The 2016 Capital One Orange Bowl features two College Football Playoff Ranking top-15 teams — No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 11 Florida State.
This will be just the third meeting in the history of the two storied college football programs, and the first since 1991 when Florida State took down Michigan 51-31. The prior meeting came in 1986, and went Michigan's way in a 20-18 victory.
The 2016 matchup, set for Friday, Dec. 30, will be for Orange Bowl bragging rights.
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Dec. 30, 2016: 8 PM ET |
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Michigan
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KEY STATS
Michigan is second only to Alabama this season in yards per game allowed (253) and points per game allowed (12.5). Florida State scores 35.3 points per game and averages 474 yards a contest.
Something has to give.
KEY PLAYERS
Jabrill Peppers — LB, Michigan
Jourdan Lewis — CB, Michigan
Amara Darboh — WR, Michigan
Michigan's defense is clearly its forte, and with guys like Jabrill Peppers, Jourdan Lewis and Chris Wormley, they'll give Florida State fits all night. Peppers will affect the game on offense and special teams, too.
The Wolverine's offense hasn't been as good as the defense, but Amara Darboh is a legitimate threat on the outside and will test Florida State's talented cornerbacks.
Dalvin Cook — RB, Florida State
Deondre Francois — QB, Florida State
DeMarcus Walker — DE, Florida State
Dalvin Cook is a workhorse. He rushed for 1,620 yards and 18 scores this season, and was the second-leading receiver for the Seminoles with 30 catches for 46 yards and a touchdown. Deondre Francois finished the year with 3,128 yards and 18 touchdowns against just six interceptions, and will need to continue to be efficient against Michigan.
DeMarcus Walker put together an impressive season for Florida State, leading the team in tackles (64), sacks (15.0) and tackles for loss (17.0). He's a monster, and will give Michigan issues.
PREDICTION
Michigan's offense isn't world-beating, but the Wolverines move the ball well enough to get the job done. Florida State has a huge challenge on its hands with Michigan's defense, but Francois and Cook have the talent to make some noise.
In the end, Michigan prevails, likely with a defensive score along the way.
Michigan: 28
Florida State: 24
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