The title says it all. This is year 3 of the Norvell era and still plenty of work to do. He is 8-13 during his first two years but all this offseason work hopes to give FSU their first winning season since 2017. The schedule this year looks a bit tougher given that nearly every ACC quarterback decided to come back but the Noles have improved the roster and look to finally get back to the winning ways because let’s be honest…losing fucking sucks.
Here is my quick breakdown and predictions of the 2022 FSU football season. As usual, we will post all our predictions on social media during the week. (I love annoying the crew this time of year with scores, predictions, etc.) You must watch this dope hype video made by our boy JP!
Game 1: Duquesne (8/27/22)
FSU kicks off their season in August where they are 2-1 since 2003. Noles have started 0-1 for the past five years but that streak will end this year. People are hesitant because of last year’s debacle against JSU but I promise you there is no way we will lose this game. This game should look like last year’s UMass game. No way this should be close at all. FSU wins 62-10.
Game 2: LSU [in New Orleans] (9/4/22)
Noles will be feeling good at 1-0 as they get ready for a Sunday night primetime showdown against LSU. First meeting between the two schools since 1991. Noles have a solid chance to start 2-0 given that LSU is on a rebuild with familiar head coaching foe Brian "Cajun" Kelly. Party on Bourbon Street as the Noles move to 2-0 for the first time in six years! FSU wins 28-24.
Game 3: @ Louisville (9/16/22)
First of two Friday night games for FSU this year and first real road game of the season. Noles have dropped their last two against the Cards but I again will pick them to open up ACC play 1-0 and get a huge road win to bring us to 3-0. Man that is a beautiful thing to say. FSU wins 20-17.
Game 4: Boston College (9/24/22)
FSU heads back home with their undefeated record to host Boston College. Noles normally get the better of the Eagles and I think this year will be no different. Past years this game has been closer than I would like but this year I think we get a comfortable W. I can already hear the cringey RGIII jokes on commentary. FSU wins 35-17.
Game 5: Wake Forest (10/1/22)
Two Words…REVENGE GAME. FSU got dominated 35-14 last year and did not take Snuggie Hill. Wake rolls into town and starts FSU’s three straight weeks of facing ranked opponents (as of preseason rankings). Wake possibly could be without QB Sam Hartman which is an advantage to the Noles and DOAK will be rocking as I predict as Jeff Cameron would say, this game will be a “Cat 5 Maintain.” This should be a night game. FSU wins 31-21.
Game 6: @ N.C. State (10/8/22)
FSU is now 5-0 and ranked in the polls. The tough part of the schedule continues as they have to travel to Raleigh to face preseason #13 N.C. State. Last year’s game in Tally was…just really bad. I watched the highlights so you don’t have to. It’s not good. Devin Leary shredded us last year and while this year’s game will be better, Noles aren’t going to do it in Raleigh. N.C. State wins 27-20.
Game 7: Clemson (10/15/22)
A game many people circle as a definite loss on the schedule. With good reason as we have dropped six straight to the Tigers. We almost stole one against them last year in Death Valley but I still don’t think we are at the point where we can beat Clemson. I hate to say it but the losing streak against Clemson continues. Stupid Dabo. Clemson wins 31-21.
Game 8: Georgia Tech (10/29/22)
FSU comes in at 5-2 and looks to pick up the win that will make them bowl eligible after the bye week. Noles have dropped their last two to GT but that will change this year. Noles round out October back in the win column and improve to 6-2 and 4-2 in the ACC. FSU wins 38-20.
Game 9: @ Miami (11/5/22)
“The U is back!” They say that shit every season and yet...they never are. We all remember “4th and 14” from last year and the big win at home that snapped the losing streak to the Canes. Also...how the hell are they ranked #16 to start the year? My initial pick is us losing down there and it worked last year so I'm rolling with it. Let me be wrong again. Miami wins 27-24.
Game 10: @ Syracuse (11/12/22)
Final road game and ACC game of the year for FSU. It took a last second FG last year for out first win but I think we win much more comfortably this year. Crazy prediction: Jordan Travis will rush for three touchdowns in this game. Noles win this one big and improve 7-3 and finish ACC play at 5-3. FSU wins 41-17.
Game 11: Louisiana (11/19/22)
If my research is correct, this is the first ever meeting between the Noles and the Ragin’ Cajuns from the Sun Belt conference. Seems like this could be a sleepy nooner kickoff and I think the Noles will win, they shouldn’t overlook them with that rivalry game next week. Noles win but closer than we would like. FSU wins 28-20.
Game 12: Florida (11/25/22):
Our regular season finale takes place the day after Thanksgiving in Tallahassee. Primetime at 7:30. Noles have dropped the last three against the Gators and man I want to win this one. Had our chances last year but couldn’t do it but this is the year…the streak ends and we beat that team to the south. A massive party will be all around Collegetown as the Noles take down the Gators and finish the season at 9-3. Meet up with Chris..he will be buying shots!
I'm picking FSU to finish 9-3 (5-3 in the ACC) so I'm being very optimistic per usual. Two things for me that could help this happen. Please have a strong start. None of this 0-4, 1-3 start to the year. Not that crazy of a thought that you could be 4-0 heading into that October 1st game with Wake. The Wake/NCState/Clemson is the toughest part of your schedule and you can't lose all three of those. 4-0 to 4-3 would completely deflate your momentum.
This roster has very much improved and while they aren’t going to the playoffs, this should be a much better season for NoleNation. How do you think FSU will do this year? Cheers and always...GO NOLES!!
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