Preview: #1 Florida State @ North Carolina State
Date: 9/27/2014
Time: 15:30 ET
Players to Watch
Jameis Winston, quarterback (FSU): Winston will be a player to watch this week for the wrong reasons. Despite completing just over 70% of his passes, he has tossed just three touchdowns through two games as well as a pair of interceptions. With so much negativity also surrounding him off the field, it is time for him to take the season by the scruff of the neck and bounce back from his ban last week.
Rashad Greene, wide receiver (FSU): Greene has produced no matter who has been throwing him balls. He has 24 receptions for 418 yards and two touchdowns in three games and has emerged as a true number one wide-out.
Jacoby Brissett, quarterback (NCS): Seminoles’ head coach Jimbo Fisher admitted earlier in the week that he had recruited Brissett out of high school. The Florida transfer has a live arm with prototypical size and mobility. Through four games he has over 1,000 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and just the single interception.
Shadrach Thornton/Matt Dayes, running backs (NCS): Junior Thornton and sophomore Dayes have provided and excellent one-two punch. The pair have combined for 550 yards and eight touchdowns. Furthermore, Dayes has been dangerous out the backfield, hauling in 14 receptions with three going for touchdowns.
Seminoles’ Offense Vs Wolf Pack’s Defense
Running back Karlos Williams has not got off to the hot start many predicted and that could mean Mario Pender and Dalvin Cook get a few more touches. Winston needs to regain the form of the freshman we fell in love with. Greene and tight end Nick O’Leary will certainly help him regain that form.
The Wolf Pack’s defense is very young and must quickly cope with the spotlight that Florida State brings. Leading tackler Jerod Fernandez is a freshman, as is Thomas Teal who leads the defensive line with two sacks. They key here is not to be overwhelmed by Florida State’s senior presence and play their own game.
Seminoles’ Defense Vs Wolf Pack’s Offense
The Seminoles’ defense has been somewhat inconsistent through three games. After conceding 31 points to Oklahoma State they have leaked 12 and 17 to Citadel and Clemson respectively. Those totals rank the unit 30th in the FBS – far from a glowing review.
North Carolina State possess a dynamic offense that will threaten through the air and on the ground. Brissett will scare Fisher and if he can find a rhythm early it could provide for a tough game. Three wide-outs have caught 10 or more passes and all are sophomores or younger. Their inexperience could work in their favour if they can settle the nerves early with a big play.
Game Preview
Florida State come into this ACC contest with a lot of questions to answer but, ultimately, the top side in the country. The figures are not great but the results are there for all to see. North Carolina State will take home-field advantage and throw everything they have at Florida State.
Implications
The number one ranking is on the line every week for Florida State and a loss to NC State would see them tumble outside the top-15. For the home side taking the scalp of such a renowned team would vault them into the national spotlight.
Prediction
The Wolfpack have enough skill players to make this interesting. However, 60 minutes is a long time against Florida State. FSU 41-20 NC