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FSU vs. Central Arkansas: Score predictions, analysis from FSU Wire
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- FSU vs. Central Arkansas: Score predictions, analysis from FSU Wire
The FSU Seminoles are entering their most important stretch of the season, but they have one more non-conference game to take care of before diving into ACC play.
The Central Arkansas Bears are coming to Tallahassee for FSU's final buy game of the season. It is the first time the two programs have ever met, and FSU will be looking to dominate the Bears, who are an FCS program and have never played an ACC team.
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They are Mike Norvell's alma mater, and he is still featured prominently in their record books. The matchup will give FSU's offense and defense a chance to get back on track after back-to-back losses saw them fall to 1-2 on the season. While the offense had its best game of the season last week, there is still plenty to clean up, and they have to keep improving.
FSU's defense has been terrible during their losing streak, but this is a great chance for them to get their confidence up. The game is set to start at 3 p.m. ET in Doak Campbell Stadium and should feature great weather .
Here are our predictions for FSU's game against Central Arkansas.
Matthew Lenix
Prediction:FSU 52, Central Arkansas 13.
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I think Ashton Daniels continues feeding Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy after both had good games against Alabama. I see Ousmane Kromah having his third 100-yard game of the year, especially with Samuel Singleton being on the shelf. Florida State 's defense will finally generate a pass rush, and they'll be able to stop the run. I see a few turnovers that lead to some easy scores for the Seminoles
Jacob Smith
Sep 19, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Ashton Daniels (14) runs against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
Prediction:FSU 67, Central Arkansas 9
The Seminoles will simply outclass Central Arkansas in all facets of the game. Unless this game devolves into a Jacksonville State in terms of unwatchability early and the Bears can get out to an early lead and destroy FSU's confidence, the Seminoles are going to be 2-2. Ashton Daniels should have an easier time reading the field against a weaker defense. Mike Norvell may even have an easier time coaching against the Bears, as he could recognize some of their old playcalling tendencies and assign a viable counter.
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JD McCarthy
Florida State Seminoles running back Ousmane Kromah (32) scores a touchdown. The SMU Mustangs defeated the Florida State Seminoles 27-24 at Doak Campbell Stadium after a game that kicked off on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026.
Prediction:FSU 45, Central Arkansas 13
The Seminoles should be able to cruise to victory on Saturday, with the offense looking to have another strong performance. Ousmane Kromah is poised for another big game against a struggling defense. The key for FSU is preventing turnovers and taking over the game early so that they can rotate in younger players to get them valuable experience.
Brandon Foster
Florida State football coach Mike Norvell coaches his players as they warm up after the game was delayed due to a power outage. The SMU Mustangs lead the Florida State Seminoles 17-10 at the end of the first half Monday, Sept. 7, 2026.
Prediction:FSU 42, Central Arkansas 13
Florida State desperately needs a game where it can play from ahead, clean up some of the mistakes that have contributed to consecutive losses, and build confidence before ACC play takes over the schedule. The Seminoles showed against Alabama that the offense can create explosive plays, finishing with 471 total yards, and Duce Robinson's breakout performance gives Ashton Daniels another element to lean on alongside Ousmane Kromah.
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Central Arkansas enters Tallahassee at 2-2 and is coming off a 27-9 loss to Southeast Missouri in which the Bears failed to score a touchdown. That makes this a matchup where FSU's defense needs to show tangible progress after allowing too many explosive plays through its first three games.
I expect Central Arkansas to make a few plays, particularly if Florida State's defensive communication issues linger, but the talent difference should eventually become too much. The Seminoles should be able to establish the run, create favorable opportunities for Daniels, and pull away as the game progresses.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU vs. Central Arkansas: Score predictions, analysis from FSU Wire
