The hype and controversy have constantly rivaled each other for Florida State this year, coming in as the number one ranked team in the nation. Now sitting at the number two spot due to an incredible start by Mississippi State, the Seminoles welcome the Fighting Irish to an epic Saturday night match-up, with hopes of distractions in the media and off the field. Those problems have slowly grown over the last few weeks all because of the “immaturity” of Noles leader Jameis Winston. The questions remain – when will he grow up, is the media overly focusing on him pressuring the kid or is he really just enjoying playing out of bounds off the field?
November 2012: Stopped at gunpoint by police (after having a BB gun fight with friends) December 2012: Sexual assault allegation (was not charged) April 2014: Shoplifting crab legs (Shabazz Napier can relate) September 2014: Suspended for shouting vulgar remark in FSU’s student union, October 2014: Florida State investigating if Winston accepted money for autographs.
Former Heisman winner Bo Jackson recently said he tried to “mentor” Winston; but he was unable to breakthrough to the youngster. He released a statement saying: “I’m the type of person, I will go out of my way to help anybody. Normally, I don’t like giving people advice if I haven’t been down that road myself. But if I give you advice on something that I know more about than you by just falling out of bed in the morning, if you can’t take that advice and learn from it, then I’ve got nothing else to do with the situation. You’re on your own. If I told you what I told him, it’ll probably singe the hairs in your ears.”
Then on the other end of the spectrum, we have Everett Golson leading Notre Dame, who has kept his program at an elite level without much notice. Effortlessly torching defenses with a 148.7 QB Rating, 16 TDs and only 4 INTs – he is more than prepared to take on the stingy Seminoles defense in Tallahassee. Over the past two weeks, Notre Dame have shown their true colors and what was revealed? The Blue and Gold is a legit contender and can beat a team at their own game. Stanford was a low scoring struggle as they pulled it out 17-14, then turned around and won a shootout against North Carolina 50-43 the following week.
Does Florida State have the answer? Are the two being matched up like a WWE main event, hero vs. villain? None of the press matters Saturday night, as both teams are playing with title hopes on the line.