What to Watch For: FSU vs. Wake Forest

Florida State’s Karlos Williams (9) runs the ball as North Carolina State’s Hakim Jones (20) looks for the tackle during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014. Florida State won 56-41.(AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

4.) Return of the Run?

After gaining just 16 first half yards against NC State last weekend, the Florida State run game roared to life for 150 yards in the second half. Beyond just statistics though, it was a meaningful resurgence at a meaningful time for the Seminoles– down the line in that second half the ability to run was crucial.

This week will be a good litmus test for whether or not that was a fluke.

Say what you want about Wake Forest’s offense, the Demon Deacon defense is good. Wake Forest historically has a solid defense, and this group has been battle-tested. The other side of the coin with a bad offense is that your defense has to be on the field quite a bit. Despite that, Wake only surrenders about 21 points per game.

The Demon Deacons will provide ample resistance.

If FSU can pound the ball at Wake today, then fans should feel good about the fact Florida State has worked out its problems along the offensive line. And if you believe the players– they have. It may have taken three and a half games for the line to finally settle down, but now the ‘Noles have stopped over-thinking and started executing.

Of course, that rings hollow today if Winston has to carry the offense and the rushing attack looks paltry again against Wake.