Prediction, Game Preview, and Odds for Florida State vs. Cal

You would never have guessed which team started the season 3-0 and which one was 0-3.

This can still be done by Florida State. The team is 0-2 in the ACC, but it has a chance to make it to the ACC Championship if it wins its last two games and sneaks in. But first, it needs to win a game.

Cal is having too much fun. It forced the defense to work hard against UC Davis and San Diego State. It also shocked Auburn 21–14 in Jordan–Hare, which Bear fans had a great time laughing about online.

Next, it will fly all the way back to Berkeley to play Miami in two weeks, and then it will fly across the country to play Pittsburgh. Next, FSU will go to SMU.

This is the first time that these two teams have met.

Florida State vs Cal How to Watch
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
Venue: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
How to Watch: ESPN2
Florida State (0-3), Cal (3-0)

Why Cal Will Win

The Bears are getting back their player.

Florida State is getting three new players: Will McDonald and Soap Vatikani for the offensive line; and star running back Jayden Ott.

Against San Diego State, the running game was great, and against Auburn, the passing game made up for it. But now that they have Ott, things are different.

Florida State could not handle big games against Georgia Tech or Boston College, but they locked down on Memphis.

Ott gives the QB more speed and pop. The play of Fernando Mendoza has been quick and effective, and the Florida State defense should have a hard time stopping it all. But…

Why Florida State Will Win

Florida State, come on.

The ability has to show up and shine through at some point.

On both sides of the ball, the Noles are terrible on third downs. But DJ Uiagalalei will finally start consistently hitting his receivers, the offense will get going, and the defense will be much stronger.

Auburn, we see you, but Cal has not had to deal with any kind of offense yet this season. At some point, FSU will get back on track, especially with the running game.

Cal is not going to hide or run away. The offense is not strong enough to win this quickly; FSU will be in it for all four quarters.

Florida State vs Cal: Who Will Win

Just how bad does Florida State really look?

The first three games have been dull and lackluster; there has been no energy and no offensive production. It is been the weirdest 0-3 start ever.

Cal has what it takes to add to it, but the Seminole defense will make a lot of big stops in the second half to make up for the offense’s bad day again.