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The Florida State Seminoles (6-1) want to bounce back from their first loss of the season when the Syracuse Orange (3-4) visit Tallahassee this weekend. Check out the Syracuse vs. Florida State prediction and game preview.

Syracuse vs. Florida State Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 31
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Network: ABC

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Why You Need To Care

Florida State is entering unfamiliar territory now that it’s lost a regular season game for the first time in almost three years. How will Jimbo Fisher’s kids react, especially since the loss occurred on a blocked field goal attempt returned for a touchdown at the end of regulation? The Seminoles better rally quickly because the Atlantic Division is still an attainable goal. Hoping to catch the Noles napping is Syracuse, which is mired in a four-game slump, the last two of which were heartbreakers. A once-promising season is slipping away, leaving third-year head coach Scott Shafer in a tenuous position.

Why Syracuse Will Win

If ever there was a perfect spot to shock the Seminoles, this is it. Not only did Florida State just suffer an excruciating loss in Atlanta, but it also travels to Clemson next weekend for the ACC game of the year. With the offense gradually improving around the rookie backfield of QB Eric Dungey and RB Jordan Fredericks, the Orange are capable of competing with a Nole team that’s already been pushed by BC, Wake Forest, Miami and Georgia Tech.

Why Florida State Will Win

This ought to be a good spot for the Seminole offense to rebound from a poor effort against the Yellow Jackets. After playing well in the early going, the Orange has been soft against the run and the pass the past five games, allowing an average of 35 points over that time. RB Dalvin Cook is out with an ankle injury, but QB Everett Golson will flourish, which will provide more than enough offense against the hit-or-miss Syracuse attack.

Player Who Matters

The Seminole offense really tanked last week, in part because the O-line reverted back to being beatable and inconsistent. Cook was mortal and Golson was sacked three times. Florida State must be tougher at the point of attack this week, because Syracuse DE Ron Thompson and LB Zaire Franklin are feisty … and because time is running out to prepare for Clemson on Nov. 7.

What’s Going To Happen?

No one should be surprised if Florida State is suffering from a bit of head fog on Saturday afternoon. But on talent alone, the Seminoles will be able to outclass a Syracuse squad suffering from its own psychological hurdles. Dungey and Fredericks have bright futures, but this stage and these ornery Noles will be too big for the rookies.

Syracuse vs. Florida State Prediction

Prediction: Florida State 35, Syracuse 16, Line: Florida State -20, o/u: 52
Must See Rating: 5: Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church ; 1: The Peanuts Movie … 2