Florida State vs. NC State: Complete Game Preview
No. 1 Florida State has had to use two gritty performances to open 3-0.
The Seminoles needed a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns to hold off Oklahoma State 37-31 in the season opener. And on Saturday they used a few late defensive stands and a Karlos Williams touchdown run in overtime to take a 23-17 win over Clemson.
Now FSU moves into a softer part of its 2014 schedule. The Seminoles' next three games are at North Carolina State (4-0) on Saturday, back home for Wake Forest (2-2) on Oct. 4 and at Syracuse (2-1) Oct. 11.
While N.C. State is 4-0, the Wolfpack haven't been tested. They rallied in the final two minutes to edge Georgia Southern 24-23 in the opener and then defeated Old Dominion 46-34, South Florida 49-17 and Presbyterian 42-0.
Here's a look at FSU's matchup at North Carolina State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
FSU Keys to Victory
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Forget the 2012 loss
Only a handful of FSU players remain from the team that lost 17-16 at NC State in 2012. Since then, FSU has not lost a conference game.
Coach Jimbo Fisher said the team learned plenty from the frustration of that loss. The main lesson was to never underestimate an opponent, even while ahead 16-0 at the half. FSU players were in search of revenge last year and got it with a 49-17 dismantling of the Wolfpack. But they have moved on. Any lingering memories of what happened in 2012 should be less emotional and more educational—a lesson learned.
Establish the run
FSU had 106 rushing yards against Oklahoma State and 13 rushing yards vs. Clemson. Toss out a 210-yard game against The Citadel, and the Seminoles are averaging just 2.1 yards per carry on 58 rushes against Football Bowl Subdivision competition.
What made the 2013 FSU team an offensive juggernaut were 42 rushing touchdowns and 40 passing touchdowns from Jameis Winston. The offensive balance is lacking in 2014 for two reasons: shaky offensive line play and senior Karlos Williams' struggles to run between the tackles.
Williams had two big runs in overtime, the last one a 12-yard touchdown that helped FSU beat Clemson. But those runs mask plenty of problems. If the Seminoles want to have any shot at reaching the College Football Playoff, they need to fix the ground attack.
NC State Keys to Victory
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Take pressure off Brissett
NC State has a star at quarterback in Jacoby Brissett, but the Wolfpack love to run the ball. Through four games, NC State has 995 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns and an average of 6.3 yards per carry.
The Wolfpack have a trio of talented backs. Shadrach Thornton leads the team with 283 rushing yards and five touchdowns, but Matt Dayes (7.6 yards per carry) and Tony Creecy (6.5 yards per carry) have been very good.
FSU allowed Oklahoma State to run for 161 yards. Clemson tried to run the option but was held to 40 carries for 101 yards. If the Wolfpack can't run, this game could get out of hand.
Defense needs to play like veterans
Some of NC State's top defensive players are still very inexperienced. Leading tackler Jerod Fernandez is a redshirt freshman, as is Thomas Deal, the top defensive lineman this season.
The Wolfpack have played 21 freshmen this season, according to 247Sports' Chris Nee. This is a senior-filled Florida State offense that will test a young NC State defense.
FSU Players to Watch
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Jameis Winston
After Sean Maguire led FSU to a win by throwing for 305 yards, Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston returns to start on Saturday afternoon. What impact will the one-game suspension have? How motivated will he be when he returns to the field?
On the road, opposing stars are expected to hear comments from rival fans. Winston would be best to tune them out and let his performance speak for itself.
Terrance Smith and Reggie Northrup
Terrance Smith developed into a starter last season, and Reggie Northrup was a backup who saw plenty of playing time. Both players have emerged as dependable linebackers this season.
Smith led FSU with 13 tackles and showed his range in quickly moving east or west to bring down receivers and tailbacks. He leads the team with 30 tackles. Northrup had eight tackles against Clemson and is a physical tackler who breaks up running plays in the backfield or at the line of scrimmage. He already has 25 tackles.
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NC State Players to Watch
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Jacobby Brissett
Jimbo Fisher said Monday that he had recruited Brissett, who is from West Palm Beach, Florida. He said Brissett has a strong arm, can make all the throws and is more mobile than one might expect from a quarterback who is 6'4'' and 235 pounds.
The junior, who transferred from Florida, has been stellar so far this season—albeit against a relatively soft early schedule. He has completed 83 of 119 passes (69.7 percent) for 10 touchdowns and just one interception.
Matt Dayes
Just 5'9'', Dayes is a load at 205 pounds. The sophomore has averaged 7.6 yards per carry and has 267 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Jerod Fernandez
The freshman linebacker leads the team with 35 tackles. He had 12 tackles in Saturday's win over Presbyterian.
What They're Saying
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FSU coach Jimbo Fisher
On Sean Maguire: "I thought he did an outstanding job as far as handling his emotions."
On what the win showed, especially without Jameis Winston: "Jameis is a great football player. But there's a lot of great football players here."
On playing NC State in 2012, when FSU blew a 16-point halftime lead and lost 17-16: "That loss may have had a huge impact on what happened the other night (vs. Clemson)."
On defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, who hurt his ankle in FSU's win two weeks prior to the Clemson game: "Eddie Goldman was wow. He needs to hurt his ankle more often."
On punter Cason Beatty, who had struggled but had eight punts for a 40.4-yard average vs. Clemson: "From a guy that has been maligned and pushed...he was a huge part of our success."
FSU defensive tackle Eddie Goldman
On the 2012 loss at N.C. State: "I remember it but that was a different team. And they're a different team, too. ... We didn't really finish. We relaxed because we were up 16-0 at the half. We learned a big lesson."
NC State coach Dave Doeren
"We're looking forward to a great atmosphere. I know our fans are going to show up and I look forward to that. It's a great opportunity and a great challenge for our football team. We're excited about playing Florida State at home and I know our guys will be locked in with their preparation. Obviously, when we played down there a year ago we left with a bad taste and we want to play this football team a lot better than we did a year ago."
"The offense has maybe the best receiver we'll see all year in [Rashard] Greene. I don't know how many
great receivers Florida State has had, but to be the guy that can say you were the leading receiver for four
straight years says a lot about his ability. He’s a very good football player."
NC State quarterback Jacoby Brissett
"I feel like I'm getting better each week. We're translating what we do in practice to the field and it's showing evidence in the game."
Prediction
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NC State needed a touchdown in the final two minutes to defeat Georgia Southern. And the Wolfpack were trailing in the third quarter against Old Dominion. And both of those games were at home.
The Wolfpack have a very talented quarterback in Brissett but don't have much around him.
While FSU fell flat in the second half and was upset at NC State 17-16 in 2012, these teams are far different than they were two years ago. FSU has depth at every position, while NC State is still in rebuilding mode under Dave Doeren. Don't expect a repeat performance by NC State.
The Seminoles have struggled to establish a running game, and the defense allowed Clemson to sustain drives early in the game. FSU is still a work in progress but should have little problem with NC State.
Florida State 38, NC State 17
Bob Ferrante is the Florida State Lead Writer for Bleacher Report. All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bob on Twitter. Stats courtesy of Seminoles.com and GoPack.com. All recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
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