Posted by NoleCC

By Bill Kristoph

First, let me thank DeaconSports.com. I like stats when they are presented nicely. Talk about stats every which way you could want them! I guess I got what I wanted. Nice job guys!’,'#5 Florida State heads into Groves Stadium this weekend for a showdown with the Wake Forest University Demon Deacons. For the ‘Noles, it is important to keep the momentum of the 36-3 beat-down of Virginia in Tallahassee last weekend. For the Deacons, this is an opportunity to show that their 3-3 record does not reflect the quality of this year’s team. The Deacons could easily be 5-1, and maybe even 6-0, if a couple of breaks had gone their way.

Seminole fans had better pay attention to the 3:30 ABC televised game, because Coach Jim Grobe will have some wonderful running schemes to use against the speedy FSU defense. Wake Forest has averaged well over 200 yards per game in rushing against the ‘Noles in the last two meetings. Expect a gutsy performance on both sides of the ball, and do not expect the Seminole defense to hold the Demon Deacons to 20 yards, like they did against Virginia. The big question for the Deacons is how well they run the ball in the red-zone against the ‘Noles. Less room to run, means less places to hide. Also, don’t count out the passing attack of the Deacons. Look for WR Jason Anderson to pick up some key receptions that will contribute to the Deacons ACC leading 3rd down conversion percentage (51.6% success).

The Seminoles have some offensive stars of their own, lead by two outstanding running backs, Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker. Look for them to continue to take the pressure off of Wyatt Sexton, providing the rushing attack that wears down opposing defenses. The Seminole offensive line will need to continue their stellar play and protect Sexton. Sexton has the tough task of throwing against two exciting and talented cornerbacks, Eric King and Marcus McGruder. Look for Jeff Bowden to call some plays underneath to the running backs, and Seminole Nation can only hope, the tight ends. Look for another big play on Special Teams from Ernie Sims. The kid is an animal.

The Deacons, although unranked, are notorious for sneaking up on teams, slapping them with some reality, and leaving with a victory (or at least giving them a scare). That said, it won’t happen this week. The ‘Noles run-defense is too strong and Wyatt Sexton will continue to keep his mistakes minimal. Wake Forest has not beaten a top 5 opponent since 1946. And while they’ve given up a lot of yards, but not a lot of points this season… look for that trend to end. ‘Noles win 31-16.

Shorts:
‘Nole fans everywhere are thankful that the Sexton/ Rix QB situation has been settled, at least for now.

It should be noted that the ‘Noles still have a glimmer of hope in the national title race. The ACC tie-breaking system in a three-way tie favors the Seminoles. (If every team has one loss that is tied, then the highest rank goes to the BCS game). Here’s rooting that the Wahoos can pull out the upset when they play Miami!

Wake Forest has my second favorite mascot behind FSU, and still holds the record for the hottest cheerleader I’ve ever seen!