FSU their 6 common opponents that they have with Virginia Tech are very even results. Vtech won 206-85 while Florida State outscored them 193-115. The two games that they have in common in terms that they faced them both at home and away was first Wake Forest who they both played at home.
FSU won 31-0 and had +30 yards while Virginia Tech won 52-21 and were +25 yards. They both also won at Miami 45-17 +4 was Florida State while Virginia Tech won 31-17 and were -9 yards. At the end of the day Iâd say FSU was a little bit more impressive because of their defense that doesnât get as much credit as Virginia Techs.
Florida State has the #2 sack team in the nation and gives up less than 18 ppg with 3.5 sacks a game they will keep them in this game. I expect Brandon Jenkins and Markis White to have big games against Taylor.
Florida State also has a star on the offensive line that will be the key to getting the running game going against a Virginia Tech defense that has been inconsistent with a 68th run defense. This is a florida state team that does not have a star on offense but they are still 3rd in the ACC in scoring and itâs because they have been 1st in 3rd down conversions with 48%. Another key is if Christian Ponder can duplicate what he did against Florida and I think he can. Ponder was 16-24 with 221 yards and 3 TDâs against Floridaâs 13th ranked pass defense before re-injuring his elbow. He will make the start after taking reps at practice on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Virginia Tech faces a good defense on that can rattle Tyrod Taylor. This team has been super hot since their early upsets of Boise State and James Madiosn. Since then itâs been 11 wins in a row and now theyâll look to win the ACC Championship. Their strength is the running game and their pass defense and both will get tested on Saturday with Ponder and the 23rd ranked run defense.
At the end of the day these teams are so similar and so evenly matched that you have to go with the under dog. Virginia Tech has seemed disinterested at times this year and thatâs why I like Florida State to pull off an upset. Vtech was at 0-0 after 1 quarter last week with terrible Virginia before they picked it up. It will come down to which team takes care of the ball and who is better on 3rd down.
