This week, we are trying to do something different. Usually, we cover the week’s most interesting looking football games. However, this week has seen a relatively limited slate of quality games. Indeed, the third best game of this week is probably Missouri against Purdue (after Clemson – Louisville and Florida – Tennessee). So we decided to try something different. This week, we will ask what could have been, and cover the games that aren’t going to be played, because of Hurricane Irma. At least next week will probably be better.
Florida State – Miami
Editor’s note: this game has been postponed to October 7
Had the matchup between Miami and FSU taken place this Saturday as scheduled, the result would have been particularly difficult to predict, thanks to a recent shakeup in the latter’s quarterback situation. Coming into the season, the Seminoles would have been the likely favorite, having won the last seven games in the series and possessing a more experienced and heralded roster on both sides of the ball, though following last week’s season-ending injury to Deandre Francois (as well as the expulsion of Deondre Johnson, the transfer of Malik Henry, and the lack of development of JJ Cosentino over the last few years), the Noles will be forced for the first time in the Jimbo Fisher era to start a true Freshman at quarterback in James Blackmon, a former three-star recruit out of Belle Glade, Florida. The Canes, meanwhile, are starting a relatively inexperienced quarterback of their own, as junior Malik Rosier won the starting battle this fall but has yet to start against an FBS opponent. Although the unpredictability of the young quarterbacks’ performances would have made for a fascinating spectacle, both teams will likely appreciate the added preparation time for their signal callers prior to squaring off against each other on October 7th.
– Eric Martinez, 2L
Indiana – Florida International
Considering the atrocious lineup of college football games for this week, allow me to take you through what would have been the game of the century had it not been cancelled. Indiana University vs. Florida International University. Last week IU was hitting on all cylinders with touchdowns on offense, special teams, and what should have been a defensive touchdown taken away by a bad targeting call. FIU rolled through Alcorn State, not trailing for a second of the game. It is no doubt that if these two teams met in Bloomington, we would have seen a high scoring showing by both teams, rising above the bottom tier quality of games this week.
– Will McElhaney, 1L
Georgia Tech – Central Florida
No one has accused either of these two teams of being predictable. Georgia Tech, after an unfortunate loss to Tennessee to open the season, would have come into this game looking for redemption. Central Florida has a decisive win over Florida International, for whatever that is worth. Both teams have seasons wide open with possibilities. This game probably would have answered questions about both teams going forward. But it won’t. Because it was cancelled. Oh well.