Notre Dame Football: Picks, predictions vs Florida State

The Notre Dame football team returns to action this Saturday three weeks after their last game.

Notre Dame football will host a struggling Florida State team that is looking for their first conference win this season. The Irish are eager to return to action following a COVID-19 outbreak that resulted in a three-week layoff. A spike in positive tests forced the university to postpone their game against Wake Forest, which was originally scheduled for September 26th.

Fortunately for Notre Dame, they had a bye scheduled for the week of October 3rd. That gave players who may have tested positive additional time to complete mandatory quarantine and return to football activities.

It’s tough to confidently predict what level of play we will see from the Irish this Saturday. On one hand, we can expect to see some rust due to the extended time off. That may result in a handful of penalties and miscommunication. On the other hand, their opponent is not very intimidating.

The Florida State football team has been underwhelming the past couple of seasons and this year appears to be no different. The Seminoles lost their first two games of the season to Georgia Tech and Miami before picking up their first win against FCS opponent Jacksonville State.

Unsurprisingly, Notre Dame is favored by 20.5 points in Saturday’s contest. Here is how some of the Slap the Sign writers think the game will play out.

Notre Dame football: Picks vs FSU

Andrew Hall

Whether it is the 2020 election or the Coronavirus pandemic, this year has been dominated by uncertainty. As Notre Dame comes off a two-week hiatus, their impending performance is marked by similar uncertainty.

But the Notre Dame program is built on a stronger foundation than the one currently residing in Tallahassee. Despite the time off, this will shine bright as the Irish shake off the rust early and ultimately prevail on Saturday night.

The real question is how quickly will Brian Kelly’s team return to form. The side effects of missing two weeks is real and the contest will feel uncomfortable for much of the game.

Notre Dame 28, Florida State 13.

Sonny Martinez

This Florida State football team is really bad. I do not think their offense can move the ball consistently against the Irish defense. Honestly, this one should not be close.

Notre Dame 45, Florida State 17.

Daniel Morrison

Florida State still has great athletes on their team, and Notre Dame may be dealing with some rust after a two-week layoff, so don’t let a slow start scare you. Florida State is a mess, culturally. Their offensive line is one of the worst in all of the FBS. Notre Dame needs to shake off the rust and knock them to the mat. The Seminoles won’t get up.

Notre Dame 38, Florida State 10.

Connor McJunkin

It feels like it has been three months since Notre Dame has played instead of three weeks. The hiatus allowed some guys to get healthy and make their way back to the lineup to play a battered and bruised FSU squad.

The only issues I see Saturday are self-inflicted from having such a long break. The Irish should roll, and their defense has a very good chance of pitching their second straight shutout.

Notre Dame 38, Florida State 10.

Jack Leniart

I’m certain that the Notre Dame football team is chomping at the bit to resume their season. That eagerness along with some rust associated with a two-week layoff may result in a shaky start for Brian Kelly’s team.

However, I expect the Irish to self-correct and finish this game strong. They are clearly the better team, and I think they will prove that over the course of four quarters this Saturday.

Notre Dame 34, Florida State 10.