Florida State vs NC State Preview
Each week ChopChat’s Harlen Shackleford previews that weekend’s game, here’s the Florida State vs NC State Preview.
With all that’s happened over the past week and half — and with the memory of their last trip to Raleigh still stinging — if the Seminoles aren’t ready to play come Saturday, they may never be, here’s the Florida State vs NC State preview:
Florida State vs NC State Preview
The Florida State Seminoles travel to Raleigh, North Carolina this Saturday enjoying a school record 19-game winning streak where they will face an NC State team that hasn’t won an ACC contest since 2012. Given recent injuries this is not a guaranteed victory for the Seminoles who are still looking to appear dominant against a Power 5 program this season. Regardless of the outcome this is what should be expected in Saturday’s match-up between these two divisional foes.
When the ‘Noles have the ball:
Quarterback Jameis Winston has just two games under his belt this season being out against Clemson due to his suspension, while some teams have played as many as four games. This has not stopped Winston from throwing for 626 yards in those two games with a completion rating of 70%. Look for Winston to put up points as they will not be at a premium in this contest against a defense that has given up 719 yards in the air this season playing the likes of Georgia Southern, Old Dominion, South Florida, and Presbyterian. These four teams have a combined record that is just two games above .500. Much curiosity surrounds FSU’s run game this season as the ‘Noles leading rusher Karlos Williams has tallied 177 yards on 42 attempts through three games. With second string halfback Mario Pender inactive this game (concussion) expect to see Dalvin Cook and Ryan Green get reps behind Williams. If the run game fails to balance out on offense expect to see Rashad Greene put up numbers receiving that will insert him in contention for weekly ACC awards. The veteran senior receiver has racked up 418 yards on just 24 receptions.
When the Wolfpack have the ball:
NC State’s presents a backfield that has been nothing short of impressive thus far this season ranking 25th overall in total rushing yards. The Wolfpack have not shied away from incorporating various backs including Tony Creecy, Shadrach Thornton, and Matt Dayes. If NC State hopes to stand a chance in this game they will have to play excellent ball control to keep Winston from getting his numbers. Quarterback Jackoby Brissett has been nothing short of impressive against significantly inferior competition. Coming into Saturday’s contest Brissett has a completion rating of 69.7 with over 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns to just one interception. But Brissett should seemingly be held in check Saturday against an FSU defense that is allowing just 193 yards per game through the air.
Special Teams:
2013 Groza award winning kicker Robert Aguayo has been flawless so far this year going 7-7 with a long of 50 yards. All seven of Aguayo’s field goals have gone for at least 20 yards. On the latter, Niklas Slade has been far from perfect this season only completing 40% of his field goals for the Wolfpack. While he has a long that’s just 10 yards shy of Aguayo’s, Slade has missed all of his field goals from 50 yards or over coming into Saturday’s showdown.
It would appear that FSU has has the edge in each respective category. Saturday’s contest will come down to execution. The team that can make big plays in big moments will win this one.