What to Watch For: FSU vs. Notre Dame

Sep 2, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers tight end J.P. Holtz (86) runs after a pass reception as Florida State Seminoles linebacker Matthew Thomas (12) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

3.) Matthew Thomas

MT6 is now MT7. After taking a redshirt in his first season, the redshirt freshman will make his 2014 debut on Saturday wearing no. 7 and should have an immediate impact for Florida State.

“I think he will have a huge role. He is in shape and he is in great condition,” said Jimbo Fisher on Thursday. “We have some things for him to do and we feel very comfortable with him in the game knowing what to do. He is a very intelligent young man who has looked very good in practice. He has practiced and he got healthy two or three weeks ago when his ankle got better. He really flashes at you at times. I am sure there will be a little rust here and there but he has looked really good.”

Thomas is 6’3, 218 and has all the tools to be a truly great collegiate linebacker. There’s a reason he came with a five-star rating and the talented redshirt freshman will look to live up to that hype starting on Saturday. Look for Thomas to provide a very capable blitzer off the edge in addition to sticking his nose in against the run.

FSU may be without Ukeme Eligwe once again on Saturday, but Thomas — who was expected to be in the mix to start back in the preseason — will add a much-needed infusion of talent to the linebacking corps.