Breaking down FSU’s game-by-game schedule for the 2022 college football season
Aug. 27 vs. Duquesne: After last season, a game against an FCS school isn’t an automatic victory. The Seminoles lost to Jacksonville State at home in 2021, and Duquesne had a better season than Jacksonville State. Still, this year’s opener against another FCS program should result in a win for the Seminoles. FSU 42-14.
Sept. 4 vs. LSU: While LSU isn’t the program it was when Joe Burrow led the Bayou Bengals to a national title, the Tigers will be a formidable test for a team with eight total wins in the previous two seasons under coach Mike Norvell. LSU 35-24.
Sept. 16 at Louisville: FSU’s conference opener comes against a team with a similar identity. Both teams are projected to win six games, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index, and the two sit close in the FPI rankings, making it a toss-up game. UL 30-28.
Sept. 24 vs. Boston College: BC is expected to finish near the bottom of the ACC standings, so FSU should find itself a comfortable favorite. The Eagles are relying on quarterback Phil Jurkovec, an NFL prospect, so if the Seminoles limit his production they should get a win in their conference home opener. FSU 31-10.
Oct. 1 vs. Wake Forest: Last season, the Demon Deacons went on a run to the ACC Championship Game. It was a surprise based on the preseason ACC media poll, in which Wake Forest was picked to finish fifth in its division. An 8-0 start catapulted Wake inside the top 10 of the College Football Playoff rankings. The preseason media poll for the ACC this year rates Wake Forest slightly higher than a year ago. Wake 28-21.
Oct. 8 at NC State: The Wolfpack is an Atlantic Division opponent predicted to be the conference’s second favorite behind Clemson. The high expectations stem in part from the benefit of the COVID year giving several key players an extra year of eligibility. And this is a road game for the Noles. NC State 42-21.
Oct. 15 vs. Clemson: If the previous week is a tall order for FSU, the return to Tallahassee could be even tougher. Last season, the Tigers were ranked No. 3 in the country in preseason polls, but lost to eventual national champion Georgia, 10-3, in their opener and fell short of the high expectations by losing three times. Clemson 49-17.
Oct. 29 vs. Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets have mustered three wins in each of coach Geoff Collins’ three seasons. However, they beat the Seminoles in their last meeting in 2020. And this could be a trap game for FSU with Miami looming the following week. FSU 45-14.
Nov. 5 at Miami: Last year produced the Rally in Tally II and a controversial ending when UM quarterback Tyler Van Dyke’s spike attempt in the final seconds was a tick too late to stop the clock. FSU’s 31-28 victory ended Miami’s four-game win streak in the series. This one should be similarly close. UM 30-28.
Nov. 12 at Syracuse: The Orange, 2-6 in the ACC last season and 5-7 overall, boasts some of the best talent coach Dino Babers has had since his first season leading the program in 2016. FSU 35-24.
Nov. 19 vs. Louisiana: The Sun Belt program, with a new coach in Michael Desormeaux, is a must win for the Seminoles leading into their game with Florida. FSU 40-20.
Nov. 25 vs. Florida: The previous week’s opponent happens to be the team Florida coach Billy Napier led last season. He had a successful four-year stint in Lafayette, but the first season at a new place can be a transition year. ESPN’s FPI prediction gives the Seminoles the edge in this one. FSU 24-21.
