Top-ranked Florida State was pushed to its limit at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, but left with a 37-31 victory over Oklahoma State. For the first time since November 23rd of last season and the first time in five games, the Seminoles will play in front of their home crowd as they take on the Citadel in their home opener.
On the line for Florida State is a new school-record as the Seminoles will look for their 18th consecutive victory dating back to 2012. Florida State aims for a fourth straight 2-0 start as it faces The Citadel for the first time in nine years. Noled Out editor Mike Ferguson and staff writer Jon Marchant break down this week’s contest with “Five Things”:
1. On The Citadel
Mike Ferguson: The Citadel is a FCS school from the Southern Conference that poses no real threat to Florida State although Saturday’s contest will give the Seminoles a chance to work on their run defense. In a 31-16 season-opening loss to Coastal Carolina, the Bulldogs rushed for 358 yards and complete just one pass.
Jon Marchant: Florida State plays The Citadel Bulldogs this Saturday in what should be a glorified scrimmage. The Citadel fell to Coastal Carolina 31-16 in their 2014 opener back on August 30th. The current spread is FSU by 51. FSU will look to rest some starters and iron out some issues it had against Oklahoma State.
2. Players to Watch for FSU
Mike Ferguson: What most fans should hope to see from Florida State on Saturday is extended playing time for young guys. With the defensive line wearing down late in the season-opener against Oklahoma State and Rashad Greene carrying the load at receiver, Florida State will need to rely on true freshmen to fix depth issues at those positions. Expect defensive tackles Demarcus Christmas and Derrick Nnadi to see plenty of the field for the FSU defense on Saturday and look for freshmen receivers Ermon Lane and Travis Rudolph to make an impact as well.
Jon Marchant: With Florida State holding an absurd talent advantage, the running backs should produce some electric runs this Saturday. The ‘Noles should use this weekend to fix the running game so look for the offensive line to return to dominant form and the running backs to make the most of their opportunities.
3. Biggest Concern for FSU
Mike Ferguson: After 17 straight wins and a hard-fought victory in Week 1, the biggest concern for Florida State in this one is complacency. The Seminoles will not lose to The Citadel on Saturday, but if FSU gets sloppy, turns the ball over or commits silly penalties, that could mean extended time on the field for the starters and fewer reps for the young players that need them. With Clemson looming in two weeks, Florida State must use Saturday as an opportunity to iron some of the kinks from the Oklahoma State game and to get a plethora of players some much needed game experience.
Jon Marchant: Aside from injuries, the Seminoles need to show greater focus and the hunger and the desire to be elite that they showcased during their magical undefeated 2013 campaign. This 2014 squad lacked that laser-focus against Oklahoma State and it almost cost them the game and perhaps their season. Coming out against The Citadel and showing that same 2013 will to dominate regardless of opponent will go a long way towards determining what this 2014 team is made of and whether or not they have what it takes to make a run at a repeat national championship.
4. X-Factor for FSU
Mike Ferguson: Special teams. While it’s easy to pick out what went right and what went wrong on offense and defense for Florida State in the season-opener, aside from kicker Roberto Aguayo making field goals, FSU didn’t have a great night on special teams. Cason Beatty had an awful night punting and the Seminoles struggled at times on kick coverage. Though there are many corrections to make, fixing the special teams woes will be important for the remainder of the season.
Jon Marchant: Since the outcome of the game is a forgone conclusion, the X-factor for the game is Dalvin Cook, the dynamic freshman running back. He did not appear against Oklahoma State and the home opener with The Citadel should be his coming out party.
5. FSU Wins If…
Mike Ferguson: Florida State won’t be falling to the Bulldogs, but Saturday’s game is important. For this to truly be a win for the Seminoles, FSU needs to correct mistakes from Week 1, play a lot of young players and build confidence for its ACC opener against Clemson on September 20th.
Jon Marchant: FSU will win if it shows minimal effort. It’s how FSU plays that will be the most important.
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