Florida State Football Season Preview 2024: Biggest games, key players to watch, predictions and more
A season ago, Florida State almost had a Cinderella season. The Seminoles had a 13-0 regular season and seemed likely to reach the College Football Playoff in its final four-team incarnation. But an injury to QB Jordan Travis and some bad luck left FSU at No. 5. An unmotivated Florida State team was then blasted 63-3 by Georgia in the Orange Bowl.
A year later, No. 5 would be fine for FSU's College Football Playoff chances. But the Noles lost Travis, Trey Benson, Keon Coleman and many other talented players. It's a new season in a reconfigured ACC for coach Mike Norvell. Here's what you need to know about Florida State's 2024 campaign.
Florida State's biggest games in 2024
FSU plays a challenging slate in 2024, including an opener with Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday (Aug. 24). The Noles drew both of the top challengers they'll see for the ACC title.
Clemson
FSU plays Clemson at home on Oct. 5. The Tigers were the running giants of the ACC but have taken a step back in recent seasons. Florida State won this game 31-24 at Clemson last year in overtime. It was the Tigers' first ACC home loss since 2016. This year, the rematch will be in Tallahassee.
Miami
Florida State travels to Miami for an Oct. 26 showdown that could determine the ACC. The Hurricanes bulked up an already tough roster via the transfer portal and could well contend for the ACC crown. That said, FSU has won seven of the last nine matchups in this series in Miami. That includes a 45-3 beatdown in 2022.
Notre Dame
Finally, on Nov. 9, FSU will play at Notre Dame. The Irish figure to be a tough foe, and this will be FSU's last road game of the regular season. Florida State holds a 6-5 all-time series lead, but Notre Dame has won the last three games.
Florida State Players to Watch
DJ Uiagalelei, QB
Uiagalelei is a QB for the portal area. A long-time Clemson player, he spent last season at Oregon State but has returned for one more run in the ACC. Uiagalelei's early struggles at Clemson have given him a bad reputation. But in the last two years, he passed for 43 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He'll be key for FSU.
Darius Washington, OT
Washington is a big, imposing tackle who has shown versatility in his FSU career. Washington has started at both tackle spots and at center in his Florida State career. The 6-foot-4, 306-pound senior figures to be the left tackle who will lead a solid offensive line in 2024.
Joshua Farmer, DT
A massive, run-stuffing presence up front, the 6-foot-3, 311-pound Farmer had 32 tackles and seven tackles for loss last season. The junior will be a solid veteran presence up front for a defense that allowed just 19.3 points and 332 yards per game last season.
Florida State 2024 predictions
Another 13-0 season feels like a lot to bite off. It's worth noting that FSU was favored in every game they played until the Orange Bowl in 2023. That won't be the case this season. Of the three difficult games listed above, a 1-2 mark feels most likely.
Assuming no odd slip-ups, that puts Florida State at 10-2, which will be again right on the College Football Playoff bubble. It may depend on whether the Seminoles can win the ACC outright, which is possible. If the committee can give FSU a break, it's reasonable to think they will. Pencil FSU in as a plausible, if far from certain playoff team.
What do you think of Florida State's 2024 season? Share your thoughts and comments below in our comments section!