NoleGameday Staff Score Predictions: Florida State vs. Syracuse

Fall has officially arrived with the first day of October and the Florida State Seminoles are still chasing that elusive first victory. The Seminoles will have another chance to get on the table with the Syracuse Orange traveling to Tallahassee on Saturday afternoon.
READ MORE: FSU Adds Wide Walk-On Receiver To List
Here we go again. A fourth chance to win inside Doak Campbell Stadium in 2021. Will it finally happen for the ‘Noles? Who knows, it really depends on which version of this team decides to show up this weekend. FSU responded in the second half against Louisville, but it wasn’t enough to come out on top. If they can do it for all four quarters, they may be able to reverse the script.
Syracuse enters this competition with some momentum after winning its last two games, including a week ago against Liberty. The Orange have one of the best ground attacks in the country, with running back Sean Tucker in the lead, and a competent defense. Head coach Dino Babers has cooled his seat in the first four games of the season and will have a chance to start the conference game with a win.
Our staff provide their analysis and predictions for FSU against Syracuse.
Dustin Lewis (@Dussttin)
For my life, I couldn’t have imagined that Florida State would still be winless in four games. Heck, I wasn’t alive the last time this happened and I’m sure a lot of people reading this right now weren’t either. To say the least, the season has been odd so far.
The Seminoles haven’t been able to generate consistency at quarterback, they are always constantly burned in the air on defense and too often stray from their greatest strength, the running game. It’s confusing, but there were signs of success in the second half against Louisville. My biggest question is: will this continue?
READ MORE: Practical Wednesday observations: Midweek preparations for the Orange.
I predict based on what I saw, I’m just a type of guy, don’t tell me. According to the eye test, Florida State is an inconsistent football team whose warts seem to glow in the most critical moments. Syracuse has a good squad that won’t stray from what they do best, beating football. The Orange also has a front-seven that will challenge the Seminoles and force them to make some plays in the air.
I think it ends like another close game, but I’m not confident enough to get the upper hand on the Noles.
Season summary: 3-1
Syracuse 28, FSU 24
Logan Robinson (@LogansTwitty)
Thank me later …
Season summary: 3-1
FSU 31, Syracuse 28
Nate Greer (@ NateGreer26)
Syracuse has been strong against the race and that’s what FSU is doing well. It hurts.
Season record: 1-3
Syracuse 23, FSU 21
READ MORE: How to Watch & Listen: Florida State Seminoles vs. Syracuse Orange
Austin Veazey (@NolesVikesVeaz)
Two teams that look alike. Both want (or at least should want in FSU’s case) to run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense. This play will probably depend on who can open big plays in the passing game. And since I refuse to choose Florida State until they win a game, I will go with the team which is 3-1, not 0-4.
Season summary: 3-1
Syracuse 27, FSU 17
Charleston Bowles (@ Cbowles01)
The ‘Noles finally get a victory. The score remains tight throughout the game, and it’s not exactly pretty. Florida State’s offense is sloppy for most of the game, but Orange’s offense can’t capitalize when given the opportunity to gain control. Jermaine Johnson finishes with at least three sacks and Jashaun Corbin rushes over 100 yards for the second straight week and fourth time this season.
Season summary: 2-2
FSU 27, Syracuse 21
Noah Jahn (@ NoahJahn05)
Florida State needs a win this week. Although it’s a lost season, being winless for four weeks is already a pretty tough argument for fans, rookies and players alike. A loss to an below-par Syracuse team pulls us even further on the totem pole. Will the ‘Noles be able to get by this week and start righting the ship? I believe behind a good running offense and inspired defense, they can. Giving Florida State their first win of the season quite convincingly.
Season summary: 0-4
FSU 31, Syracuse 17
John Jenkins (@ _jmj4_)
…..
Season record: 1-3
Syracuse 28, FSU 21
Jacob Stevens (@ Jacob_Stevens26)
I’m giving FSU one more chance, hope they don’t let me down.
Season summary: 2-2
FSU 27, Syracuse 24
Consensus: None (4-4)
READ MORE: FSU running back no longer listed
Follow Dustin Lewis on Twitter
Follow NoleGameday on Twitter and Facebook