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Irish Look for Dominant Value Win Against Seminoles

Irish Value Win — © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

On Nov. 9, the 10th-ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (7-1) hosts the Florida State Seminoles (1-8, 1-7 Atlantic Coast Conference) in the 12th ever matchup between the two programs. The Seminoles hold a slim 6-5 lead in the series. However, the Irish have won the last three, including 41-38 in 2021. The two programs are on very different tracks heading into the game. The Fighting Irish are fighting for College Football Playoff positioning while the Seminoles are reeling. Will the Irish get a value win or can the Seminoles pull off the upset?

What's on the Line?

For the Irish, without being a member of a conference, they are fighting for an at-large spot in the expanded playoffs. A dominant win will only help Notre Dame make its case. Although currently in the playoffs, they would need to get a higher seed in order to host a playoff game. Step One in that equation is winning the games in front of them.

For the Seminoles, the season already is a disaster. There are numerous questions to be answered. Head coach Mike Norvell and his staff began to find some answers in turning to the youth of the team. While the task is monumental for the Seminoles, they look to take down the Irish in South Bend, Ind. Anything is possible. Just ask Northern Illinois. Derailing the season for the Irish and potentially knocking them out of the playoff picture would be a huge momentum builder for the Seminoles moving forward.

Who to Watch for the Irish

For the Irish, quarterback Riley Leonard is the pulse of the offense. As a quarterback, he can make all sorts of throws. But the added dimension he brings is by being mobile and able to make plays with his legs. This season, he has 1,360 yards and 8 touchdowns passing. As a runner, he is second on the team with 539 yards and 11 TDs. He routinely shows that he is a fighter and able to take the game over. While a question at the beginning of the season, running back Jeremiyah Love has embraced the workhorse role, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. He is also responsible for 10 total TDs. Defensively, the duo of linebacker Jack Kiser and safety Xavier Watts has given opponents nightmares all season. The duo has 74 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.

Seminoles to Watch

On offense, the struggles have been well documented. When quarterback DJ Uiagalelei was injured, Brock Glenn took the reigns and gave a much-needed breath of life to an offense that struggled to find any consistency. Over the last few games, the Seminoles have employed a dual quarterback strategy with both Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek taking meaningful reps. Defensively, safety Shyheim Brown has been a ball hawk. Leading the team in tackles with 61, Brown has the closing speed to chase down the ball carrier and make tackles. Defensive backs Fentrell Cypress and Kevin Knowles have been blankets in coverage with 9 pass breakups and 54 tackles between them.

Matchup to Watch

Quarterback Riley Leonard vs. Football Player Riley Leonard

The Fighting Irish offense goes through Leonard. Does Leonard the passer have more of an impact than Leonard the runner? Leonard has shown a willingness to put the team on his back and do what he needs to help it win. Does the passer who threw for 5 touchdowns and only 1 interception in the last three games take control? Or does Leonard the runner take the reigns?