FSU football: Expect Trey Benson to bounce back for the rest of 2023

FSU football has been somewhat of a mixed bag of results this season. However, the Seminoles still possess a 4-0 record with victories over LSU, Southern Miss, Boston College, and Clemson.

I hate to be this guy, but a win is a win.

The offensive side of the football has been a talking point for fans. Nonetheless, Florida State’s offense has averaged 43.3 points per game this season. While the offense has not been up to its full potential, given the missed opportunities endured, it is still a unit built for playmakers.

While much of the conversation during the offseason centered around redshirt senior quarterback Jordan Travis, many individuals understood the foundation of head football coach Mike Norvell’s offensive scheme: Establishing the ground game.

The Seminoles have a do-it-all back in former Oregon transfer Trey Benson, who was ten yards shy of eclipsing 1,000+ rushing yards last season.

Unfortunately, it hasn’t been the four-game stretch that Benson would have hoped for heading into the season, where he has only recorded 40 attempts for 189 yards and four touchdowns.

However, that should not stop Seminole fans from losing hope in his abilities after a slow start. Head football coach Mike Norvell preaches the term response. How will you respond when faced with adversity?

The talented back is no stranger to facing difficult circumstances, where he suffered a major knee injury in December 2020. Many fans questioned the acquisition of Benson due to his injury history. However, those doubts were laid to rest as he became a focal point in the Seminoles’ offensive scheme in 2022.

While it hasn’t been a memorable 2023 campaign thus far for the Mississippi native, he can still bounce back hugely.

HOW DO FSU’S OPPONENTS SHAPE UP AGAINST THE RUN?

Here is how the rest of the Seminoles’ 2023 opponents shape up when defending against the run:

-Virginia Tech: 212.5 rushing yards allowed (122nd in the FBS)

-Syracuse: 89.0 rushing yards allowed (21st in the FBS)

-Duke: 133.0 rushing yards allowed (68th in the FBS)

-Wake Forest: 109.5 rushing yards allowed (37th in the FBS)

-Pittsburgh: 110.8 rushing yards allowed (40th in the FBS)

-Miami: 48.0 rushing yards allowed (2nd in the FBS)

-North Alabama: N/A

-Florida: 82.0 rushing yards allowed (14th in the FBS)

While it does suggest that the Seminoles play several stifling rush defenses in the next of couple weeks, most of those teams have played some soft schedules. I expect FSU to get back to their offensive identity of running the football with Benson and others to set up easier passing opportunities.