Florida State University's football team is gearing up for a significant milestone as they prepare to play their first international game in program history. On Saturday, the Seminoles will face off against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

This game marks only the second time in program history that Florida State plays a game in August. The first occurred on August 24, 2002, when the Seminoles competed in the Eddie Robinson Classic against Iowa State at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

The Seminoles head into this game as the defending ACC champions and were voted as the top team in the 2024 ACC preseason poll by media at ACC Kickoff. With a remarkable record of 16 ACC championships and 10 undefeated ACC seasons since joining the league in 1992, Florida State sits at the pinnacle of the conference's achievements in that span.

Over the past two seasons, Florida State boasts an impressive record of 23 wins and only 4 losses, making them one of the most successful football programs in the ACC. Their 85.2% winning percentage since the start of the 2022 season ranks as the best in the conference and holds the fourth position nationwide.

The Seminoles are among a select few teams to have achieved double-digit wins in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, with 10 and 13 victories respectively. Adding to their impressive run, Florida State has secured 12 consecutive conference wins, making them the third-longest active conference win streak in the nation. The team also ranks fifth in the country for their active home (9) and road (7) win streaks.

Coach Mike Norvell and his coaching staff have retained all 11 on-field coaches from last season, marking the second time during Norvell's tenure that such stability has been achieved. Additionally, eight of the ten assistant coaches have been part of the program since Norvell's first season in 2020.

Building on their already strong lineup, Florida State has added transfer DJ Uiagalelei and two talented freshmen quarterbacks to their roster. Uiagalelei brings a wealth of experience, having played in 48 games and earned an impressive starting record of 30 wins and 10 losses. He has showcased his prowess by passing for 8,319 yards and 57 touchdowns, as well as contributing an additional 1,132 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground.

The Seminoles' running back room boasts a talented group led by ACC Championship Game MVP Lawrance Toafili. Toafili made a significant impact in last season's ACC Championship Game, rushing for a career-high 118 yards and scoring the go-ahead touchdown. The team has also welcomed renowned transfer Jaylin Lucas and former Alabama player Roydell Williams to strengthen their running back lineup.

Florida State's offensive line brings a wealth of experience to the field, with a combined total of 345 collegiate games played and 210 starts. This formidable group includes first-team All-ACC offensive tackle Darius Washington, Maurice Smith, and Jeremiah Byers, who were part of last year's lineup that blocked for the ACC's highest-scoring offense for two consecutive seasons.

On the defensive end, Florida State retains key players such as Shyheim Brown and Fentrell Cypress II, who were both All-ACC defensive backs. Azareye'h Thomas and Conrad Hussey, who were regulars in last season's lineup, add to the team's defensive strength. Their previous season's performance was outstanding, leading the nation in opponent completion percentage (48.3%), pass breakups (80), passes defended (90), and passes defended per game (6.43).

The Seminoles also boast an excellent special teams duo in Ray Guy finalist Alex Mastromanno and Lou Groza Award semifinalist Ryan Fitzgerald. Both players have been instrumental in the team's success and are entering their fifth season as FSU specialists.

As Florida State takes the field in Dublin, they will undoubtedly leave their mark in the history books as they play their first-ever international game. The stage is set for an exciting clash against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, promising an exhilarating start to the 2024 college football season.