Seminoles Starting Their Week Today

Florida State's schedule over the next couple of weeks sets up nicely considering that the Seminoles have struggled on the road all season. After playing nine straight games in nine straight weeks, the 'Noles don't play on Saturday again for another two weeks. 

Next Thursday the 'Noles will travel to Blacksburg to square off with the Hokies of Virginia Tech in a setting that is arguably more daunting than the team that occupies it right now.

Virginia Tech is 4-5, fighting to become bowl eligible and avoid a .500 or losing season. That makes Thursday night's game against FSU a must-win for their program. Unfortunately for Frank Beamer, the Hokies are down right now.

Case in point, against a Miami team without either of their starting safeties and depth problems on defense last Thursday night, Logan Thomas and the Hokie offenses still couldn't throw down the field.  Florida State's defense is a lot better than the Canes' and boasts a lot more depth. If Virginia Tech couldn't throw on Miami, it's going to have an even tougher time being balanced against FSU. 

But keep in mind, the Florida State team that waylays opponents at Doak Campbell stadium has not made a road trip yet this season. And while the Hokies are not an intimidating team, Lane Stadium on a Thursday night is a scary venue. Virginia Tech almost never loses Thursday night home games, their stadium is legendary for how loud and intimidating it is during weeknight games. 

The bigger challenge for Florida State next Thursday will be taking the Virginia Tech faithful out of the game.

Fortunately, as I alluded to in the intro, FSU's schedule sets up beautifully for them to have plenty of time to prep for this road trip. The team will begin practicing today, on Saturday, as if it were a Monday and will take a full week to prepare for their Thursday night game.

“Saturday will be just like a Monday, we’ll keep the same routine,” said Jimbo Fisher last week.

So right now, as you're on your couch watching college football, the Seminoles are heading to campus, meeting, getting taped, getting treatment and getting ready to take the practice field like it's a Monday. 

We'll see if that makes any difference in regard to how Florida State looks on the road next Thursday. They're going to need to bring their A-game, because this is the last stand for Virginia Tech.