The Florida State Seminoles (3-4) will return to action on Saturday in Doak Campbell Stadium against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-2). The game is set to start at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be on the ACC Network.
FSU is looking to snap its four-game losing streak and desperately needs a win, something they are favored to do. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos is expected to play after being listed as probable on the initial availability report. Cornerback Ja’Bril Rawls could also be making his return and is also probable.
The Demon Deacons have looked good in Jake Dickert’s first season in charge and have won their past three games. They are 2-0 on the road this season, with wins at Virginia Tech and Oregon State.
The Seminoles lead the all-time series, but Wake Forest has won three of the last four games. That includes when they played in Doak Campbell in 2022, a game the Demon Deacons won 31-21.
With kickoff nearly here, here is how the FSU Wire staff sees Saturday’s game playing out.
Mike Norvell is staying on
Question: How surprised were you by FSU’s decision to retain Mike Norvell?
JD McCarthy: Extremely, FSU is 5-15 in their past 20 games under Norvell, and that is not acceptable.
Matthew Lenix: I’m not too surprised. With a new staff and everything, I never thought they would let him go during the season.
Jacob Smith: Not at all surprised. There are 50 million reasons to keep him.
Brandon Foster: The decision to retain Mike Norvell was somewhat surprising given the extended losing streak. This move reflects a desire for stability despite pressure from boosters and fans eager for quick change.
FSU has to improve here
Question: What is the area you think FSU needed to improve the most during the bye?
JD McCarthy: They have to improve in the key situations on both sides of the ball. They have repeatedly made mistakes on both sides of the ball in the most critical situations.
Matthew Lenix: Defense. There’s still too much miss communication and blown assignments.
Jacob Smith: Definitely the defense. Letting up 40 points to any team is unacceptable.
Brandon Foster: During the bye, the Seminoles needed to focus most on improving offensive efficiency and reducing self-inflicted wounds in clutch situations.
Looking at Wake Forest
Question: Wake Forest has found ways to win. What stands out about them to you?
JD McCarthy: Jake Dickert has them playing hard and believing they can win in his first season. That is something FSU lacks and is a great skill to have.
Matthew Lenix: They don’t give up a lot of points. Less than 19 per game. That’s going to really test FSU’s offense.
Jacob Smith: Wake’s defense. They are second in the ACC in points allowed. They’re pretty good. It’s going to take effort from whoever is at QB.
Brandon Foster: What stands out about Wake Forest is their resilience—they consistently find ways to win tight games by maximizing physical play and getting timely contributions from key starters. Their ability to execute in critical moments has made them a difficult opponent week after week.
Rebound incoming?
Question: Do you think the Seminoles will be able to rebound during the final five games of the season?
JD McCarthy: No, FSU collapsed last season, and the loss against Stanford was extremely alarming.
Matthew Lenix: It’s going to be tough. You have to call a spade a spade. They’re not a good football team right now.
Jacob Smith: Fool me once (Virginia), shame on you. Fool me twice (Pitt), shame on me. Fool me thrice (Stanford), and well… shame on the universe, I guess. This should FINALLY be the game at gets FSU a fourth win.
Brandon Foster: FSU has enough talent to rebound in the final stretch, but it will require better execution and a renewed team belief to reverse its recent slide. The upcoming schedule offers some manageable opponents that provide opportunities for a turnaround.
Who wins?
Question: Score prediction?
JD McCarthy: Wake Forest 24, FSU 20. While this is a game FSU has to win to have any chance of salvaging their season, they have not looked like a winning team for quite some time. They are more talented than Wake Forest, but the Demon Deacons have found a way to win this year, and they will keep it going on Saturday.
Matthew Lenix: Wake 31 FSU 24. I think Wake’s defense does enough to neutralize FSU’s offense.
Jacob Smith: FSU 42, Wake 31. It’ll be an ugly win because the defense isn’t the best.
Brandon Foster: FSU 24, Wake Forest 20. Florida State’s desperation for a win and home-field advantage could be just enough to edge out the Deacons, but expect a hard-fought contest that comes down to the last play.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Roundtable predictions for FSU’s Week 10 game vs. Wake Forest
Reporting by JD McCarthy, Brandon Foster, Matthew Lenix and Jacob Smith, FSU Wire / FSU Wire
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