Florida State vs. Auburn
January 6th, 2014
Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA)
Florida State Season Review
Everyone expected Florida State to be very good, but they had one big question entering the season: How would redshirt freshman Jameis Winston play? Many expected him to play well, but make the typical freshman mistakes. Needless to say, Winston exceeded expectations, and then some.
Winston had an outstanding season, helping lead the Seminoles to a 12-0 record and throwing for 3,820 yards, 38 touchdowns and 10 interceptions and rushed for another 193 yards and four touchdowns, and he did all of this being pulled from almost every game since the Seminoles were ahead by a very comfortable margin.
The Seminoles also benefitted from an incredible defense, allowing less than 4 yards per play this season and statistically had the best pass defense, allowing only 152 yards per game.
Auburn Season Review
Auburn was the most impressive story this season. Last year, the Tigers went 2-10, with their only wins over Alabama A&M and Louisiana-Monroe in overtime.
After finishing dead last in the conference, coach Gene Chizik was fired and the school hired former offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to take over. The additions of Malzahn, and JuCo transfer, quarterback Nick Marshall, helped the Tigers do a complete-180, from worst to first.
Auburn turned everything around behind an incredible rushing attack, leading the nation with over 335 yards per game, and a little luck.
During the Georgia game, the Tigers won on a deep ball in the last minute when two Georgia defenders collided and the ball bounced into the hands of Ricardo Louis. Then, of course, there was the missed field goal returned for a touchdown in the Iron Bowl against Alabama.
The Tigers have a huge opportunity to continue the SEC's dominance. The conference has won the last seven BCS championships, and 10th overall out of the 16 years the BCS system existed.
Keys for Florida State
Passing Game: Auburn was 102nd in pass defense this season, so the advantage obviously leans towards Jameis Winston and the talented Seminole receivers.
With Kelvin Benjamin, Rashad Greene, Kenny Shaw and Nick O’Leary all very dangerous in the receiving game, the Seminoles will need to take advantage of mismatches, and based on how porous the Tiger secondary has been this season, that should not be too hard.
Play Smart on Defense: Auburn’s rushing attack is based around a lot of zone reads, options, and deception, so the Seminoles defense, especially the linebackers, will need to follow the ball closely and attack. They cannot afford to be overaggressive, as Auburn has shown all season they will make teams pay for it. In this aspect, Christian Jones and Telvin Smith are the key players that will need to step up.
Keys for Auburn
Get Pressure on Jameis: Auburn’s defensive line is loaded with talent, including Dee Ford, Carl Lawson and Montravious Adams. While the Seminoles have a very good offensive line, it will be very important for the pass rushers to get to Jameis and force him to make mistakes. The secondary has not been very good this season, so not giving Winston time to throw is a necessity, as he has proven this year he can dismantle secondaries.
Nick Marshall: The Seminoles defense is the most talented in the nation, where every position is loaded with NFL-2caliber players. Marshall is going to have to read the defense and make sure to make the right decisions, and take advantage of every chance. The Seminoles will not give them many opportunities for big plays, so Marshall cannot afford to miss any chances. Bad reads and bad throws will only give Winston more opportunities to put up points.
Predicted Winner: Florida State
Draft Impact
Greg Robinson (OT, Auburn): While Winston is the top draft prospect in this game, he is not eligible until 2015. So of all the eligible players, Robinson may hold that title. An incredible athlete who is an absolute mauler in the running game, Robinson has shot up draft boards among draftniks into Top-10 consideration. He will be competing with Jake Matthews of Texas A&M to be the top offensive tackle taken.
Kelvin Benjamin (WR, Florida State): Benjamin has incredible size (6’5”, 234) with incredible athletic ability. He has shown strong hands, a great catch radius and potential as a dangerous deep threat. His ceiling is limitless as he continues to develop his route running abilities and as a more reliable target. He could hear his name called in the first round in May if he declares.
Cameron Erving (OT, Florida State): Like Robinson, Erving is a great athlete at the tackle position, showing quick feet and has done an incredible job protecting Winston’s blind side this season. Erving is just another player in this game who could be a first round selection.
Dee Ford (DE, Auburn): Maybe the most talented pass rusher in this game, Ford has a great first step, and has demonstrated an ability to get to the quarterback, racking up eight and a half sacks this season, and played very well against top tackle prospect Jake Matthews. Watching him against Erving may be one of the best one-on-one matchups in the game.
Other Notable Florida State draft prospects: Devonta Freeman (RB), James Wilder, Jr. (RB), Rashad Greene (WR), Brian Stork (OC), Timmy Jernigan (DT), Christian Jones (OLB), Telvin Smith (OLB), LaMarcus Joyner (DB), Terrance Brooks (S)
Other Notable Auburn Draft Prospects: Tre Mason (RB), Chris Davis (CB)