Florida State can’t lose another game if the Seminoles want to extend their streak of bowl game appearances to 36 consecutive years.

The ‘Noles push to become bowl eligible with three straight wins to end the season begins this weekend against Delaware State.

“We need to play three good football games,” FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher said.  “But first we need to play one.  We need to play one good football game and build on the positives.”

Don’t expect the streak to come to an end when the Seminoles and Hornets face off for a noon kickoff Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Florida State is favored by more than 50 points over their only FCS opponent of the season.

Delaware State comes in at 2-8 and ranks 101st at the FCS level (out of 123 teams) in both total offense and total defense.

The Seminoles have shown signs of life the past two weeks, holding on to beat Syracuse and challenging then fourth-ranked Clemson in Death Valley last weekend before the Tigers scored two late touchdowns to win, 31-17.

“After reviewing the film from the game, I’m very proud of our team’s effort (against Clemson),” Fisher said.  “Their toughness, their ability to compete in the game.  Showed a lot of perseverance- fighting, scratching, clawing, getting back in that football game and having ample opportunities to come out on the top end of that.”

Saturday’s game will serve as homecoming and senior day even though the Seminoles will still have one home game remaining.

Florida State rescheduled its contest against Louisiana-Monroe that was wiped out earlier this season due to Hurricane Irma.

Playing that game will give the ‘Noles a chance to reach the six wins needed to become bowl eligible- but only if FSU takes care of business against Delaware State and Florida first over the next two weeks.

Florida State played inspired defense against Clemson, led by sophomore defensive end Brian Burns, who has easily his best game of the season with a career-best seven tackles, two sacks, 4.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

The Seminoles struggled to run the football last week (24 carries for 21 yards) against the stout Tigers defense, but it was nice to see Jacques Patrick (Timber Creek HS) return to action and rush for a touchdown.

Cam Akers has become the lead dog of the backfield and has led the team in rushing for six straight games.

He’s just 275 yards shy of Dalvin Cook’s team record of 1,008 yards for true freshmen in rushing yards.

Junior wide receiver Nyqwan Murray (Oak Ridge HS) has netted 60 receiving yards or more over the past five games and continues to be a key weapon on offense.

The bottom line is that this should be a great tune-up game for the Seminoles before they head to Gainesville for the game that will determine whether or not they go bowling this year.

Expect everyone to get a chance to contribute and play at a high level.

It definitely won’t hurt for true freshman quarterback James Blackman to get a nice confidence boost with big numbers against an overmatched secondary before the ‘Noles face the Gators next week.

 

THE PICK:

FLORIDA STATE 55, DELAWARE STATE 7

There’s no need to point out “key matchups” and “X-factors” this week, because the reality is that Florida State will have a huge advantage at every position and in every aspect of this game.  The only question (other than if everyone will stay healthy) is whether or not the Seminoles will cover the spread.  As has been the case this season, the ‘Noles will likely disappoint you.  But regardless, the experience everyone gets this week could significantly contribute to the chances for success in Gainesville with the Seminoles’ bowl game fate on the line.