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The Florida State Seminoles were one of the strongest teams in college football during the 2023 season. The Seminoles won the ACC after having an undefeated season. This would have made them an obvious participant in the college football playoffs, but they have been controversially snubbed for the one-loss Alabama Crimson Tide.
The Seminoles will be hoping for a similar season in 2024. But without some of last year's key players, like quarterback Jordan Travis, wide receiver Keon Coleman and running back Trey Benson, Florida State may struggle on the talent front.
What will save the Seminoles this year will be their schedule. But, who will the Florida State Seminoles face this year, and how will this impact their chances for both the ACC championship and a spot in the College Football Playoffs?
The important matchups for the 2024 Florida State Seminoles
Florida State will open its season with an international game. The Seminoles will face fellow ACC side the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Dublin, Ireland, on Aug. 24.
A week later, the Seminoles will play their home opener against another ACC team, the Boston College Eagles. After this, Florida State will face nonconference Memphis on Sept. 14.
The Seminoles will then play two of the ACC's new teams one after the other. First, the California Golden Bears will make the cross-country trip to Florida to face the Seminoles on Sept. 21. Then, Florida State will travel to Dallas to face the SMU Mustangs.
A week later, the Florida State Seminoles will play the game that is likely to define their season. On Oct. 5, the Seminoles will welcome the Clemson Tigers.
Clemson had a below-par year last year and failed to make the ACC championship game. This year's Clemson roster is strong, and if everyone is healthy, the Tigers could easily give the Seminoles their first loss of the season. This preview of a potential ACC championship game could see the return of former Clemson quarterback D.J Uiagalelei, who is now with Florida State.
The hard games do not end there. On Oct. 12, the Seminoles will visit the Duke Blue Devils. The historic school known for its basketball has been improving on the football field in recent years. This was seen last season with the Blue Devils' opening week win over Clemson. With former Texas QB Maalik Murphy at the helm, the Seminoles could struggle in this one as well.
Following games against the Miami Hurricanes and the North Carolina Tar Heels, the Seminoles have another hard test on Nov. 9, as they head to South Bend to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This is a game that Florida State will only realistically stay competitive in if it plays strongly all season long. It could be another loss if the Seminoles struggle.
Florida State ends its season against a nonconference rival as the SEC's Florida Gators come to town on Nov. 25. The Seminoles have won the last two meetings, and a third consecutive win may be needed if the Seminoles have to gain a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
In total, there are four or five games that will define the Florida State Seminoles' season. If they are to live up to the feats of the 2023 team, these games are must-win.
How do you think Florida State will fare this year?
