Here are a few critical matchups to watch tomorrow. These guys won't be facing each other all game, but when they do, there will be moments that could swing the game.
Alec Eberle (#54) v. Kendrick Norton
Eberle is a 295-pound, low-rated center who has become a symbol of Rick Trickett's recruiting struggles. Because of his lack of strength, he has a tough time with powerful defensive tackles. Da'ron Payne of Alabama pushed him around, and Norton dominated him at times last year. If Norton can control the middle of the field, FSU will struggle to get traction in the run game.
Kc McDermott v. Josh Sweat (#9)
Sweat will line up everywhere, but I'm interested in the matchup on the blindside. McDermott had a great camp and has generally been solid this season. But he has a couple bad plays every game, and those bad plays have been terrible. Toledo's Olasunkanmi Adeniyi, an NFL prospect, beat him several times, and Duke's DE blew by him on Berrios's TD catch. Sweat sets the tone for FSU's defense with his energy and get-off. If McDermott loses his poise, Sweat is gifted enough to cause disasters.
Tyler Gauthier v. Derrick Nnadi (#91)
Nnadi doesn't get enough credit as one of the best DL in America. He beat up Nick Linder last year and caused a ton of problems for our offense. Gauthier is bigger, stronger and better than Linder. The offense took off when he took over. Can he hold up against his toughest challenge of the season?
Chad Thomas v. FSU's Interior OL
Chad is more of a disrupter than a finisher, and the havoc he causes as an inside rusher creates opportunities for guys like Joe Jackson. FSU's interior struggled with communication, technique and pure talent against Wake. Will they be able to handle the quickness of Thomas?
Overall, I think this will be a defensive battle decided by a few big plays. In the past, Dalvin Cook has made those explosive plays. This year, we have the elite playmakers in Ahmmon Richards and Mark Walton. Let's hope both guys are at full speed (I've heard nothing to the contrary).
The big plays can also be turnovers. Malik Rosier has made excellent decisions so far, but he hasn't faced a ton of pressure. James Blackman has already dealt with pressure but is only a freshman. Malik needs to be the smarter, more poised quarterback.
Lastly, I want to see the kickoff unit set the tone. They haven't been great this year, and FSU can make big plays (see Derwin James opening kickoff against Wake). It would be great to hear some pads popping early.
Alec Eberle (#54) v. Kendrick Norton
Eberle is a 295-pound, low-rated center who has become a symbol of Rick Trickett's recruiting struggles. Because of his lack of strength, he has a tough time with powerful defensive tackles. Da'ron Payne of Alabama pushed him around, and Norton dominated him at times last year. If Norton can control the middle of the field, FSU will struggle to get traction in the run game.
Kc McDermott v. Josh Sweat (#9)
Sweat will line up everywhere, but I'm interested in the matchup on the blindside. McDermott had a great camp and has generally been solid this season. But he has a couple bad plays every game, and those bad plays have been terrible. Toledo's Olasunkanmi Adeniyi, an NFL prospect, beat him several times, and Duke's DE blew by him on Berrios's TD catch. Sweat sets the tone for FSU's defense with his energy and get-off. If McDermott loses his poise, Sweat is gifted enough to cause disasters.
Tyler Gauthier v. Derrick Nnadi (#91)
Nnadi doesn't get enough credit as one of the best DL in America. He beat up Nick Linder last year and caused a ton of problems for our offense. Gauthier is bigger, stronger and better than Linder. The offense took off when he took over. Can he hold up against his toughest challenge of the season?
Chad Thomas v. FSU's Interior OL
Chad is more of a disrupter than a finisher, and the havoc he causes as an inside rusher creates opportunities for guys like Joe Jackson. FSU's interior struggled with communication, technique and pure talent against Wake. Will they be able to handle the quickness of Thomas?
Overall, I think this will be a defensive battle decided by a few big plays. In the past, Dalvin Cook has made those explosive plays. This year, we have the elite playmakers in Ahmmon Richards and Mark Walton. Let's hope both guys are at full speed (I've heard nothing to the contrary).
The big plays can also be turnovers. Malik Rosier has made excellent decisions so far, but he hasn't faced a ton of pressure. James Blackman has already dealt with pressure but is only a freshman. Malik needs to be the smarter, more poised quarterback.
Lastly, I want to see the kickoff unit set the tone. They haven't been great this year, and FSU can make big plays (see Derwin James opening kickoff against Wake). It would be great to hear some pads popping early.
