Florida State's Fan Base Is Furious Over Paul Finebaum's 2024 Prediction
Paul Finebaum is making a lot of enemies within college football circles this preseason.
This summer, the ESPN analyst has frequently bashed USC head coach Lincoln Riley, called out Colorado, and labeled Michigan a "marginal" playoff contender. Finebaum seemed to dial up the "hot take" lever even more when discussing Florida State's 2024 outlook.
On Tuesday's First Take, Finebaum declared that the No. 10 Seminoles "have no business being in the top 10" of the AP preseason poll. He then took what felt like an unnecessary shot at a program excluded from the College Football Playoff despite going undefeated.
"They lost the guts of their defense. They have a quarterback [DJ Uiagalelei] who has certainly been around and remains a question mark," Finebaum said. "And I think they also have a hangover. I think they used up too many tears crying about not getting in the playoffs. That may slow them down a little bit."
Fans didn't take Finebaum's dig lying down. Several Seminoles supporters pushed back on social media.
"Okay, in a few months, facts will no longer care about your feelings," a fan said. "Also, I think FSU lives in his head rent-free."
"Maybe those tears can water the top of your head so some hair can sprout," a fan wrote.
"Reminder that Paul Finebaum’s job description is to be an SEC propagandist, not to analyze football," a fan claimed.
"Bookmark this Noles," a fan advised. "Going to be fun whooping up on multiple SEC teams and trolling this dude again early next year."
Finebaum also pointed to Florida State's difficult schedule that includes matchups against No. 7 Notre Dame, No. 14 Clemson, and No. 19 Miami. However, he predicted Mike Norvell's team will stumble against a "run of the mill" ACC opponent.
FSU opens the 2024 season with a Week Zero showdown against Georgia Tech in Dublin. ESPN will air the game on Saturday, Aug. 24 at noon ET.
