Pre-game jitters thread: Syracuse vs. Florida State

The Syracuse Orange (3-4, 0-3) take the field against the Florida State Seminoles (3-4, 2-3) at 3:30 p.m. ET down at Doak Campbell Stadium (and on ESPN2 for those of us watching from home). You’re aware of this by now. But perhaps you’re looking for a place to deal with the stress of that impending “must-win” contest for the Orange. We may have what you need right here.

Below, we have your typical game week reading materials, as well as details on the most important early games before SU kicks off this afternoon. Does this help? Maybe not. But we tried.

• Everything you need to know about this one: TV, odds, history & more
• Syracuse is one of the country’s most penalized teams this decade
• Where have each of these squads fallen short this year?
• We talked to Tomahawk Nation about what to expect from the ‘Noles on Saturday
• ... and answer some questions about the Orange there, too
• Andy tells you five things to watch for during Syracuse vs. the Seminoles
• If you missed this week’s podcast, take a listen
• Fake Nunes: Syracuse vs. Florida State
• You’re drinking during this one, so here are our picks
• #Disloyalidiots abound: Everyone’s picking FSU to beat Syracuse

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

And the games you’ll want to watch this week...

(all times ET)

Wisconsin Badgers (6-1, 3-1) at Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0, 4-0), noon (FOX)

Wisconsin’s getting off the season’s most embarrassing loss — to Illinois — while Ohio State’s one of the top-ranked offenses in the country and is averaging nearly 50 points per game. Even though five of the last six games in this series have been separated by a touchdown or less, the only reason you’re considering Wisconsin is the fact that the Badgers are allowing fewer than 200 yards of offense per game this season (tops in the country)... but Ohio State’s actually second in that metric.

Oklahoma Sooners (7-0, 4-0) at Kansas State Wildcats (4-2, 1-2), noon (ABC)

Speaking of great offenses, OU’s averaging over 50 points per game so far, and Jalen Hurts continues to put up impressive numbers since being installed under center to start the year (over 2,000 yards passing, 20 TDs). K-State’s found more success under Chris Klieman than perhaps most expected in year one, but his North Dakota State pedigree seems to have transferred over just fine. Big question will be if he can match the Sooners’ offense, though. KSU’s averaging 20 fewer points per game right now.

Miami Hurricanes (3-4, 1-3) at Pittsburgh Panthers (5-2, 2-1), noon (ESPN)

This is on here for ACC purposes only. Realistically, you don’t want to watch either of these teams on offense, and watching Pitt win is not exactly a feeling we’d like to relive just a week after having to do so up close and personal at the Dome. Miami’s defense remains pretty solid, but their QB situation is in flux. It’s also their first road game in over a month, while Pitt is looking to assert themselves atop the Coastal and clinch a bowl spot.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5-2, 4-0) at Marshall Thundering Herd (4-3, 2-1), 2:30 p.m. (Facebook)

You’re just trying to kill some time before the SU game at this point, so why not fire up a C-USA East clash on Facebook for an hour, right? Rather than the offensive showcase you’d assume, this game actually pits two top-60 defenses against one another, including the impressive Hilltoppers all the way up at 15th in terms of yards per game allowed. Keep an eye on WKU defensive linemen DeAngelo Malone, who leads the nation with 16 tackles for loss already.

Enjoy the early kicks. We’ll switch over to the Gamethread about 30 minutes out from the start of SU-FSU.