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FSU Football: Position battle spotlight vs. Duke

By Zack Scott

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 7: Running back Jacques Patrick #9 of the Florida State Seminoles steps through the would be tackle of defensive back Jaquan Johnson #4 of the Miami Hurricanes as he carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA football game at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 7: Running back Jacques Patrick #9 of the Florida State Seminoles steps through the would be tackle of defensive back Jaquan Johnson #4 of the Miami Hurricanes as he carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA football game at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /
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FSU football will face Duke, who has a 4-2 record, in Durham, North Carolina this weekend at 12:00 p.m. and will be shown on ESPN2.

FSU football looks to be in for another challenging game against a well known basketball school. This years Blue Devils has looked above average on the gridiron and can give opposing teams fits. Specificity with their run defense.

Matchup preview

Duke’s rushing defense currently ranks seventh in the country giving up only 2.85 YPC. Yes Duke has not played very many impressive opponents, however they did hold Miami’s Mark Walton to 3.0 YPC just two weeks ago. Florida State’s Cam Akers and Jacques Patrick may struggle in this one – but Jimbo must not give up on the ground game early. This is not a matchup the ‘Noles want to be one dimensional in.

This will certainly be another test for the ‘Noles offensive line. With starting guard Landon Dickerson out for the season, it becomes even more challenging. Fisher said Josh Ball will step in and start at either left guard or left tackle.

Creating running lanes up the middle is not going to be easy. It hasn’t been all season and this week will probably be no different. FSU may find more success running to the perimeter and getting the RB’s the ball out in the flats.

The edge goes to…

FSU football . Although Florida State will struggle early and possibly often in this one, I think the ‘Noles will make more plays and hit a home run or two with Akers and/or Patrick to potentially give them the win.

FSU found success last week against a stout Miami front seven so they should win this battle again one would think.

It’s easy to overlook the defensive numbers Duke has put up thus far but do not underestimate their abilities. Especially if you’re Florida State and taking any W you can get at the moment.

Noon kickoffs always seem to be sluggish and ugly. However, games in this time slot favor the away team in my opinion. This is a great opportunity for the ‘Noles to get their confidence up and build off this game. There is also just as good of a chance this could be another disappointing week and just add fuel to the fire so to speak.

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