FSU football: 3 major takeaways from Virginia Tech win

By Kelvin Hunt | Oct 8, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 7: Head Coach Mike Norvell of the Florida State Seminoles on the sidelines during the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on October 7, 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida. The 5th ranked Seminoles defeated the Hokies 39 - 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Running Game Revived

The running game had been non-existent in the first few games this season. FSU had two starters on the offensive line out multiple games, and Jordan Travis hadn’t been running the ball that much. FSU running backs had missed several lanes for big yardage in games.

Could they find a way to run the ball? That was a big question going into the bye week. I reminded folks Mike Norvell has always found a way to run the ball no matter the personnel or offensive line. It looks like they find some answers.

Trey Benson had a breakout game, rushing for 200 yards on only 11 carries (18.2 ypc) and two touchdowns. Jordan Travis ran 10 times and Lawrance Toafili had 50 rushing yards on six carries. Overall, the Noles ran 36 times for 282 yards and three touchdowns.

For context, Virginia Tech had not been great against the run going into the game. However, if FSU hadn’t been able to run the ball, I think that would have been a red flag.

FSU breaking off several explosive runs tells me they figured out some things over the bye-week. That’s a great sign for the FSU offense in the coming weeks.

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