Tony Barnhart, CBS Sports:
On paper Florida State looks like the deeper, more athletic team, particularly on the defensive side. Yes, the Seminoles have had a month to get ready for Gus Malzahn’s up-tempo offense. Won’t matter. Florida State has not played in a tight game all season. If the game is close in the fourth quarter, Auburn will again find a way to win. Some people don’t believe in destiny. I do. Auburn is a team of destiny.
Tommy Bowden, Fox Sports South:
Everybody knows turnovers are a big factor in a game like this. That’s the easy answer. I think one of the more interesting matchups to focus on is the execution of Auburn and Florida State’s perimeter play. Can the FSU secondary consistently tackle Nick Marshall and Tre’ Mason in space? Can the Auburn secondary effectively defend the vertical passing game of FSU? A busted coverage or missed tackle is a potential TD with the quality of both teams’ skill. A lot of this game will be played in the other teams Red Zone, therefore the FG kicker could win the game. Advantage: FSU and Roberto Aguayo, the Lou Groza Award winner. FSU.
Jenn Hildreth, Fox Sports South/ACC All Access:
Auburn may be a team of destiny, but Florida State is a team of dominance … and defense. The Seminoles allow less than 11 points per game. Famous Jameis (Winston) and the offense put up 53. If Auburn can do what no team has done all season — force FSU to play under pressure in the fourth quarter — the Tigers have a chance. Otherwise, FSU wins it.
Carl Dukes, 92.9 the Game:
A key question to watch: Can Auburn get pressure with its defensive line or will the Tigers have to blitz? If Auburn has to blitz, Jameis Winston and Florida State’s receivers will hit on several big plays. When the Tigers have the ball, they have to stay out of long-distance yardage situations. Florida State has the more complete team, Auburn seems like a team of destiny. Auburn continues to live out the dream and wins another title for the SEC.
Wes Durham, Fox Sports South:
It’s kind of ironic that that BCS era will come to a close with Florida State against a surprise SEC team, because that’s the way it started when Tennessee upset FSU in Tempe. I think the Seminoles have been undervalued on defense all year long, and it’s the primary reason I think they win the game Monday night. There will be some big plays, but I think Florida State will make one more than Auburn.
Bob Rathbun, Fox Sports South/SportSouth:
After what the Tigers did to Missouri, I’m a believer! Auburn rushed for a 7.4 yards per carry against Missouri and for 5.7 against Alabama. The Tigers have improved each week. FSU will score its share of points, but will it be enough? This will probably come down to a special teams miscue. Not another wide right! Auburn wins.
Todd McShay, ESPN:
It will be high scoring but close. Florida State will struggle defensively and Auburn will be their toughest challenge of the year. I don’t think Auburn’s defense can hold up. FSU.
Rece Davis, ESPN:
In a game of great matchups, the one big edge I see is FSU wide receivers vs. Auburn defensive backs. I’ll say Rashad Greene or Kelvin Benjamin make fourth quarter plays to win. FSU.
Buck Belue, 680 the Fan:
This match-up is a tough call, but I’m giving FSU a slight edge overall. Just a little more firepower. Could see a Winston-to-Benjamin TD play being the difference in a tight game. Auburn’s run game is just a monster now, but the ‘Noles defense will benefit from the extra prep time. Lamarcus Joyner forces a late turnover. FSU 35 Auburn 31.
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