You have to give it to Florida State: They rarely open the season with a cupcake opponent.
The last time FSU opened against what would be considered an easy opponent was in 2015, against Texas State.
Since then, the Seminoles have started the season against Ole Miss (2016), Alabama (2017), Virginia Tech (2018), Boise State (2019), West Virginia (2020, canceled for COVID), Notre Dame (2021) and LSU (2022).
This year is no different, as the No. 8 Seminoles play No. 6 LSU for the second year in a row to open the season off campus, this time in Orlando on Sunday night.
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In 2022, FSU won on a last-second blocked extra point to upset LSU in New Orleans and spoil the coaching debut for Brian Kelly.
This year, both teams begin the season with Heisman hopefuls at quarterback.
For FSU, it’s sixth-year senior Jordan Travis, while for LSU it’s fifth-year senior Jayden Daniels.
The winner has an early inside track toward the College Football Playoffs. The loser will have to work their way back into the picture.
The Seminoles head into the game 2.5-point underdogs.
Can the Seminoles pull off another stunner at Camping World Stadium? Or will LSU get revenge and send FSU back to Tallahassee to regroup before their home opener against Southern Miss?
To help break down the game, as well as the 2023 edition of the Seminoles, is Ehsan Kassim, the Tallahassee Democrat Seminoles beat writer. He’s the latest guest on “The *State* of Florida Sports Podcast,” powered by the USA TODAY Network.
Ehsan has been following the team every step of the way, from their spring game to their offseason practices, and now heading into the 2023 season.
Ehsan will give his thoughts on Jordan Travis, filling us in on what he has been improving on since the Seminoles’ thrilling win against Oklahoma State in the 2022 Cheez-It bowl to close out last season.
“I’ve been kind of amazed by some of the throws he’s making,” Ehsan says during the podcast. “He’s been dropping dimes. Now, they’re not always getting caught, but he’s been throwing some beautiful balls, landing and locating them well.”
He’ll talk about the offense and defense, both which return their top players from 2022.
He’ll tell us about the situation between FSU and the ACC. Will the league expand, or ultimately collapse if the Seminoles and others find their way to other conference.
“I’m a bit skeptical about how this is going to play out,” he said. “I do believe 2024 will be their last season in the ACC.”
And he’ll tell us about a new Bobby Bowden-themed restaurant in the state’s capital. Could it have a Bowden Burger served Warrick well-Dunn?
All that, and much more.
If you love the Seminoles, or college football in general, this is the podcast for you.
Join the legions of listeners who have downloaded us and find out why we give you the best sports breakdowns in the state.
We can be downloaded wherever you listen to podcasts, or simply type in “The *State* of Florida Sports Podcast” into your favorite search engine. We also can be found on any of the 17 USA TODAY-Network Florida websites.
If you like it, you can check out previous shows, which feature current and former professional athletes and coaches, as well as our stable of journalists who cover beats and write columns, all of whom have a tie to the Sunshine State.
Contact Walters at twalters@gannett.com