Game Preview: Florida State vs. LSU

Recreation Introduction

Florida State (1-0) enters its matchup with LSU following a 47-7 win versus Duquesne on Aug. 27, the place the Seminoles rushed for 406 yards. 

The group of redshirt sophomore working backs (Trey Benson, Treshaun Ward, and Lawrance Toafili) showcased vital upside, however face harder competitors in opposition to the Tigers. Redshirt junior quarterback Jordan Travis has a number of new weapons on the perimeter and certain sees a rise in alternatives (15 move makes an attempt versus Duquesne) in New Orleans. 

READ MORE: Florida State Seminoles launch depth chart for LSU Tigers

The Tigers are led by first-year head coach Brian Kelly, who defeated the Seminoles thrice since 2018 whereas at Notre Dame. Kelly will not announce a beginning quarterback till kickoff, but it surely’s between junior quarterback Jayden Daniels and redshirt freshman quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. 

Florida State defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and his secondary face off in opposition to some of the heralded vast receivers within the nation in junior Kayshon Boutte (38 receptions, 509 yards, 9 touchdowns in 2021). Boutte is complimented on the opposite facet of the ball by the Tigers’ veteran defensive position, together with senior defensive finish BJ Ojulari, senior defensive finish Ali Gaye and junior defensive sort out Jaquelin Roy. 

Kickoff is Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Seminole Headlines

Battle on the line of scrimmage

Florida State’s offensive line allowed one sack and one sort out for loss (TFL) in opposition to Duquesne and helped pave the best way for the Seminoles’ 406-yard speeding efficiency. Nevertheless, they will face one of many strongest defensive traces on their schedule with LSU.

In 2021, Ojulari led the Tigers with seven sacks and was adopted carefully by sophomore defensive sort out Maason Smith with 4. These two mixed with Gaye and Roy supply a sequence of challenges for FSU up entrance. 

Since arriving in 2020, offensive coordinator Alex Atkins has rebuilt the offensive line unit by way of the switch portal and recruiting. The left facet is highlighted by graduate left guard Dillan Gibbons and redshirt sophomore left sort out Robert Scott and might want to carry out all 4 quarters for Florida State’s offense to have success.

Development of passing assault 

Travis and the Seminoles’ passing offense did not present a lot of their plans in Week Zero, however Travis completed with 207 yards on 11-of-15 passing. 

Six completely different vast receivers caught passes, together with redshirt junior vast receiver Mycah Pittman, who tied for a team-high 4 receptions. He largely received targets within the brief passing sport and could possibly be a safety blanket for Travis versus LSU.

Redshirt sophomore vast receiver Johnny Wilson had a 51-yard reception, but in addition dropped a move and suffered an damage. His 6-foot-7 stature presents Florida State distinctive alternatives, however his standing must be monitored carefully.

LSU first-year defensive coordinator Matt Home makes use of a a number of defensive scheme and deploys his secondary in man and zone protection. He has three transfers at cornerback, together with Ohio State switch and redshirt senior Sevyn Banks. 

Burning Questions 

How does the secondary matchup versus Boutte?

Regardless that he appeared in simply six video games in 2021, Boutte had not less than 4 receptions in every contest. He recorded two 100-yard receiving performances in opposition to UCLA (148) and Auburn (127) and was gifted jersey No. 7, which historically is awarded to the Tigers’ finest participant.

Fuller has the choice of redshirt junior Renardo Inexperienced and sophomore cornerback Omarion Cooper, who missed Duquesne on account of damage. Regardless of who takes the primary snap at quarterback for the Tigers, it’s going to be a precedence to focus on Boutte, particularly in one-on-one matchups.

Can the Florida State defensive position rack up extra sacks?

In a positive matchup in opposition to Duquesne, Florida State solely registered one sack, which belonged to redshirt sophomore Jared Verse. Moreover, the ‘Noles did not produce one quarterback stress. 

The inside defensive position was thought to be one of many ACC’s finest throughout the preseason due to redshirt junior defensive sort out Fabien Lovett and redshirt senior defensive sort out Robert Cooper, however largely for his or her rush protection. 

We noticed how a lot completely different the protection carried out with a move rush final season due to former defensive finish Jermaine Johnson II. Sacks by no means inform the complete story of how a lot stress a defensive position creates, however the Seminoles have to prioritize growing their stage of havoc in Week 1.

Forecast

Florida State hasn’t defeated a Energy-5 program outdoors the Atlantic Coastal Convention (ACC) since beating Florida in 2017. Kelly had a front-row seat to the Seminoles’ close to upset of Notre Dame in 2021 and is acquainted with gamers like Travis and Robinson, however Florida State’s grown since then. LSU is breaking in a brand new head coach, new coordinators, and a brand new beginning quarterback. Norvell and the Seminoles put the remainder of the nation on discover with an in depth win.

Florida State 27, LSU 24

READ MORE: Former Penn State working again enrolls at Florida State

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