Florida State @ Wake Forest preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 25, 2010 ) Wake Forest 0, Florida State 31

THE STORY: Injuries and a porous rushing attack have thrown a wrench in 22nd-ranked Florida State’s conference title hopes. It’s not all gloom and doom in Tallahassee, however. The Seminoles have a very favorable schedule over the next month, starting with Saturday’s road game against Wake Forest. Florida State used its much-needed bye week to get healthy, and should have quarterback E.J. Manuel on the field this week. Manuel suffered a sprained AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder against Oklahoma. It’s unclear whether he or redshirt freshman Clint Trinkett will start, though.

The Seminoles have won the last two meetings with Wake Forest, ending a three-game slide in the series with a 41-28 win in 2009. Florida State leads the all-time series 23-5-1.

TV: ACC Network. LINE: Florida State -10

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (2-2, 0-1 ACC): The Seminoles are ranked 115th in rushing (79.5 ypg) out of 120 FBS schools. Trinkett (336 yards, 3 TDs vs. Clemson) has developed a connection with true freshman WR Rashad Greene, who leads the team with five touchdowns -- all of which have been thrown by Trinkett.

ABOUT WAKE FOREST (3-1, 2-0 ACC): Wake Forest has won three straight in the same season for the first time since 2007, and equaled its win total from all of 2010 (3-9). QB Tanner Price is off to the best four-game start in school history (1,119 yards). Price is up against the stingiest pass defense in the ACC, as FSU allows 174.5 yards per game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Counting this week, Florida State’s next five opponents have a combined record of 8-10.

2. Florida State CB Greg Reid is expected to play after two misdemeanor charges against him were dropped this week.

3. Wake Forest WR Chris Givens has 498 yards receiving – the highest total in school history over the first four games.

PREDICTION: Florida State 38, Wake Forest, 24 - No matter who’s under center, Florida State should have plenty of time to exploit the Demon Deacons’ defense, which averages less than one sack a game.