The FSU Seminoles are set to play their final game this season in Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, welcoming the Virginia Tech Hokies to Tallahassee, Florida. The game is set to start at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be on the ACC Network.
The Seminoles (4-5, 1-5 ACC) are looking to bounce back from their 24-10 loss to the Clemson Tigers last week. It was another disappointing performance, with the offense unable to finish drives and the defense unable to get crucial stops.
While they are returning home, where they have played better, FSU is just 2-2 at home and can not afford to take the Hokies lightly, who have several advantages in the game. The Seminoles will be without starting cornerback Ja’Bril Rawls, who was ruled out on their initial injury report.
Virginia (3-6, 2-3) is under interim head coach Philip Montgomery after they fired Brent Pry earlier in the season. They have struggled during the season, but are 1-1 on the road and have to win their final three games to make a bowl game.
With kickoff nearly here, here is how the FSU Wire staff sees Saturday’s game playing out.
Scouting Virginia Tech
Question: What has stood out to you about Virginia Tech?
JD McCarthy: They fired Brent Pry in September, but have kept playing hard and have gone 3-3 without him.
Matthew Lenix: Virginia Tech’s ability to run the ball. It’s actually the driving force of their offense.
Jacob Smith: Kyron Drones is a very good quarterback. Without Pry, Tech has looked better than they started.
Brandon Foster: Virginia Tech’s season has been defined by turbulence and resilience: the program fired Brent Pry after a 0–3 start and handed the job to interim Philip Montgomery, yet the Hokies have shown signs of fight. Kyron Drones and the run game have produced big moments (notably an OT win vs. Cal) that make Tech dangerous despite the coaching shakeup.
Can FSU snap the streak?
Question: FSU has struggled after a loss under Nike Norvell. Will that continue?
JD McCarthy: I expect them to play hard in their final home game of the season, but they will still make several mistakes.
Matthew Lenix: I think they will play inspired football with it being the final home game of the season. Not saying they’ll win, but they will play hard.
Jacob Smith: At home at Doak, to be one game away from bowl eligibility with a win, I think Florida State finally gets it together and gets a win against a team they have historically owned.
Brandon Foster: The pattern of miscues and inconsistent execution following tough losses has been a recurring theme for Florida State this season, and with public pressure mounting around Norvell (coverage about his job security and buyout has increased), the trend could persist unless the staff tightens fundamentals and reduces turnovers immediately.
Road woes
Question: What do you make of FSU’s continued road struggles?
JD McCarthy: They are a bad football team, and bad football teams struggle on the road.
Matthew Lenix: It’s something that should be studied. They just seem to go through the motions on the road before finally locking in.
Jacob Smith: Defense, defense, defense. It’s been awful. And perhaps the moments just got to their head.
Brandon Foster: FSU’s road problems have been real and well-documented — uncharacteristic mistakes and difficulty finishing on the road have cost them key games — and unless the Seminoles shore up situational discipline and mental consistency, those issues will keep popping up.
Time for a youth movement
Question: Is there a young player you want to see more of to end the season?
JD McCarthy: Micahi Danzy having three strong games to end the season would be huge. Duce Robinson has been the top wide receiver, but he could be headed to the NFL, paving the way for Danzy to be the top wideout next season.
Matthew Lenix: I keep saying I want to see more of Ousmane Kromah. I feel like he and Samuel Singleton Jr. are the best running backs on the team.
Jacob Smith: Micahi Danzy going off for 200 yards and a touchdown or two would be fun to see.
Brandon Foster: Keep an eye on true freshman running back Ousmane Kromah — he’s earned buzz as a potential breakout threat and could give the offense a jolt in the run game and in space if Norvell leans into his explosiveness.
Picking FSU vs. Virginia Tech
Question: Score prediction?
JD McCarthy: FSU 24, Virginia Tech 20. The Seminoles have been better at home this season and should be able to take care of a struggling Virginia Tech team, which is 1-1 on the road. FSU won’t be able to cover the double-digit spread, but should get the win in the final game at Doak Campbell Stadium this season.
Matthew Lenix: FSU 31, Virginia Tech 20. I feel like the Seminoles will finally get some complementary football on both sides and play a complete game.
Jacob Smith: FSU 35, VT 24. Virginia Tech has historically been a doormat, and while this season hasn’t been any better for them, it hasn’t been any good for Florida State either. It won’t be a total blowout, but at home, FSU has the advantage.
Brandon Foster: Virginia Tech 27, Florida State 20. Under Mike Norvell, Florida State has had problems responding immediately after losses. That history is a major concern entering this matchup. FSU doesn’t always follow losses with sharp performances, which makes focus and game management a key storyline heading into Saturday.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Roundtable predictions for FSU’s game vs. Virginia Tech
Reporting by JD McCarthy, Matthew Lenix , Brandon Foster and Jacob Smith, FSU Wire / FSU Wire
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