Notre Dame Football: Staff Predictions vs. Florida State

Here’s how our writers see the Notre Dame football games against Florida State shaking out this weekend.

Every week, our writers go through the routine of submitting their predictions for the upcoming Notre Dame football game. Some do it pretty early in the week. For those people, Ian Book’s ribs caused them to do a bit of self-editing.

Here is what our staff thinks in terms of how this weekend’s matchup with Florida State will go.

Carlee North

This could be the first time in a long long time that it might be snowing in South Bend during game time. Even if the snow stays away for the game, Florida State will not be ready for this weather, with the reports indicating it will be below 25 degrees Saturday night. That is a major reason the Seminoles will not keep up with Notre Dame through four quarters.

The Irish are just a much better team in every way right now. During halftime, Florida State will not want to come back out into the “frozen tundra” of Notre Dame Stadium. The defense will be in the backfield all night long and the offense will continue playing at a high level even with Wimbush likely taking over the controls with Book out with an injury. They will score when it’s needed, which is all ND fans are asking for right now with the injury news.

Because of the change at quarterback though, I think it’ll be a little closer than I first thought. Irish win 34-20 and move to 10-0 with a possible top 13 match up at Yankee Stadium up next.

Chase Eyrich

The weather will have a bigger impact on Florida State, but it will impact Notre Dame as well. I think the Irish keep the ball on the ground often and Williams has a huge day. Notre Dame, 52-27

Connor McJunkin

Well, this was another game that I picked the Irish to lose before the season started. I clearly thought FSU would be a much better team, and their 4-5 record reminds me to not quit my day job. That being said, they have an abysmal offensive line, no run game, one of the worst pass defenses in the nation, and will be playing in freezing temperatures in South Bend.

The plus for the Seminoles is that Ian Book has been ruled out with an injury, meaning Brandon Wimbush will be given the keys to the offense for the first time since Week 3. Who knows how he will perform, taking his first meaningful snaps in over two months. The Book injury and the weather most likely means the ground game will be relied upon all day, and if the Irish can kickstart their running game, then they should have no problem with the struggling Seminoles. Irish win on Senior Day 27-14.

Daniel Morrison

With Book out, a mix of Willie Taggart’s high-speed offense, and Ian Book’s injury will give the Irish a gut check game. Look for Notre Dame to try to limit possessions and shorten the game. It’ll be important for the defense to stay rested, otherwise Francois could get very comfortable. Notre Dame 24 Florida State 20

Jack Leniart

For one reason or another, the Irish have not been able to blow out inferior opponents this season. Florida State is an inferior opponent, which may seem odd as we are just five seasons removed from their most recent national championship. However, they do have a formidable defense. That, along with the strength of Notre Dame’s defense, the ineptitude of Florida State’s offense, Ian Book’s absence and the weather forecast combine to make a recipe for a low-scoring game. Notre Dame 24, Florida State 10.

Mason Plummer

The Irish will come out strong at home for Senior Night and put the game to bed early. Expect big games from Boykin, Armstrong, and Wimbush on the way to another Notre Dame W. 10-0! Notre Dame 49-21.

Nathan Erbach

This feels like a team that has quit on first year head coach Willie Taggert. This game will be cold, windy, snowy and in South Bend with one team having a lot to play for and the other counting down the days to the off-season. If that doesn’t give Notre Dame the edge, a primetime game against a traditional power that beat you on a bogus call last time around should. Notre Dame rolls and we all enjoy our Saturday night while the rest of the country continues to doubt. Notre Dame 45-17.

Paul Walsh

Florida State is reeling. There is no doubt about it. The same people who thought Willie Taggart was the Florida State Messiah are now calling for his head. Things are ugly in Tallahassee, and I don’t see them getting any better when the Seminoles come to South Bend. Notre Dame will get the offense clicking earlier than last week and get off to a hot start — even without Ian Book. The Irish defense will give the Florida State offensive front fits. Irish win 42-20.

Sonny Martinez

Florida State has been disappointing pretty much everywhere on the field this year. Any time they’ve shown hope, it blows right up in their face (see Miami earlier this year.)

I think this game comes down to turnovers. I don’t see how Florida State’s offense can score more than 20 points on the Notre Dame defense. As long as the Irish don’t turn over the ball, they will be fine. I see a Notre Dame win, 34-17.

Ben Belden

Florida State is pretty bad, but with a little uncertainty for the Irish offense mixed with the fact that Florida State is still on the bubble for a bowl game, I’d expect this game to stay close for awhile. Sprinkle in a little bit of that wintery mix that the Midwest is known for, and I’d imagine that this game turns into a bit of a slug fest. Notre Dame pulls away in the end. Irish win 31-14.

J.P. Scott

Florida State is not a good team. If Notre Dame can’t roll them with Brandon Wimbush at quarterback, the Irish don’t deserve a spot in the College Football Playoff. The defense dominates in this one. Notre Dame wins 37-9.