The Florida State Seminoles got the proverbial monkey off their backs by defeating Wake Forest in Week 9. Halting a two-game slide against the Demon Deacons against a team that historically gives them issues was a huge step in the right direction for an FSU team eyeing an undefeated regular season.
How difficult is the road ahead for the ‘Noles as they look to go 12-0?
Ranking Florida State’s Remaining Games in 2023
It should be said that this ranking of FSU’s toughest remaining games will not include the potential ACC Championship that the ‘Noles would play in if they do finish the season undefeated. This is just the Seminoles’ regular season matchups remaining on the schedule.
#4 – vs. North Alabama
This one should be easy to start off with, not just on this ranking, but also on the field for the Seminoles. North Alabama squared off against Austin Peay in Week 9, entering play with just a 3-5 record in FCS play this season.
The Lions have scored over 30 points in just three games this season while FSU has scored at least 30 in 14 straight games now. North Alabama certainly doesn’t have the horses on the roster to compete in Tallahassee.
ESPN’s FPI gives FSU a 99% chance to win this game.
#3 – at Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Panthers are down this season, but maybe not nearly as bad as their record says. They’ve struggled to find an offensive identity but should have come away victorious against Wake Forest a week ago had it not been for a questionable slide call.
Pitt’s defense has the chance to give FSU fits with their strength in coverage just as much as potential cold weather in the state of Pennsylvania may. But in the end, the Jordan Travis and Keon Coleman connection is enough to mitigate even the best of coverages.
ESPN’s FPI gives FSU an 88.7% chance to win this game.
#2 – at Florida
The Florida Gators have been an incredibly streaky team in 2023. They completely handled Tennessee at home, but it would be incredibly shocking for them to do the same to Florida State’s offense.
Florida followed up that Tennessee game with a rough showing — in a victory, mind you — against Charlotte and fell flat on their face against Kentucky. They struggled to stop South Carolina on defense and needed a shoot-out to beat the Gamecocks.
It’s a rivalry game away from home, but it could very well be a showcase game for FSU’s offensive line as Florida’s defensive front has been sluggish, to say the least.
ESPN’s FPI gives FSU an 83.1% chance to win this game.
#1 – vs. Miami
FSU will play their two most-heated rivals over the course of the last three weeks of the season, kicking things off with the annual matchup against Miami. Making this one a touch easier for the ‘Noles will be the fact that it’s a home game, and the friendly confines of Doak Campbell Stadium should give them a bit of an advantage.
Miami has the roster talent to stand up to Florida State’s, but will they be able to play four full quarters at Doak remains a big question. Tyler Van Dyke’s health concerns also give pause for the Hurricanes’ chances in this one.
ESPN’s FPI gives FSU an 80.1% chance to win this game.