Florida vs. FSU Prediction Thread

So, here we have it, usually the most important game of the season. Even though we wrapped up the East, I still think that this is, without a doubt, the most important game to lock down the state of Florida.

FSU's Offense:

Summary: Has looked very good against suspect defenses. Clemson just gave up 43 points to a rather docile Pittsburgh team with FSU's best win coming against Ole Miss -- who just got absolutely demolished by Vanderbilt.

Strengths:

1. Dalvin Cook is a man. He's good all by himself without much help and has been unstoppable. Amazing vision and cutback ability.

2. Recivers. We're running into another team like South Carolina who has a rather young quarterback with a bunch of great wide receivers and tight ends around him.

Weaknesses

1. Pass Rush. Clemson was pressuring Francois with only three lineman and their quarterback has been repeatedly beaten up in the year.

2. Consistency. At times, they look like a team chalk-full of freshmen who can't do anything right, at other times, they look as though they can do nothing wrong.

FSU's Defense

Summary: At times, it looks as though they have no defense to speak of. The three games that were competitive that I watched (NC, Clemson and Miami) it appeared as though the opposing team literally just rant right through them.

Even for the ACC, their defense looked downright awful.

Strengths

1. Pass Rush. They seem to get to the quarterback rather easily and I'm uncertain if they're well-coached or it's simply the talent available.

2. Turnovers. Whether it's luck or skill, they seem to have great luck getting the ball. I'm actually quite impressed in this regard.

X-Factors

FSU:

Special Teams: To win, FSU will have to rely on their special teams quite a bit. Their punting has been abysmal and their place kicking, arguably worse. If they have a bad game in this regard, they could lose big.

Florida:

Can we stop Cook? If Cook is allowed to break free, we will be in trouble. However, Guice, Fournette, Chubb and I'll even go with Webb right now are probably better running backs than Cook. Not to talk shite on the guy, he's amazing, but this isn't the first show-stopping running back we've faced.

Prediction:

Florida wins convincingly (10-16)

Florida State wins a close one (1 - 9)

Florida wins a close one (1 - 9)

Florida State wins convincingly (10-16)

Florida or Florida State wins by a blowout (+17)

Addendum: I know that Florida State is an 8 point favorite, but watching the tape, this one should be an easy win for us. They have looked sloppy and could have lost their games against NCSU and Miami while Ole Miss was pummeling them.

They are a second half team, however, and we need to be prepared for that.