game, this one will be an emotional game.”
So, how will this game likely unfold? Why would the Seminoles win, and how the Lions can make the Seminoles sweat it out a little? Below is a breakdown of those scenarios, along with a score prediction.
Why Florida State will win
Due to this being an FCS program, there is no betting line on the game. But against a sub-.500 FCS program, the Seminoles should not be in danger of losing. The caveat is the Jacksonville State game in 2021, but the Seminoles are in a different place than they were back then.
FSU should dominate this one behind a strong effort from Travis and Fabien Lovett among the Seminoles playing in their final game at Doak Campbell, while receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, as well as running back Trey Benson, tight end Jaheim Bell and defensive end Jared Verse all being potential high NFL Draft picks to declare early.
The high emotions and the talent-level difference should make this a non-competitive game.
FSU is 15th in the nation allowing just 17.3 points per game and 13th in the nation scoring 38.3 points per game.
If the Seminoles come out and play their game, this one should be over by the end of the first quarter.
How early can FSU rest players?
This is the biggest question for the Seminoles this week. With a rivalry game next week in Gainesville against Florida and then the ACC Championship game on Dec. 2, FSU wants to make sure it can stay as healthy as possible.
Playing an FCS opponent this week could allow Norvell and his staff to get players like Travis, Coleman and Wilson on offense fewer snaps and meaningful snaps to younger players like Vandrevius Jacobs, Hykeem Williams, Brock Glenn, Blake Nichelson, among others.
We saw a bit of a formula earlier this year when FSU knocked off Southern Miss 66-13 in the home opener on Sept. 9. In that game, Travis played one series in the second half before making way for Tate Rodemaker. Glenn and AJ Duffy each got one drive, as well and other younger players mixed in later in the game.
Of course, that was the second game of the season where the Seminoles were still seeking to find their identity. There is more wear and tear on the player’s bodies now. So, earlier substitutions are very likely.
FSU vs. North Alabama prediction
Travis will not take his final home game with FSU for granted. He will come out swinging and help the Seminoles out to a 28-0 lead after one quarter. Backup Rodemaker will come on in the second quarter and allow Travis to leave to thunderous applause from the home faithful.
Jacobs catches two touchdown passes from fellow freshman quarterback Glenn in the third quarter. Destyn Hill will score his first career touchdown on a kickoff return and later add one on a reception.
The Seminoles approach the school record of 80 points scored against Idaho during the 2013 National Championship season. FSU defeated Idaho 80-14 on Nov. 24, 2013, behind 225 yards, four touchdowns and zero interception performance from Jameis Winston.
Interestingly, Winston will be honored Saturday after the first quarter.
Ehsan Kassim’s prediction: Florida State 70, North Alabama 14
FSU community opportunity
On Sunday, Travis, Coleman and Benson, alongside other student-athletes, will sign autographs, give away prizes and engage in discussion to inspire the community to take charge of their health at CVS (822 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32304) from 10-11 a.m.
GAME INFORMATION
Who: No. 4 FSU (10-0) vs. North Alabama (3-7)
When/where: 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Doak Campbell Stadium
TV/Radio: The CW Network/94.9 FM
Live game updates: www.Tallahassee.com; @Ehsan_Kassim, @jackgwilliams and @JimHenryTALLY on X, formerly Twitter
Reach Ehsan Kassim at ekassim@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Ehsan_Kassim. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports), Instagram (tlhnolesports) and YouTube channel (NoleSportsTD).
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