Florida
Score Predictions For Florida State Vs. Cal
Florida State remains winless ahead of Week 4 of the 2024 season with the program looking to prevent its first 0-4 start since 2021. The Seminoles will conclude an early three-game homestand with a conference matchup against the undefeated Cal Golden Bears. After officially joining the ACC over the summer, the Golden Bears will play their first conference game on the road in Tallahassee.
Cal is 3-0 with an impressive win on the road at Auburn and home victories against UC Davis (FCS) and San Diego State. Head coach Justin Wilcox has the Golden Bears off to their best start since 2019 in what marks his eighth year guiding the program. The team has a chance to make a statement with a potential win against Florida State on the road.
Game Preview: Florida State Seminoles vs. California Golden Bears
The Golden Bears are bringing in one of the best defenses in the country. Cal is only allowing 288.7 yards and 12.3 points per game while tying for first in the nation with ten turnovers forced, including nine interceptions. On the other side of the ball, star running back Jaydn Ott is expected to play and backup Jaivian Thomas has averaged 7.8 yards per carry in his absence. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a Miami native, has done a good job managing games, completing 61/87 passes (70.1%) for 589 yards with five touchdowns to one interception while adding one touchdown on the ground.
Our staff provides their predictions and analysis as the Seminoles prepare to take on the Golden Bears.
I finally got my first score prediction “win” of the 2024 season though not in the way I was hoping. Once again, Florida State’s anemic offense could barely move the ball in an outing that wasted the best effort we’ve seen from the defense through three games. Obviously, quarterback play needs to be improved but the offensive line woes, drops, and perimeter blocking issues would make it tough for any signal-caller to have success for the Seminoles right now.
I do think the Seminoles had a better week of practice but that’s obviously something that can’t be trusted anymore. Cal, like Memphis, wants to come into Tallahassee and make a statement. It would certainly be something if the Golden Bears took down Florida State less than a year after it was revealed that FSU was among the teams to vote ‘no’ to the ACC’s new additions.
I’m in the same boat as last week heading into this one. Show me something to make me believe. That didn’t happen against Memphis and I’m not certain it’ll get any better against Cal. I’ll take the Golden Bears by double digits with a predictable outcome of DJ Uiagalelei and Florida State’s offense failing to consistently move the ball. Expect some boos in Doak Campbell Stadium.
2024 Season Prediction Record: 1-2
Golden Bears 21, Seminoles 10
Better water break energy and the potential of Mike Norvell putting in a different quarterback is what is going to be my Disney magical miracle that gives me the reasoning to pick FSU. I’m expecting DJ Uiagalelei to be the starter but at some point, we’ll see Brock Glenn. But like I said, it will have to be a miracle to happen.
I believe in miracles. FSU gets their first win of the season.
2024 Season Prediction Record: 1-2
Seminoles 21, Golden Bears 20
As I said last week, picking Florida State is futile until they prove they’re worth picking. I don’t care if the water breaks have been better (if you know, you know). I’m assuming this will be similar to the Georgia Tech and Boston College games, with Cal controlling the ball on the ground with limited possessions. The under seems like easy money here.
2024 Season Prediction Record: 1-2
Golden Bears 23, Seminoles 15
The outlook in Tallahassee is certainly bleak. “Disappointment” is the word getting thrown around these days, and it’s hard to fight that label when you’re a long way from the Top 10 ranking and pre-season playoff expectations you once held. Problems are mounting for Norvell’s team and solutions appear to be few and far between. Through three games, the Florida State Seminoles are sitting winless, and with each passing week, the program strays further from the standard set forth by last year’s team.
Despite coming off of a much-needed bye week, the Seminoles showcased little to no improvement when they returned to the field against the Memphis Tigers. Florida State’s rushing attack is borderline non-existent, sitting at 52.0 rushing yards per game, which ranks 133rd in the country. Quarterback play has been the subject of incessant scrutiny, and while DJ Uiagalelei certainly isn’t the sole person to blame for offensive inconsistencies, his deficiencies are a substantial detractor. (Plus, Cal is one of the nation’s leaders in forcing INTs with 9) Put simply, an average QBR of 43.1 isn’t going to cut it for an offense that currently relies on the quarterback for most, if not all, of its production. The remaining production has come from K Ryan Fitzgerald. FSU will need its offense to find ways to both push the ball downfield and result in more than just field goals if it wishes to take down a Cal football team that is averaging 27.7 points per game. On the other side of the ball, the Seminole defense found more success shutting down the run, getting pressure in the backfield, and getting off of the field on critical third and fourth downs. However, mistakes and mental errors proved costly against the Tigers. The Florida State defense will need to avoid those errors and recreate exactly what it was that worked against the run, because the Golden Bears are cruising on the ground as of late.
