On Saturday evening, the Florida State Seminoles will host the California Golden Bears in an ACC matchup. The Seminoles are trying to find success, having started the season 0-3. Cal is on the opposite side of the standings, at 3-0. In this game, the now-conference foes face off for the first time after never meeting before. While the Seminoles appear to have an advantage based on pedigree, the first month has showed that the game may go any way.
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Cal Plays First ACC Game
The California Golden Bears play their first ACC game on Saturday, traveling across the country to one of the conference’s most prestigious programs. The Golden Bears finished strong last year and continued off right where they left off in 2024. They enter this one with a 3-0 record and have won six of their last seven games dating back to last season. This season’s schedule has also been challenging, with trips to Auburn and a home game against San Diego State last week. Even though Florida State has struggled, this is still a difficult game, and with Miami coming up next, things will be difficult for this team in the coming weeks, and a win in this one would be crucial for confidence.
Concerns are developing about the length of California’s injury report, and there’s no doubt that they’ll need to stay healthy in the coming weeks to be successful. Jaydn Ott is the main name on the injury report, as the top running back continues to recover from an injury sustained in recent weeks. Add in the backup running back’s dubious status and a pair of offensive line issues, and the offense might suffer.
The offense has been hot and cold all season, and despite scoring 31 points last week, they will have much to prove on the road in this game. They rank 89th in yards per game and have failed to dominate the game with Ott injured. The Seminoles have failed to stop the run, and if Cal cannot do it, they may struggle to match the results of their previous FSU opponents. Fernando Mendoza impressed as quarterback last season, finishing with five touchdowns and one interception. Through three weeks this season, he should be able to relieve some of the load on the defense.
Seminoles in the midst of the challenge
For the Seminoles, the panic button has been pressed, and it is time to turn things around. The Seminoles lost their first few games to Georgia Tech and Boston College, but the loss to Memphis last week sent the fan base into a tailspin. The schedule doesn’t get much easier as ACC play continues, and with the biggest questions on both sides still unanswered, it’s unclear where the big changes will come from. Each loss this season has brought a different kind of grief, and with Mike Norvell’s seat becoming warmer by the weekend, now is the time to turn things around.
The Seminoles are also dealing with injuries, with five players labeled as questionable or out for this game. A pair of linebackers are questionable, and Jaylin Lucas is the offensive player to keep an eye on. The outstanding running back has already been ruled out, which will limit the attacking explosiveness.
The troubles begin on offense, when a mix of bad play calling and huge mental mistakes has them seeking to turn the page. DJ Uiagalelei has looked far from one of the nation’s most seasoned quarterbacks, and while the offense hasn’t played to his strengths, he’s also missed far too many passes. The run game has failed to determine who their feature back is, and a wide receiver brought in through the portal has struggled to make an impression. Even the defense has taken a significant step back, continually getting disassembled in the trenches. The focus will be on halting the run and controlling the clock, which is essential for this group.
