Inside the schedule

Note: The Seminoles played Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday.

Sept. 2, Boston College, 7:30, ESPN

The buzz: FSU’s home opener takes the spotlight on Monday Night Football, with a smaller crowd of about 60,000 expected at a renovated Doak Campbell Stadium. Bill O’Brien makes his debut as BC’s coach, while RB Treshaun Ward (once an FSU standout) returns with dual-threat QB Thomas Castellanos (who began his career at BC).

Sept. 14, Memphis, noon, ESPN

The buzz: Mike Norvell faces his old program and one that won’t be a pushover. The Tigers added portal talent to an efficient pass game, led by QB Seth Henigan.

Sept. 21, California, TBD

The buzz: Cal RB Jaydn Ott is one of the top rushers in the ACC with 1,305 yards in 2023, although he was boom or bust (100+ yards in just five games).

Sept. 28, at SMU, TBD

The buzz: The Mustangs host FSU in their first ACC game and one of their biggest home games in years. If FSU can navigate September with a 5-0 mark, the hype will build for a playoff spot.

Oct. 5, Clemson, TBD

The buzz: DJ Uiagalelei faces off against his old program and the quarterback, Cade Klubnik, who replaced him. Can FSU make it two in a row vs. Clemson?

Oct. 18, at Duke, 7, ESPN2

The buzz: Manny Diaz’s coaching career began as a graduate assistant at FSU. He’s about to begin his first year with the Blue Devils, and this could be something of a trap game for FSU with Miami up next.

Oct. 26, at Miami, TBD

The buzz: FSU is 2-0 against Miami coach Mario Cristobal and has swept the state title the last two years. If the Hurricanes are as good on offense as we think, and the same holds true for FSU’s defense, this could be quite the showdown.

Nov. 2, North Carolina, TBD

The buzz: The Tar Heels are led by Max Johnson, a former LSU and Texas A&M quarterback who is also the son of FSU quarterback Brad Johnson (who guided Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl title in 2002). This is FSU’s final ACC game, so a spot in the league title game could be on the line.

Nov. 9, at Notre Dame, TBD

The buzz: A juicy November showdown between two teams viewed in the preseason as playoff teams. Uiagalelei threw for 439 yards and two touchdowns in a November 2020 win at Notre Dame.

Nov. 23, Charleston Southern, TBD

The buzz: A guarantee game shouldn’t be discounted, not after FSU’s loss to Jacksonville State (then in the FCS) in 2021. But FSU should have a chance to play its reserves and freshmen.

Nov. 30, Florida, TBD

The buzz: Every rivalry game has massive implications. FSU seeks a third straight win vs. UF, while Billy Napier could pick up a job-saving win.

— Bob Ferrante