Delaware State @ Florida State preview

Florida State has used up all of its margin for error if it hopes to extend its streak of making a bowl game to 36 consecutive seasons, as it needs to win out to avoid an early offseason for the first time since 1981. The run of the Seminoles' three must-win games to qualify for the postseason begins Saturday when they host FCS foe Delaware State.

Following a 31-14 setback at No. 3 Clemson over the weekend, Florida State wrapped up ACC play with a losing mark (3-5) for the first time since 2006 and is in danger of posting its first sub-.500 record since Bobby Bowden's first year with the program in 1976. "Five minutes to go, we were right there and had a chance and we let it slip away from us. Give (the Tigers) credit, they made the plays they had to do to win the game,” Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher said after his Seminoles pulled within three points late before giving up two scores in the final 3:05. Florida State must defeat teams with losing records in Florida and Louisiana-Monroe after this week to keep its season alive assuming it makes quick work of the Hornets, who overcame an early 21-point deficit to upend Morgan State 33-30 last week. “There were so many turning points in the game … We faced a lot of adversity in the game, even after working so hard to come back. But every unit made plays that turned the game around," coach Kenny Carter said.

TV: Noon ET, RSN. LINE: NL.

ABOUT DELAWARE STATE (2-8): One week after throwing four interceptions to go along with a career-high three touchdown passes in a loss to Savannah State, sophomore quarterback Keenan Black threw for four scores - including one with nine seconds remaining - and one pick to defeat the Bears. Freshman receiver Trey Gross (24 receptions, 394 yards and seven TDs) did not catch a pass through the team's first five games but has quickly emerged as Black's favorite target, posting three 2-score games while averaging 78.8 receiving yards since. Freshman Nyfease West (team-high 361 yards rushing) gave the Hornets their first 100-yard effort on the ground this season with 110 yards on 19 carries, one week after running for a career-high 72 yards.

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (3-6): Despite rushing for only 40 yards against Clemson, Cam Akers led his team on the ground for the sixth straight game and has 735 for the season, trailing only Greg Allen (888 in 1981) and Dalvin Cook (1,008; 2014) for the most rushing yards by a true freshman in school history. Since registering 13 receptions for 99 yards through the first four games of the season, junior receiver Nyqwan Murray has tallied 19 catches for 411 yards and both of his touchdowns over his last five outings. In addition to collecting 4.5 tackles for loss last weekend, sophomore defensive end Brian Burns became the first player in school history to force two fumbles and recover a fumble in the same game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Jimbo Fisher is 8-0 against FCS competition since being named the head coach at Florida State in 2010, winning those contests by an average margin of 47.8 points.

2. Delaware State has averaged 258 passing yards in the last six games, compared to 154 in its first four contests.

3. One more loss by the Seminoles this season will end their streak of 40 consecutive winning seasons, tied for the second-longest run in college football history.

PREDICTION: Florida State 48, Delaware State 3