What to Watch For: FSU at NC State

Sep 6, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Chris Casher (21) during the second half of the game against the Citadel Bulldogs at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

1.) No Mario Edwards, No Nile Lawrence-Stample

FSU suffered two major blows in last week’s win over Clemson. DT Nile Lawrence-Stample tore his pec and is out for the season. And we’re hearing DE Mario Edwards’ concussion could keep him out past the Wake Forest game.

Either way, FSU enters Saturday without two of its best players up front.

Along the middle of the defensive line, Eddie Goldman has been playing some of his best football lately, Derrick Mitchell has been a revelation and Justin Shanks is back after suffering a leg injury against Citadel. The Seminoles also have a pair of talented freshman defensive tackles in Derrick Nnadi and Demarcus Christmas that are both seemingly ready to step into a bigger role.

“We played the whole second half last week without them,” said Fisher on Thursday. “Getting [Justin] Shanks back in there [helps] also. We get him back in there so it keeps that rotation as far as number wise, we will be in good shape.”

In Mario Edwards’ place, Chris Casher figures to factor prominently. Casher played a great second half last weekend — including stuffing the Tigers on 4th down in overtime — and has followed up with a great week of practice.

“The way he played last week and the way he’s practiced, I am really pleased with these young guys,” said Fisher, before turning his attention to others players down the depth chart. “[Lorenzo] Featherston is going to be a heckuva player. Ricky Leonard is coming on in there, Jacob Pugh and DeMarcus Walker. All of those guys are doing a great job.”

Still, losing a couple of players of Edwards’ and NLS’ caliber — and giving a team a whole week to game-plan for it — could still prove difficult for the Seminoles.

It’s definitely something to keep an eye on.