A crucial showdown on Notre Dame’s 2024 slate will see the Fighting Irish take on the Florida State Seminoles on Nov. 9, under the lights. Florida State, having made a strong bid for a national title last season, is poised to make another run. These two teams have squared off 11 times, with Notre Dame emerging victorious in the last three encounters, each time scoring over 40 points.
Mike Norvell, who is entering his fifth year at the helm of Florida State, previously spent four years coaching Memphis. Under his leadership, the Seminoles have bounced back from a rough start, transforming into a national contender.
After an initial 8-13 record, Florida State has achieved an impressive 23-4, including a 13-1 record last season. When the Seminoles arrive in South Bend, it could rekindle memories of their 1993 epic clash with Notre Dame.
Florida State’s offensive lineup is undergoing changes, including at quarterback, where Oregon State transfer D.J. Uiagalelei is slated to start. After brief stints at Clemson, where he faced Notre Dame twice and lost both times, he’s found a new home. If Uiagalelei falters, Brock Glenn is next in line.
Replacing top rusher Trey Benson creates some uncertainty, though Lawrance Toafili will likely step into the role. He’ll be joined by Alabama transfer Roydell Williams, who had over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Crimson Tide. Fresh faces like Indiana transfer Jaylin Lucas or recruits Kam Davis and Micahi Danzy could also push for playing time.
The Seminoles’ receiving corps is another area of change after losing top performers from 2023. While Kentron Poitier and Ja’Khi Douglas return, their contributions were minimal last season. However, Alabama transfer Malik Benson and LSU transfer Jalen Brown are poised for bigger roles, alongside Hykeem Williams. Tight end remains a question mark, with Kyle Morlock projected to start.
Offensive line stability is key to Florida State’s title aspirations, especially with Maurice Smith at center and Robert Scott competing for the right tackle job. Alongside them, Florida transfer Richie Leonard will likely secure right guard duties, while T.J. Ferguson is expected to take over at left tackle.
Defensively, the Seminoles boast talent across the board. Patrick Payton leads the charge at defensive end, having recorded seven sacks. At the opposite end, Georgia transfer Marvin Jones Jr. hopes to build on his potential. In the middle, Darrell Jackson and Joshua Farmer will anchor the line, with Farmer coming off a five-sack season.
Linebacker D.J. Lundy, after considering a transfer to Colorado, is back to add experience alongside Auburn transfer Cam Riley. Lundy notched 54 tackles last season, while Riley recorded 121 tackles during his time at Auburn.
At cornerback, Azareye’h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress return after strong seasons, combining for 18 pass breakups. Safeties Shyheim Brown and Miami transfer Davante Brown add more depth to the secondary, while Earl Little, another Alabama transfer, will play nickel back.
On special teams, kicker Ryan Fitzgerald and punter Alex Mastromanno return for the Seminoles. Fitzgerald was perfect on extra points last season and missed just two field goals, while Mastromanno averaged over 45 yards per punt. Deuce Spann will return kickoffs, with Douglas handling punts.
The last time Notre Dame faced Florida State was in 2021, when the Irish won a thrilling 41-38 overtime contest. After a back-and-forth game, Notre Dame secured the victory with a 41-yard field goal by Jonathan Doerer in overtime.