FSU quarterback EJ Manuel will look to keep his Heisman hopes alive Saturday against South Florida. (US Presswire) |
No. 4 Florida State (4-0, 2-0 ACC) at South Florida (2-2, 0-1 Big East)
Kickoff: Saturday, 6 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Spread: Florida State by 17
Watchability: The Bulls will have a chance for redemption against a very good Florida State team. It's not do or die time yet for USF, but the 'Noles will be facing a very talented -- and very desperate -- team. Dangerous situation for FSU, and a must-watch.
Shining stars: Florida State: QB EJ Manuel. Now a real Heisman contender, Manuel lit up Clemson last weekend in a showdown of the ACC's best. Manuel threw for 380 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his total scores to eight this season against just one interception. South Florida: QB B.J. Daniels. A Tallahassee native, Daniels was a freshman quarterback when these teams last met in 2009, a 17-7 USF win. Daniels threw for 215 yards and two scores, and he also rushed 23 times for 126 yards. This is a different Seminoles team, but expect Daniels to again be at his very best.
Who could steal the show: Florida State: RB Chris Thompson. The senior is averaging better than 10 yards per carry this season, including a 197-yard performance against Wake Forest on just nine carries. Thompson will be looked upon to take the pressure off Manuel. South Florida: LB DeDe Lattimore. If anything is going to throw a wrench into FSU's offensive game plan, it will be pressure on the quarterback. Lattimore is the Bulls' most capable pass rusher, and the more he can hurry Manuel into bad throws the better chance USF will have of keeping the Florida State offense in check.
You going? Ranking the road trip: This is definitely a good one. Raymond James Stadium will be packed and rocking. A fairly short trip for 'Noles fans, as well. Should be a great college atmosphere.
Magic number for Florida State: 1. That's the remaining number of currently ranked teams left on FSU's schedule. A win Saturday could have the Seminoles poised to be undefeated headed into the season finale against No. 11 Florida.
Magic number for South Florida: 158. In the Bulls' two losses, the defense has allowed 158 rushing yards. Much of USF's focus will be placed on Manuel, but the Bulls can't allow FSU rushers to march up and down the field. It will be a very tough task for a defense that has not played particularly well this season.
The game comes down to: Florida State's ability to prepare. The Seminoles are poised for a letdown after a huge win over Clemson, so they'll need to be fully prepared because they are going to get USF's best shot.
Prediction: Florida State 33, South Florida 20
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