Staff Predictions: Florida State Seminoles vs. Duke Blue Devils – Can QB Brock Glenn Revive FSU’s Struggling Offense?
As the Florida State Seminoles enter the second half of the 2024 season, they head to Durham, NC, to face the Duke Blue Devils (5-1, 1-1 ACC) at Wallace Wade Stadium for their first Friday night game in nearly two years. The game, starting at 7:00 p.m. and airing on ESPN2, marks the third consecutive game where FSU (1-5, 1-4 ACC) finds itself as the underdog, an unfamiliar position given their 22-0 all-time record against Duke.
Historically, FSU has dominated the series, but this year, they are underdogs for the first time. Quarterback Brock Glenn will lead the Noles after a solid performance against Clemson, though the offense continues to struggle, ranking 126th in total offense. Glenn’s freshman tight ends, Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams, have been bright spots, and FSU’s defense has held its own with solid performances, ranking 84th in total defense.
On the other side, Duke, led by quarterback Maalik Murphy, boasts a strong defense, ranked 38th nationally. Murphy has 1,431 passing yards and 14 touchdowns this season. The Blue Devils’ defense excels at limiting opponents’ passing yards, ranking third in the country in yards allowed per pass attempt. Duke’s defense also ranks high in red zone stops, posing a challenge for FSU’s struggling offense, which ranks 131st in points per game.
Despite FSU’s historical dominance, this game is shaping up to be a tough battle, especially with Duke’s defense playing at a high level. Still, special teams have been a standout for FSU this season, leading the nation in blocked kicks.
FanDuel lists FSU as 3.5-point underdogs, with an over/under of 42.5. Many are curious to see if Brock Glenn can lead FSU to a much-needed victory, or if Duke will secure their first win over the Seminoles in history.
Predictions from TOMAHAWK NATION Staff:
– **Jon Marchant (2-4):** Hopes for a spark from FSU but expresses frustration with the coaching staff’s slow adjustments. *FSU 23, Duke 22.*
– **NoleThruandThru (4-2):** Advocates for a youth movement on both sides of the ball but fears Duke will edge out FSU. *Duke 16, FSU 14.*
– **Jordan Silversmith (2-3):** Believes FSU’s offensive line will struggle against Duke’s defensive front. *Duke 20, FSU 17.*
– **Matt Minnick (2-4):** Feels FSU has faced a much tougher schedule and will pull off the upset. *FSU 24, Duke 17.*
– **LastNoleOfKrypton (1-5):** Remains optimistic and refuses to predict an FSU loss to Duke. *FSU 19, Duke 13.*
– **FrankDNole (1-5):** Expects FSU’s determination to prevail and a strong second half of the season. *FSU 37, Duke 21.*
– **Perry Kostidakis (4-2):** Sees some improvements in FSU’s mentality and believes they’ll protect their unbeaten record against Duke. *FSU 23, Duke 16.*
