FSU vs. Wake Forest Prediction, Game Preview

The Florida State Seminoles (3-0) come out of their bye week with a trip to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-2). Check out the FSU vs. Wake Forest prediction and game preview.

FSU vs. Wake Forest Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3

Game Time: 3:30 ET
Network: ABC

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Why You Need To Care

Florida State swept its first three games, hovered around the top 10 and thoroughly enjoyed last weekend’s bye. After a 15-day break, the Seminoles are eager to return to work and go about the business of proving they’re the ACC’s best candidate to earn a playoff berth. Wake Forest used to be an FSU bear trap, but not so much the past three seasons. The Deacons have split their first four games, hurting chances for bowl eligibility with losses to Syracuse and Indiana.

Why Florida State Will Win

RB Dalvin Cook and QB Everett Golson make the most headlines in Tallahassee, but the defense stood out in September. The Noles allowed just 30 points in three games, while really clamping down on the pass. Whether it’s hobbled John Wolford or rookie Kendall Hinton, Wake Forest will struggle to solve a Jalen Ramsey-led secondary allowing 4.3 yards an attempt.

Why Wake Forest Will Win

The Seminoles haven’t been dominant in the early going, especially on offense. They scored just one offensive touchdown at Boston College, and line play is a legitimate concern. The Deacons lack household names, but the D is scrappy, particularly against the run. S Ryan Janvion and linebackers Brandon Chubb and Marquel Lee will fly up the field to slow Cook and force Golson to beat Wake through the air.

Player Who Matters

Where does the offense come from for Wake Forest? Hinton leads the team in rushing, and he was a backup quarterback when the season began. The Deacons have no semblance of a ground game, which puts a priority on getting the ball in the hands of receivers K.J. Brent and Cam Serigne. But beating the FSU pass defense will be no small chore on Saturday.

What’s Going To Happen?

While Florida State is an incomplete team at this stage, it still enjoys a substantial talent edge on Wake Forest. The Deacons’ offensive problems will be heightened Saturday. And Cook and Golson will deliver enough third-down and red-zone conversions to put the Seminoles in the clear over the final 20 minutes.