Florida State Seminoles vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Dec. 29, 5:30 pm ET
Florida Citrus Bowl (Orlando, Fla.)
Website: http://fcsports.com/ChampsSportsBowl.aspx
TV: ESPN
Line: Florida State -2.5
Florida State and Notre Dame have faced off before in some pretty important contests, but I’m not sure this one will qualify. FSU’s defensive line is one of the best, and it will make running the ball tough. The Seminoles didn’t have the season anyone expected, but getting to nine wins and a victory over Notre Dame would help.
Notre Dame’s offensive line has been stout most of the season and it should be an interesting battle with FSU’s defensive line. The Irish will want to get the ball in Michael Floyd’s hands as much as possible and let him work some magic from there.
Making This All Possible
If you have ever been in a mall in the U.S., then you have seen a Champs Sports. You know the place, where you buy one pair of shoes for 25 percent more than any other place, but then you get another pair for half price. You do the math and see if it makes sense. Champs also has great deals on plain T-shirts.
Get To Know: Florida State
So this was supposed to be the year that FSU returned to national prominence, but injuries and a sloppy streak early in the season erased that expectation real fast. The Seminoles are led by quarterback E.J. Manuel and linebacker Nigel Bradham.
Get To Know: Notre Dame
There were also many who felt Notre Dame would take a major step up in Brian Kelly’s second season in South Bend. The Irish’s season started off about as bad as it could by losing to South Florida and Michigan in games they could have won. Kelly made a QB change from Dayne Crist to Tommy Rees. Running back Cierre Wood eclipsed 1,000 yards and Manti Te’o is a stud linebacker, who makes about 10 tackles a game.
You Should Know…
This game is sold out for the first time since it became the Champs Sports Bowl in 2004. This game was originally the Blockbuster Bowl from 1990-93. As a side note, I actually covered the first two Blockbuster Bowls as a stringer in college.
If You’re Going
Make sure to stop at Yellow Dog Eats in Windemere for at least one meal while you are in town. It is known for its pulled pork sandwiches, especially “The Elvis,” which is topped with bacon and cole slaw. Chef Fish Morgan is legendary in these parts, and he has dreamed up all of the great dishes at Yellow Dog Eats.
If You’re Watching At Home
Before you settle down in front of the 52-inch LCD television, make a quick stop at your local mall and pick up your favorite jersey from Champs Sports and get ready for some good fun. You may also want to read Bobby Bowden’s book, “Called to Coach.”
Prediction
The winner of this game will ride the momentum into 2012, and he pundits will say that program is finally back. Right now, FSU is more athletic and should be healthy enough to pull away late in what should be a close game.
Florida State 32, Notre Dame 24
