ESPN's new bowl projections give FSU football 2 intriguing SEC matchups

FSU could face a familiar foe when all is said and done.

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell during warm ups against the Louisville Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

As Week 7 approaches and the college football world gains a clearer understanding of where teams around the country stand in relation to the who's who and the who is not, there has been considerable discussion about where teams will ultimately land.

The No. 25 Florida State Seminoles started off hot, taking down No. 8 Alabama, East Texas A&M, and Kent State, but then plummeted in a double overtime loss to Virginia, and followed that up with another loss to No. 3 Miami.

The road to the College Football Playoffs seems unlikely for the Seminoles, but there is a path. Although most media pundits have Florida State slated for a lesser bowl game.

ESPN's Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach recently put out their Week 6 bowl projections and made some interesting picks.

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: Florida State vs. LSU

Florida State Seminoles tight end Jaheim Bell (6) eyes the end zone as he makes his way down the field on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023. | Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Florida State vs. LSU rivalry in the Mike Norvell era has been favorable for the 'Noles. Their last two meeting resulted in a thrilling 24-23 victory over the Tigers in 2022, and FSU followed that up with a 45-24 shellacking in 2023.

The Tigers sit at 4-1 so the rematch could make for an interesting one. It could be a chance for redemption for LSU head coach Brian Kelly or for Florida State's Mike Norvell to continue his winning streak.

READ MORE: Pitt's Pat Narduzzi explains why FSU football remains dangerous despite losing streak

Duke's Mayo Bowl: Florida State vs. Vanderbilt

Sep 20, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Earl Little Jr. (0) during the first half of the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Florida State has never played Vanderbilt in the modern era of college football. The Commodores currently sit at 4-1 and Bonagura has them pitted against the 'Noles, headed to Charlotte, but not for the ACC Championship, instead to the Duke's Mayo Bowl.

It would be interesting to see Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia face off against FSU's Tommy Castellanos. Vanderbilt's lone loss thus far has been to No. 8 Alabama.

The Commodores' schedule doesn't favor them, however, so this could be the reasoning behind Bonagura's decision. They face LSU, Missouri, Texas, Auburn, and Kentucky to finish the season.

This does go to show how quickly the world of college football can change. There are still a lot of games to be played, upsets to be had, alongside tears and cheers before it is all said and done. For the Seminoles, it all starts against Pitt this weekend inside Doak Campbell Stadium.

---

READ MORE: FSU football surprisingly stays ranked in the latest AP Poll top 25

Stick with NoleGameday for more FREE coverage of Florida State Football throughout the 2025 season

Follow NoleGameday on and Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

More Florida State News

• Florida State fans share frustrations after failed comeback effort against Miami
  

• 21 notes to remember from FSU football's 28-22 loss to Miami
  

• Mike Norvell apologizes for FSU football's loss to Miami: 'I'm sorry for the outcome'
  

• Jimbo Fisher visibly emotional in first trip back to FSU since departure