5 “Different” Things to Watch When Florida State Takes the Field

 Running Back by Committee?

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Mario Pender might be lost for the season due to academics, but that doesn’t mean Florida State won’t have an ultra-talented backfield. With experienced players like James Wilder Jr. and Devonta Freeman as well as young pup, Ryan Green, the Seminoles should still have a backfield that runs three-deep.

It is strange that the loss of Pender has hurt Nole Nation’s feelings as much as it has. Yes, I understand that everyone was excited to see Pender showcase his speed and be a great alternative type of running back, but it’s not as if Florida State lost the reincarnation of Jim Thorpe — they lost Mario Pender. A fast running back that has yet to play a down of college football.

While everyone expects Wilder Jr. and Freeman to be the workhorses (rightfully so), keeping an eye on Green will also prove to be a smart move. Green entered the program as more of an “athlete” than a running back, but that was before he impressed coaches with his speed and ability to hit the hole better than expected. I’m not saying he is going to be Warrick Dunn, although, if there were never such a dude named Pender on this team I think it is safe to assume fans would have been salivating over Green the way they have done to the kid on academic suspension.

Green may very well only end up with a handful of carries, but seriously, I am telling you, he is going to be pretty good. He is also the third running back in the rotation — the same thing that was expected from Pender. Expect Fisher to use the running back committee approach and use the hot hand whenever it is on fire. Don’t be shocked if Green ends up being in that situation on Monday night.