Desmond Howard makes FSU's case as a CFP front-runner, calls Duke game must-see TV

Florida State has taken a back seat in the college football world over the last few weeks after being one of the stories of the season’s first month. But the Seminoles are back in the spotlight this week with a ranked matchup versus Duke in Tallahassee, Fla.

ESPN analyst Desmond Howard was on First Take live from Columbus, Ohio — where College GameDay is this week — as he explained how he feels about the team.

“They’ve got some quality wins,” Howard said. “When you look at teams like Florida State, top-ranked teams, you start to look at their opponents. Don’t forget, they’ve knocked off LSU. LSU has Jayden Daniels. He’s playing as well as any quarterback in the nation right now. And then they also went to Clemson and they beat Dabo Swinney’s team down there in overtime. They have some quality victories. I think Jordan Travis is having a phenomenal year. They have great receivers.”

Howard then lauded praise upon Keon Coleman. The dynamic transfer wideout came in from Michigan State in the offseason and has emerged as one of the top pass catchers in the country.

He even said there is a case to be made he is ahead of Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is widely considered the top wideout in the country.

“They think that Marvin Harrison Jr. is wide receiver No. 1,” Howard said, referring to the fans behind him on the campus of Florida State. “The people in Tallahassee, they may beg to differ because Keon Coleman be like, okay, hold my beer. Let me do what I do. I love what I see. They have a running game that’s pretty strong.”

Florida State and Duke face off Saturday in the Seminoles’ first game versus a ranked team since its season opening win over LSU. The Blue Devils enter at 5-1 and, like their opponent, are undefeated in conference play with a win over Clemson on their resume.

A win over Duke would be another huge win for Florida State on its quest to make it back to the College Football Playoff, but it won’t be an easy victory.

“I do think that they’re one of the top teams in the nation right now,” Howard said. “But playing Duke tomorrow. It’s gonna be a great test. Because just like Ohio State’s offense going against Penn State’s defense, Florida State’s offense going up against this Mike Elko Duke defense, it’s must watch television. I guarantee you that.”