The college football matchup between the Florida State Seminoles and the California Golden Bears, scheduled for September 21, 2024, at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, was highly anticipated. The game pitted the winless Seminoles, struggling at 0-3, against the undefeated California Golden Bears, who entered the contest with a perfect 3-0 record. Florida State, though, came into the game as slight favorites with a spread of -1.5, despite their rough start to the season. The Golden Bears had been solid, particularly on defense, allowing just 12.3 points per game and holding opponents to under 290 total yards per contest.
In their previous game, the Golden Bears convincingly defeated San Diego State 31-10, showcasing their strong running game and solid defensive unit. The Bears were averaging 27.7 points per game and had scored 10 total touchdowns across three games. Their ground game was particularly efficient, with an average of 158.7 yards per game on the ground, ranking 69th nationally. Defensively, they excelled in limiting opponents’ passing games and running attacks, holding opposing teams to just 3.5 yards per rush.
On the other side, Florida State had a tough start to the season, with their most recent loss coming at the hands of Memphis, 20-12. Despite their struggles, the Seminoles had flashes of potential, especially on defense. Offensively, they ranked near the bottom of the national statistics, with an average of only 274 yards per game. Their rushing attack had been stifled, averaging just 1.5 yards per carry in their most recent game.
The clash between these teams was a classic case of a strong defense against an offense struggling to find its rhythm. Although California entered as the more consistent team, the game’s result—14-9 in favor of Florida State—was a testament to the unpredictability of college football.
