Gameday Central: Florida State Seminoles vs Virginia Tech Hokies – Previews, predictions, how to watch, odds

SB Nation

Tonight, Florida State and Virginia Tech will meet in an ACC matchup at Doak Campbell Stadium for FSU’s final home game of the season. The Seminoles will honor their departing senior players during a pregame

ceremony. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on the ACCN.

Both the Seminoles (4-5, 1-5 ACC) and the Hokies (3-6, 2-3 ACC) need a win tonight to sustain their hopes of becoming eligible for a postseason bowl game, along with the additional 15 practice sessions given to bowl teams.

Additionally, the head coaches of both programs desperately need a win. FSU’s Mike Norvell needs a win to cool down his hot seat, while VT’s Philip Montgomery is auditioning to have the interim label removed and become VT’s next head coach.

Many are expecting differing game plans from the two teams coming in. Virginia Tech will try to establish its running game to control the clock, stay on schedule, and shorten the game. The Seminoles are expected to maintain their normal quick pace to try to keep the Hokie defense off balance, and hoping to jump to a big enough lead to force VT to abandon their game plan.

FSU ranks 24th in total defense (317), 33rd in scoring defense (21), 27th in rushing defense (113), and 49th in passing yards allowed (205). Meanwhile, the Hokie rushing offense is averaging 182 yards rushing per game (40th), but is ranked 113th in passing offense (177), 88th in scoring offense (24.3), and 88th in total offense (359).

On the defensive side, Virginia Tech ranks 66th in total defense, giving up 368 yards per game, and they are tied for 101st in scoring defense (29.7). They are 72nd in both rushing defense (147 yards allowed) and passing yards allowed (221).

The Hokies will face one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. Florida State leads the ACC and ranks in the top 10 nationally in plays of 30 or more yards, including 2nd in plays of 30+ yards (34), 3rd in 40+ yards (18), 3rd in 50+ yards (11), 6th in 60+ yards (6), and 7th in plays of 20+ yards (57).

FSU quarterback Tommy Castellanos leads the nation with an average of 15.76 yards per completion and five completions of 60 yards or more. The Noles’ rushing offense averages 227 yards per game (11th), rank 27th in passing offense (267 yards), 17th in scoring offense (36.7 points), and 3rd in total offense (494 yards).

According to FanDuel, Florida State is a 13.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 54.5 points.

For all the latest updates and more game news and information, check out all the Tomahawk Nation Pre-Game Coverage linked below.

Links for TN’s FSU Football Live Game Threads

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Please move to the FIRST QUARTER THREAD 15 MINUTES BEFORE KICKOFF
At the end of the first quarter, please move to the SECOND QUARTER THREAD
After watching the Marching Chiefs perform at halftime, all the cool kids will be meeting over at the THIRD QUARTER THREAD
When the third quarter ends, please move to the FOURTH QUARTER THREAD