The California Golden Bears, on the other hand, are playing at a much higher level than most expected to begin the season. After defeating the Auburn Tigers in Jordan-Hare Stadium, it would appear as though Cal head coach Justin Wilcox has his team more than prepared for the level of competition within the ACC. Wilcox’s team currently boasts an undefeated record, and while many are quick to discount their opponents, I just find it hard for us, as recent viewers of Florida State football, to just assume that those opponents are worse off across the board. The Golden Bears do not need to adapt their gameplay for the likes of this Seminoles squad. If they can continue to find the end zone, score upwards of their average points per game (27.7) and hold FSU to right around their average points against per game (12.3) [which is entirely feasible], then there’s no reason to believe the Seminoles will prove to be any different. Regardless, you can expect Cal to roll into Doak Campbell Stadium with the utmost confidence (if their Twitter fanbase isn’t already proof enough).
Florida State and Cal will face off for the first time in the history of these two football programs, and the context could not be further from the pre-season expectation. The winless Seminoles are desperate for their first victory of 2024 and the undefeated Golden Bears are eager to begin ACC conference play on the right foot. Vegas oddsmakers are siding with the Seminoles at (-2.5) and ESPN’s matchup predictor gives FSU a 59.3% At this point, I truly don’t know what they’ve seen week in and week out to continue to give a slight edge to the ‘Noles. As many of my peers have stated, there’s no sense in predicting in favor of the Seminoles until they prove otherwise, and throughout the last few games and a handful of practices, they have not proven otherwise. The “homer” in me wants to secretly slide this prediction in here as a form of reverse psychology and buy-in to Justin Cryer’s emphatic statements that this team will get things right. On the other hand, I’m finding it hard to hang my hat on anything positive as of late. Even with the increased water break energy at practice (which gives FSU at least an extra Fitzgerald FG in my book), I think Cal is just playing cleaner, consistent football right now, and sometimes it’s just that simple.
2024 Season Prediction Record: 1-2
Golden Bears 28, Seminoles 13
FSU opens up yet again as a favorite despite starting the season at 0-3 and being unable to translate practice performances to success on the field. There isn’t much to say. The Seminoles will have to put it together to beat Cal.
Cal leads the country this season in interceptions (9), and that, paired with FSU quarterback DJ Uiagalelei’s two picks in the last two games, could make it difficult for the Seminole offense to get going. There are questions on the offensive line for the ‘Noles, and they have yet to prove anything on defense in the run game.
Meanwhile, Cal boasts a heavy rushing attack and will return starter Jaydn Ott, who is coming off an injury. Their backup running back, Jaivian Thomas, had a monster game against San Diego State, where he rushed for 169 yards on 17 carries. Florida State will have its hands full, and although I don’t expect a blowout, I don’t expect FSU to be 1-3 when it is all said and done.
Will having offensive coordinator Alex Atkins back make the difference? Time will tell, but I can’t predict a Florida State win until they prove it on the field.
2024 Season Prediction Record: 0-3
Golden Bears 24, Seminoles 20
Another disappointment is brewing in Tallahassee. The Seminoles’ offense is reaching disastrous levels after putting up just 12 points on Memphis. Cal is putting together a strong start to their season, with Florida State doing the opposite. Until Mike Norvell’s squad proves they can win a game, it’s easy to pick against them.
2024 Season Prediction Record: 1-2
Golden Bears 24, Seminoles 17
If you had told me a month ago that I would be picking Cal to beat FSU I would have laughed, but here we are. Through three games, Cal has done what they need to do to win, and although their offense hasn’t been particularly dominant, as they have averaged just under 28 points per game against relatively easy opponents, the Seminoles haven’t done any better, averaging 16 points per game, with a worse offensive performance each week.
