Peach Bowl Preview: Houston vs. Florida State
Thursday, Dec. 31, 12:00 p.m. ET
Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga.
A perennial powerhouse and one of the nation's biggest surprises will go head-to-head in what should be a tight contest in the Peach Bowl.
Florida State isn't in the running for a national championship for the first time in two years after a 10-2 season. The Seminoles finished second in the ACC Atlantic behind undefeated Clemson.
Houston is fresh off an AAC Championship, and will continue its surprising season in its most notable bowl game since 1985, when the Cougars lost the Cotton Bowl Classic at the hands of Boston College.
From a statistical standpoint, both teams' strengths and weaknesses provide an interesting narrative. Houston's high-scoring offense will be tested against a stingy Florida State defense that didn't allow more than 30 points in a game this season.
HOW THEY STACK UP:
Houston
Record: 12-1
College Football Playoff Ranking: No. 18
Points per game: 40.6 (T-11th)
Points against per game: 20.5 (T-20th)
Total Offense: 486.9 yards per game (T-20th)
Passing Yards: 247.4 (43rd)
Rushing Yards: 239.5 (13th)
Total Defense: 381.3 (54th)
Passing Yards Allowed: 265.3 (110th)
Rushing Yards Allowed: 116 (12th)
Turnover Differential: +17 (3rd)
Florida State
Record: 10-2
College Football Playoff Ranking: No. 9
Points per game: 32.3 (47th)
Points against per game: 15.8 (5th)
Total Offense: 424.9 yards per game (45th)
Passing Yards: 244 (45th)
Rushing Yards: 180.9 (53rd)
Total Defense: 327.7 (15th)
Passing Yards Allowed: 185.8 (19th)
Rushing Yards Allowed: 141.8 (35th)
Turnover Differential: +4 (T-39th)
WHY HOUSTON COULD WIN: Houston will need to establish its dominant run game in order to win, although that's easier said than done against the Seminoles' defense. If the two-headed beast of quarterback Greg Ward Jr. and running back Kenneth Farrow heats up, Florida State will be on its heels, as it hasn't played an offense as potent as the Cougars' all season. Houston's opportunistic defense needs to step up to secure the win. The Cougars' pass coverage is vulnerable, to say the least, but a strong run defense and the third-ranked turnover differential in the country could limit the Seminoles' options.
WHY FLORIDA STATE COULD WIN: Running back Dalvin Cook was in the mix for the Heisman until Florida State lost to Clemson, and the Peach Bowl is an opportunity for the sophomore to stake his claim as the front-runner next season. Cook averaged 7.9 yards per carry in the regular season and racked up 1,658 yards and 18 touchdowns on 211 touches. If Cook can get loose, the cards will be stacked heavily in Florida State's favor, as quarterback Sean Maguire will be able to take advantage of a porous pass defense focused on stopping Cook. Despite its playmakers on offense, Florida State's consistency stems from its defense, which has more depth than any opponent Houston has faced this season.
IMPACT PLAYER TO WATCH: GREG WARD JR., QB, HOUSTON
Ward Jr. is the engine that drives the Cougars' offense. The junior pivot is one of the most electrifying players in the country, and put together a dream season in Houston. Ward Jr. completed 68.1 percent of his passes, throwing for 2,590 yards and 16 touchdowns to only five interceptions. His passing prowess is only half his skill set, as the dual-threat leads the Cougars in rushing, piling up 1,041 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Ward's stellar season wasn't frequently talked about, but he led Houston to wins over Memphis, Navy, and Temple when the Cougars' season was on the line, and he has a chance to shine on the grand stage come New Year's Eve.