North Carolina
Game Preview: Florida State at North Carolina State
Sport Introduction
Florida State (4-1) continues its portion of matchups in opposition to ranked opponents in a visit to Raleigh, North Carolina, for a contest in opposition to No. 14 NC State (4-1) on Oct. 8.
Each applications are coming off their first loss, however every has alternatives to stay in rivalry for the Atlantic division crown with no extra losses.
READ MORE: Mike Norvell, John Papuchis stay assured in kicking recreation regardless of Ryan Fitzgerald’s struggles
The Wolfpack have received 4 of the final 5 within the collection, together with two over head coach Mike Norvell.
Kickoff is on the ACC Community at 8 p.m.
Seminole Headlines
Effectiveness of offense in first half
In Florida State’s 31-21 loss versus Wake Forest on Oct. 1, the Seminoles scored their fewest factors of the season (21). Within the first half, they scored zero factors after their opening drive landing from redshirt junior extensive receiver Mycah Pittman.
Since arriving in Tallahassee, redshirt junior quarterback Jordan Travis has by no means began in opposition to NC State attributable to accidents. Within the street surroundings, a fast begin for the Seminoles presents benefits within the second half. Every drive would not want touchdowns, however first-half factors can be essential if the ‘Noles wish to keep away from their second loss.
Disrupting Devin Leary
In 2021, NC State redshirt junior Devin Leary threw for 4 touchdowns in opposition to the Seminoles. Leary completed 28-of-47 for 245 yards within the 30-20 loss versus Clemson on Oct. 1. He completed with two touchdowns (one passing, one dashing), but in addition threw one interception.
As a substitute of deep throws downfield, Leary operates within the intermediate and brief subject. If he is protected, he’ll discover open receivers and make performs the protection presents him.
Clemson recorded three sacks and 5 quarterback hurries in opposition to Leary. Florida State’s protection registered 4 sacks in opposition to the Demon Deacons. The Seminoles’ move rush and redshirt sophomore defensive finish Jared Verse may replicate their efficiency. NC State’s offensive line is changing 2021 first-round decide and Carolina Panthers left sort out Ikem Ekwonu.
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Burning Questions
Does Florida State belief Ryan Fitzgerald?
Redshirt sophomore kicker Ryan Fitzgerald is 4-of-9 on subject aim makes an attempt this season. He missed each of his subject aim tries versus Wake Forest and has missed 5 of his final seven makes an attempt. Within the second half in opposition to the Demon Deacons, Fitzgerald was benched for 2 of the ‘Noles scoring drives as Norvell elected for two-point conversions.
If Fitzgerald continues struggling, the Seminoles purple zone offense adjustments dramatically. We’ll see two-point conversion makes an attempt and altered playcalling on earlier downs in the event that they’re treating it like four-down territory each drive.
Can the Seminoles run on the Wolfpack?
NC State’s rush protection ranks third within the ACC, permitting 94.4 dashing yards per recreation. The Wolfpack have three linebackers with 20+ complete tackles, together with junior linebacker Drake Thomas with a team-high 32 tackles.
Florida State’s plethora of redshirt sophomore working backs (Treshuan Ward, Trey Benson and Lawrance Toafili) recorded their lowest mixed dashing yards of the season with 120 yards in opposition to the Demon Deacons. Benson and Toafili every averaged lower than three yards per try.
The potential return of junior left sort out Robert Scott Jr raises the ceiling of the bottom assault, however dashing in opposition to the Wolfpack protection stays a problem in each state of affairs.
Forecast
Florida State hasn’t received in Carter-Finley Stadium since 2016. Not like the previous few conferences, the Seminoles have physicality up entrance to problem NC State on the line of scrimmage. Nonetheless, the Wolfpack use their home-field benefit and some second-half errors from Florida State’s protection to safe the victory.
NC State 28, Florida State 23
READ MORE: Florida State releases Depth Chart for North Carolina State Wolfpack
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