Florida State football vs. Cal prediction: Will the Seminoles finally get a win?
Florida State football is looking to avoid a disastrous 0-4 start to the season.
Welcoming Cal to Doak Campbell Stadium for the first meeting between the two programs, the Seminoles (0-3) are coming off another disappointing performance in a 20-12 loss to Memphis. Cal (3-0) enters the game after a 31-10 win over San Diego State in week three.
It's the first ACC game for Cal since its move to the conference, and the Golden Bears will be looking for the first conference victory while FSU hopes to avoid a third conference loss in just four games played this season.
Cal has a dynamic offense that can comfortably attack opponents in the air or on the ground. With star running back Jaydn Ott returning from injury, the Golden Bears will provide a stiff test to the FSU defense.
Seminoles quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and the offense need to find some sort of momentum in this game for FSU to have any legitimate shot at winning.
Liam Rooney's score prediction: Cal 23, FSU 17
Cal leaves Tallahassee with its first ACC victory, and first win over the Seminoles in program history. While FSU will show improvement defensively, particularly along the defensive front, a returning Ott will power the Golden Bears to victory on the ground.
Uiagalelei won't have the five-touchdown performance he had for Oregon State vs. Cal last season, but he'll lead a scoring drive and the defense will score on a pick-six. Cal's improved defense will give Uiagalelei and the wide receivers a challenge, but on the ground, the Seminoles find a rhythm with the run game.
However, while it will be an improved showing for the Seminoles, it won't be enough as another slow start proves costly in the end to give Cal the victory and sink FSU to 0-4.
Peter Holland's score prediction: FSU 20, Cal 17
This will be an ugly game, but somehow, I believe FSU will make enough plays to escape with the win against Cal. The Seminoles must win all four quarters, not just half of those in the second half. FSU also must win in all three phases, including on special teams, which is FSU's strong point.
I don't think Uiagalelei will have a five-touchdown performance like the last time he saw the Golden Bears and Cal's defense is better than last year. However, this could be the game where Uiagalelei turns on the switch and orchestrates enough plays at the end to finish drives.
It could come down to the wire, and Ryan Fitzgerald will give FSU the game-winner. A desperate win will be earned at Doak Campbell Stadium.
How to watch FSU football vs. Cal
Date: Saturday, Sep. 21
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida
TV: ESPN2
Streaming: ESPN+ ($10.99 per month), WatchESPN and the ESPN app (TV provider subscription needed), fuboTV (7-day free trial), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)
FSU football schedule 2024: TV channels, dates and start times
Saturday, Aug. 24: vs. Georgia Tech* (Aer Lingus College Football Classic) Lost 24-21
Monday, Sept. 2: vs. Boston College* | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo) Lost 28-13
Saturday, Sept. 7: Bye
Saturday, Sept. 14: vs. Memphis | Noon | ESPN (Fubo) Lost 20-12
Saturday, Sept. 28: at SMU*
Saturday, Oct. 5: vs. No. 14 Clemson*
Saturday, Oct. 12: Bye
Saturday, Oct. 26: at No. 19 Miami*
Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. North Carolina*
Saturday, Nov. 9: at No. 7 Notre Dame | 7:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo, Peacock)
Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Charleston Southern
Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Florida
Saturday, Dec. 6: ACC championship game (Charlotte, N.C)
All times Eastern
BOLD = ACC
* = Neutral Site
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football vs. Cal final score prediction; Can Seminoles finally win?
