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Gameday Central
Syracuse at Florida State 3:30 PM ET
Watch: ESPN 2 (More on How to Watch)
Listen: ‘Nole Radio Network, Orange Radio Network
Weather: Tallahassee and Doak may have dodged a significant rain event this evening. A tropical system working inshore from the gulf has created all sorts of problems, but it has stayed far enough west to minimize local impacts. The outlook for tonight keeps improving. There’s still a 30% chance of showers this evening. It will be muggy and warm in the first half. Temperatures will be around 82 at kickoff, dropping to 76 by the end of the game. Breezy conditions, winds SSE at 13 mph.
The Spread: Florida State opened as a 10.5 point favorite and has bumped in FSU’s favor to 11. Go ‘Noles? Bud Elliot give his plays for the rest of your betting weekend.
Game Coverage: Nolecast ‘Cuse Preview, Opponent Q&A, Staff Predictions, Graphic Preview, Lame Oranges
First, let’s start with some good ol’ fashioned sources. Florida State could be switching to Alex Hornibrook to start the game against the Orange.
A source with direct knowledge of FSU's QB situation tells me that Alex Hornibrook - as of Saturday morning - is expected to start vs. Syracuse:https://t.co/VZfvMG8VoG
— Brendan Sonnone (@BSonnone) October 26, 2019
We’ll see if this actually comes to fruition. Coach Willie Taggart has made statements that James Blackman is the starting quarterback if he’s healthy. He also said he thought Blackman made enough plays for Florida State to beat Wake Forest. Alex Hornibrook got his first start against NC State after Blackman suffered a knee injury in the second half against Louisville the week prior. Before the NC State game, there were reports and rumblings that Blackman was going to start. He even warmed up and was the announced starter in the stadium. Then Hornibrook jogged out for the first series. Could this be more games from a coaching staff not willing to commit to a QB? I guess tune in to find out.
At 3-4, Florida State needs to find a way to win...at least 3 more games. If not, they are destined for a terrible season that won’t meet anybody’s expectations. Taggart’s seat is approaching hot, even though it will probably keep him nice and warm through winter into year three as FSU head coach. What kind of season Taggart will have in 2020, if he gets there, could be determined by the next four games.
Today, the goal is to beat a struggling Syracuse team. The long term goal is to make a bowl game and sell at least some progress to fans and recruits. Beyond that, get a good recruiting class and get this thing back on track. That all starts today against The Orange. Lose today and, well, things are gonna get bleak. This program, the coaches, the players, and the fans need a win. Go Noles.