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FSU football: 3 keys for the Noles against Virginia Cavaliers

By Kelvin Hunt

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 29: Noah Taylor #14 of the Virginia Cavaliers makes an interception in the second half during a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Scott Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 29: Noah Taylor #14 of the Virginia Cavaliers makes an interception in the second half during a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Scott Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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FSU football needs to play in a way they haven’t all year to upset Virginia Saturday night.

FSU football enters Saturday night’s game against Virginia as +8.5 betting underdogs. The point spread total is around 58, which indicates oddsmakers expect a score of 33-24.

It’s a game the Noles could have won on the road last year, but both teams have different identities with new quarterbacks.

However, one consistent thing is Virginia’s reliance on not beating themselves. They have only committed 38 penalties in eight games.

They are big and physical in the trenches and make teams execute, which is something FSU has struggled to do as of late.

ESPN’s FPI Index gives Virginia a 64 percent chance of winning the game, so there’s some hope for the Noles if they play better than they’ve been playing.

They should get a boost offensively with Jordan Travis returning at quarterback after getting hurt in the first half of the Pittsburgh game. What type of performance will we get from the defense?

3 Keys To Victory

  • No turnovers-FSU has had one or more turnovers in every game this season. These turnovers usually lead to immediate points for the opposing team in five plays or less.
  • Stop The Run-Virginia comes into the game averaging 4.32 yards per carry. They aren’t great through the air, and their quarterbacks have thrown 11 interceptions on the season. However, QB Brennan Armstrong is capable on the ground and leads the team in rushing attempts and yards.
  • Get off the field on third down-This is something FSU has struggled with all year, especially against mobile quarterbacks. They are allowing teams to convert at a 48 percent clip. Virginia is converting third downs at a 37 percent clip on the season.

If they can do these things, it’ll allow the offense the opportunity to put up some points. Virginia isn’t great defensively, allowing teams 6.16 yards per play on average. They are allowing teams to convert third-downs 40 percent of the time as well.

This is a game FSU can win if they don’t beat themselves. However, we haven’t seen the Noles in action since falling apart against Pittsburgh.

Next. Explaining Player Departures and Team Leadership Needs. dark

Will they show up motivated to make a statement? Will the practices over the last week or so show progress during games? We’ll see Saturday night!

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