For a second straight season, Florida State opens with a new starter under center. Redshirt freshman Deondre Francois will make his first college start on Monday, and he'll do it against a top-15 opponent. The former Rivals100 signal-caller is a true dual-threat quarterback that can put a lot of pressure on the Ole Miss defense both with his arm and legs. However, it will be his ability to pass effectively, without turning the ball over, that will be the key to this matchup. Francois has drawn praise from coaches and teammates for his play in practice, but how effective he can be out of the gates in his first college game is the overriding concern.

Ole Miss returns three starters from a secondary that was average to mediocre in 2015. The Rebels finished No. 104 in passing yards allowed, surrendering an average of 259 yards per game. The pass defense didn't improve down the stretch as four of Ole Miss' last five opponents surpassed 300 passing yards, including a 442-yard output by Arkansas on Nov. 7. And the Rebels may have lost their best defensive back in Trae Elston, who led the team in interceptions and pass break-ups as a senior in 2015. Nevertheless, Ole Miss returns a lot experience from a secondary that helped create a lot of turnovers (15 interceptions) last season.

MATCHUP: Florida State boasts a veteran and deep receiving unit that should be able to get open versus an average secondary. Also, a more experienced offensive line should give the 'Noles' quarterback more time to find his targets. However, it's unclear how Francois will respond in his first college start and whether he can avoid turnovers, which were too prevalent in FSU's spring game last April.

WINNER: EVEN. While FSU appears to have the overall advantage in this matchup, you have to consider the potential downside of a rookie quarterback getting his first start against a quality opponent.

Unlike quarterback, there aren't any many question marks about the Seminoles' running game. The 'Noles are led by tailback Dalvin Cook, who set a school single-season record last year, rushing for 1,691 yards and 19 touchdowns. The talented junior battled nagging injuries last season but is back fully healthy. He also has added 12 pounds of muscle to his 5-foot-11 frame. And Cook is backed up by another former five-star recruit. Sophomore Jacques Patrick primarily came off the bench in relief of Cook last year but did start one game versus Syracuse, rushing for 162 yards and three touchdowns. However, FSU struggled at times in short-yardage situations and Cook was shut down in the bowl game when Houston stacked the box and dared FSU to pass the football.