The Anti-Preview: #7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish VS Florida State Seminoles

For 14 years I have provided the most irrelevant game preview for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish — but I’ve also provide the most relevant fan preview for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (don’t @ me).

So why stop now?

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The Irish seemingly have a lot to prove this season. The massive departures to the NFL which included; the winningest quarterback in Notre Dame history, four starters on the offensive line, and the 2020 Butkus Award winner has some people quite scared about the prospects for 2021.

I am not one of those people.

Look — you either have faith that Notre Dame has recruited well and has a great coaching staff, or you don’t. If you believe the former like I do, it doesn’t mean you’re shouting for the national championship to be a real thing this year. It means we should be comfortable with a playoff level program continuing to be a playoff level program. It’s fine — you’re allowed to feel good.

First up...

Florida State Seminoles

The Noles hit the transfer portal pretty hard over the offseason in an effort to offset recruiting missteps and poor development. Former Irish guard Dillan Gibbons is one of those transfers, and joins an offensive line that has not been good for several years. FSU is also still wish-washy at quarterback with McKenzie Milton and Jordan Travis. Milton was pegged to be the starter, but has had several setbacks during fall camp.

Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

None of this sounds like a strong and cohesive offense.

What should you be drinking?

There’s just something about an old fashioned that makes me believe that love is real and miracles happen (yes, I’m also sure it’s the bourbon). Add some smoky wisdom to the glass and you’ll understand the true nature of god. What does any of this have to do with Notre Dame VS Florida State? Absolutely nothing — I just want you to enjoy a fantastic cocktail on Sunday night as the Irish drop the hammer on the Noles.

Cheers!

What should you be eating?

Hurricanes suck and New Orleans is wonderful. We pay homage with some Oysters Bienville (which pairs with that OF like a boss).

What should you be wearing?

Pretty much anything that will get you through the weekend.

Haiku

Haiku posts cancelled,
New home on Anti-Preview,
Do your worst — bastards.

3 reasons to hate FSU

I think my three reasons from last year are still on point.

• 2014 and dumb flags (do NOT this week Clearwall).
• 2011 and WTF Tommy Rees. Not really ON the Noles here, but they were there, so they get the wrath.
• 1993. Obviously FSU’s alleged claim for the 93 title is annoying. I hate annoying things.

At the end of the night...

As I said on the podcast — I think Notre Dame goes down to Tallahassee and rolls the Noles. The matchups strongly favor the Irish, but I also think that Notre Dame comes out crisp and on point. The offensive weaponry Notre Dame has on hand will be unleashed, and the defense will continue its 4 year legacy of “tough as balls.”

Notre Dame 41 — Florida State 18