Before you convince yourself how big a favorite sixth-ranked Michigan is over FSU in Friday night’s Orange Bowl, perhaps you should re-consider the last month.
You know, when FSU was 4-0.
You know, when Michigan was 2-2.
Perhaps more things than momentum will matter when the two clash. But FSU has played its best football, especially on defense. Michigan has played well, too, especially in a double-overtime loss to Ohio State, but still, the Wolverines have lost two games in late November.
Still, Michigan ranks as the second-stingiest defense in America, behind Alabama, which is going to make it tough for FSU’s Dalvin Cook and Deondre Francois. FSU has climbed up to a respectable 29th in defense, but tough games against Louisville, USF and Clemson still hold the Seminoles down some.
One of the things that gives hope to FSU is the steady progression of quarterback Francois, only a freshman. He leads the Seminoles’ 24th-ranked offense (Michigan is 46th).
“To be honest with you, when Deondre came in and played, it was just as if he was an experienced quarterback,” FSU wide receiver Travis Rudolph told the Tallahassee Democrat.
“I mean, you guys probably think, ‘Oh, he’s just a redshirt freshman,’ but I feel like he played at the level of a junior or a senior.”
Francois came into the season wanting to earn the respect of his teammates and coaches.
“(I wanted) to become a better player each week,” Francois said.
“Just to grow. On the field and off the field. Basically, to get my teammates to trust me, to become a better leader, and just fight for my team.