I can’t emphasize enough how important turnovers will be on Saturday. Had FSU not turned the ball over three times against Memphis, the ‘Noles probably would have won the game assuming the 10 points Memphis scored during those possessions were taken off the board. Through three games, FSU has not won the turnover margin once, whereas Cal has seen the winning side of things in all three games they have played. If FSU wants to win, they need to force turnovers rather than give the ball away.
I do see a different energy in the team, I don’t think it’s where it needs to be for them to be the dominant force they statistically should have been, but I think things are probably trending in the right direction. Even with that being said, this is going to be Cal’s Superbowl, and they have all the momentum they need to come in and upset the Seminoles.
2024 Season Prediction Record: 1-2
Golden Bears 24, Seminoles 17
With the California Golden Bears coming to town, no one expected the 0-3 team to be Florida State. However, that’s the predicament the Seminoles find themselves in.The run game defense stepped up significantly last week against Memphis, but Cal maintains an even better ground attack. They also have the second best turnover margin in the country. FSU is in the bottom tier in that regard. Moreover, Florida State’s offense has been abysmal. I’m not the greatest evaluator of talent; maybe DJ Uiagalelei is performing better in practice than Brock Glenn or Luke Kromenhoek, but if things start going south against Cal, what do you have to lose? At some point, there needs to be a change to see if the offense can gain a spark.If things come to that point, the game will likely be out of reach anyway.
2024 Season Prediction Record: 1-2
Golden Bears 34, Seminoles 20
CONSENSUS: California (7-1)
READ MORE: FSU Football Labeled Most Disappointing Program This Season
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Florida
South Florida leaders take preventative safety measures after the U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran
South Florida leaders are taking preventative measures to keep residents safe after the U.S. and Israel launched major strikes on Iran early Saturday morning.
Miami-Dade County mayor Daniella-Levine Cava issued a statement reacting to the military operation that President Trump dubbed on Truth Social as “Operation Epic Fury.”
The statement reads: “The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran poses serious risks to regional stability and international safety.”
She goes on to say that her thoughts are “with the people of Israel and the Jewish community here in South Florida who are watching these events with worry and uncertainty.” She also says the Iranian people “deserve peace, safety, dignity, and the freedom to live without repression.”
Of the Trump administration’s decision to launch the military operation, Levine-Cava writes: “Any military action taken without congressional authorization is a dangerous precedent, and we must learn from our nation’s past challenges. What must come next is a serious effort to restore stability and pursue diplomacy, not further violence.”
As for measures she will be taking, she says she asked her Chief of Public Safety to “ensure public safety agencies are aware and ready to activate plans in case of any disruption.”
The Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz also issued a statement saying that MDSO is “taking immediate security measures by increasing patrols to ensure the safety of our residents.” She said that they have increased security presence around places of worship, cultural centers, and schools.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the servicemen and women protecting our national security interests around the globe,” Cordero-Stutz wrote.
Aventura Police have also responded to the current situation on X, saying that they are monitoring the “current situation in the Middle East with our local, state, and federal partners.”
They go on to say: “At this time, there are no known or credible threats to the U.S. or Miami-Dade County.” However, they note that in “an abundance of caution,” they will be increasing security in religious facilities and other locations they deem as “sensitive” throughout the city.
The City of Miami Beach also posted its statement to X, saying it is also “closely monitoring the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.” They also note that at this time, there are no known credible threats to the city.
They write: “Out of an abundance of caution, we have increased our uniformed presence at synagogues, schools, and other key locations citywide. We remain in close coordination with our law enforcement partners and leaders within the faith-based community.”
They also urge residents to report any “suspicious or unlawful activity” to call their non-emergency number at 305-673-7901 or, if it is an emergency, call 911.
Other cities’ police departments, such as Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, and Hallendale Beach, posted on their social media that they will also increase security measures after the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran.
Austin Smotherman will carry a three-stroke lead into the weekend at the Cognizant Classic at The Palm Beaches.
Smotherman followed his opening 62 with a 2-under-par 69 on Friday at PGA National’s Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. That brought him to 11 under, comfortably clear of Taylor Moore, who is in second after his second straight 4-under 67.
Cognizant Classic scoreboard
“Yeah, leading a PGA Tour event, come on, pretty awesome,” Smotherman said.
