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Noles Face The Demons Saturday

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (CBSMiami.com) – The Florida State Seminoles are coming off of a much-needed bye week after losing to both Oklahoma and Clemson. Now, the Noles turn their attention to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

The Noles come into the game with a Top 25 defense that is allowing just 17 points per game. The defense held Oklahoma in check and only collapsed late against Clemson.

So, the Noles come into this Saturday's game against the Demon Deacons ready to prove a point that they are still an elite team in the country.

Luckily for the Noles, they are likely to have their starting quarterback on the field again. E.J. Manuel is expected to play, but will likely be a game-time decision. He's trying to come back from a separated shoulder he suffered in the loss to Oklahoma.

FSU's offense has performed well this season, putting up nearly 35 points per game. But, the running game has struggled mightily and head coach Jimbo Fisher has to rectify that as the Noles continue ACC play.

Just how bad has FSU's running game been this season? Out of 120 teams in the football bowl subdivision, FSU is ranked 115th. The Noles average just 79.5 yards per game through their first four games.

Luckily for Florida State, the defense has played well in a couple of games and for the season is giving up just 17 points per game. Still, against good competition, the Noles' defense has been torn apart.

For the Demon Deacons, they are averaging 34.5 points per game through four games. Wake has also struggled to run the football, ranking just 99th in the country and gaining just 109 yards per game.

But, what the Demon Deacons can't do on the ground; they certainly make up for in the air. Wake Forest's prolific passing game is ranked 16th in the country, averaging 314 passing yards per game.

The game is set for a 12:30 p.m. kick-off and can be seen on the ACC Network.

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