THE BATTLE FOR NO.1 TAKING SIDES IN THE FLORIDA STATE-NOTRE DAME SHOWDOWN : COUNTERPOINT / Look for Seminoles to Be Stopped Cold

Seminarians yes, Seminoles no.

That’s right, I am picking Notre Dame to defeat, deflate and defrost Florida State.

Those poor boys from the orange-juice state will be beaten to a pulp.

Saturday, the South shall bend.

Here’s why:

--Temperature and Florida State points both in low teens.

--If game is close, Lou Holtz will squeeze referee’s head.

--Like Deion Sanders, most Florida State players still uncertain how much they want to play football.

--Only tarnished domes will be Seminole helmets.

--Charlie Ward’s new nickname to be: “Emergency.”

--Alumnus Burt Reynolds supporting Florida State, so obviously Loni Anderson to be for Notre Dame. You tell me: Which one inspires a football player more?

--Indian curse. No team doing insulting Native American war chant (Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Chiefs, Florida State) will win championship.

--Holtz far more afraid of Navy.

--Bad time for football heroes from Southeast (Bo Jackson, Dan Marino, Bernie Kosar).

--Bobby Bowden much too polite to officials.

--On last play of game, Ward drops back to pass, is tackled by Rudy.

--NBC to report Irish as winners, regardless of final score.

--Notre Dame so much deeper, Holtz’s son can outcoach Bowden’s son.

--Florida State fans distracted by big NASCAR race on TV.

--In huddle, Ward mistakenly diagrams basketball plays.

--Holtz’s biggest worry which of 47 quarterbacks to play.

--Gipper still ready if needed.

--Notre Dame has given us Joe Montana. Florida State has given us Peter Tom Willis. Pretty much all you need to know.

--Seminoles not half as good as whole Noles.

--If Maryland able to score 20 points vs. Florida State, going to be damn tough holding Irish under 100.

--Won’t be easy for Seminole receivers, wearing mittens.

--Notre Dame been keeping more Ismail brothers under wraps for big game.

--Controversial new book quotes 84 former Florida State players who believe team will never beat Notre Dame.

--Trouble begins when Deion dumps water on Notre Dame priest.

--College football expert Gene Wojciechowski of The Times says he is picking Florida State. Have been carefully following Mr. W’s football picks all season long. Am betting farm on Notre Dame.

Florida State 14, Notre Dame 19.