Smotherman, 31, is in fine position for his first win on the PGA Tour since turning pro a decade ago. He has won three times on the Korn Ferry Tour, including last June.
Afterwards, he credited himself with playing “Austin Smotherman golf.” When asked what that meant, he responded, “as boring and simple as it can be.
“That’s what I want to do out there. I feel like I ball strike it good enough to have that kind of boring golf, a bunch of fairways ideally,” he said.
He suffered three bogeys Friday after a bogey-free opening round, but the key stretch for him after starting on the back nine was between Nos. 17 and 3. He birdied four holes in that stretch, starting with a 54-foot bomb at the par-3 17th hole.
“Anything under par I thought would have been (good) following up a round like yesterday, which was a special one,” he said, “and try not to get too far ahead of myself thinking I’m going to make every long putt I’m looking at, like kind of was the feeling yesterday, and then today I still make a 55-footer on 17.”
Moore overcame a bogey in each half of his round with three birdies on either nine, more than counterbalancing the rough patches to earn his second straight solid score.
“I think very different 67s,” Moore said when comparing his rounds. “I didn’t hit many fairways yesterday, kind of grinded a lot, had a couple chip-ins, which obviously helps. I thought I struck the ball much better today. Drove it in the fairways on the par-5s, I felt like. Yeah, still had a few up-and- downs, obviously, with the tough windy conditions this afternoon, but overall I thought it was solid.”
Canadian A.J. Ewart had the round of the day, a 64 that powered him to 7 under for the week. He’s tied with Colombia’s Nico Echavarria (72), and Joel Dahmen is in fifth at 6 under after a second consecutive 68.
Ewart, who played for nearby Barry University in college, came in with some familiarity.
“We used to come and watch this tournament when I was at school. I think I came up here twice, maybe three times and watched,” Ewart said. “I had never actually played the golf course, but I felt like I knew it just from watching it.”
Irishman Shane Lowry, one of the most recognizable players in the field, is in a large knot for sixth at 5 under after posting a 67. Defending champion Joe Highsmith made the cut on the number at even par.
Notable players who missed the cut included Webb Simpson (1 over), Gary Woodland (2 over), Matt Kuchar (2 over) and Canada’s Adam Hadwin (3 over).
Kim maintains narrow lead in Singapore
Auston Kim maintained a narrow lead over three seasoned competitors with a 3-under-par 69 on Friday at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore.
Kim carded five birdies and a double-bogey at the par-5 16th hole at Sentosa Golf Club to move to 9-under par, one shot ahead of major champions Minjee Lee of Australia (64 on Friday) and Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn (67) and three- time LPGA Tour winner Haeran Ryu of South Korea (68).
Lurking two shots back at 7-under in the no-cut event are Australia’s Hannah Green (66), Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen (68), Sweden’s Linn Grant (69) and England’s Mimi Rhodes (69).
Kim, an LPGA Tour member since 2024, has been knocking on the door of her first tour win. The American has eight finishes in the top 10 and was the runner-up at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship last season.
“I think just sticking to my process. I’m trying to earn each shot and win each shot and win each day,” Kim, 25, said of her strategy heading into the weekend. “I can put a hundred percent of my focus into every single shot and try my best to execute each time, I’ll do well.”
Lee soared into contention with an eagle at the par-4 second hole and six birdies in a bogey-free round.
“I think just I holed a few more putts out there,” Lee said of the difference between Friday’s play and her opening-round of 72. “I holed a few long ones and I also holed out for eagle on the second. That always helps the score.”
Jutanugarn had six birdies, including three straight from holes Nos. 5-7, and one bogey.
Ryu collected four birdies in a round free of bogeys, but not free from pain.
“Today, my neck was so bad and I cannot turn it around, it’s so hard, my neck,” Ryu said. “But yeah, golf is not perfect. I just think about it, just hit the fairway and the green. Yeah, that’s good for me. There’s a lot of birdies, and yeah, I’m so happy.”
Angel Yin matched Lee for the low round of the day with a 64 to move into a tie for ninth at 6-under.
Defending champion Lydia Ko of New Zealand (72) remained a 2-under posting four birdies and four bogeys.
World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand is tied for 33rd at 1-under after a round of 70.
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