FSU football will be taking on the Louisville Cardinals in the ACC Championship on ABC at 8:00 PM EST this Saturday. The Seminoles capped off an undefeated season after defeating their arch-rival Florida Gators by a score of 24-15.
There will need to be players on this roster that step monumentally to keep the unbeaten streak alive. Some individuals in the college football media landscape are still doubting the abilities of this Florida State team, given that they are without the services of redshirt senior quarterback Jordan Travis.
However, as analyst Greg McElroy stated on the College Football Playoff rankings show, if the Seminoles win the ACC Championship Game then they should and will be in the College Football Playoff.
This is one of the biggest games for Florida State in quite some time. During this season, everyone starts to ponder what they are thankful for. The Seminoles being in consideration for the College Football Playoff should be on that list.
As we inch closer and closer to kickoff, let’s discuss three impact players that could make a difference in the game.
QB Tate Rodemaker/Brock Glenn
Redshirt junior quarterback Tate Rodemaker had some growing moments in the Seminoles’ matchup against the Florida Gators. While it was not a perfect performance, he still had moments that he could build upon. The Valdosta (GA) native completed 12 of his 25 passes for 134 yards against the Gators’ defense, which has showcased vulnerabilities at times.
Redshirt senior Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending injury versus North Alabama on Senior Night. As a result, the Seminoles will have to have Rodemaker and/or true freshman Brock Glenn step up positively.
With another week of preparation plus playing in a neutral-site environment (the delay of games at the Swamp were pivotal) could give Rodemaker a sense of comfort. Louisville’s pass defense is 56th in the FBS in passing yards allowed (217.9). The veteran has already had to play this Cardinals team last year when Travis went down with an injury and helped FSU to a 35-31 victory.
We could be seeing a dilemma since Rodemaker went down with a potential concussion in the fourth quarter of their victory over the Florida Gators, he is now listed as a game-time decision. As a result, true freshman Brock Glenn might have to get the starting nod.
Talk about an adverse situation for the Seminoles.
RB Trey Benson
The offense was difficult to come by last Saturday night versus the Florida Gators. However, one bright spot from the game was redshirt junior running back Trey Benson, who had 19 rushing attempts for 95 yards and three touchdowns.
This has to be the game in which the former Oregon transfer takes the game into his own hands and plays aggressively while is also patient to allow blocks to develop for rushing lanes.
Unfortunately for Benson, Louisville’s rush defense is ranked 11th in the FBS in rushing yards allowed (96.8). This means that head football coach Mike Norvell and the company will have to get creative offensively to create opportunities for him. If Florida State ends up playing true freshman Brock Glenn, it could be even more difficult for Benson to get going. This could be a game where he has to catch quite a bit of passes out of the backfield.
There will likely be a lot of short-yardage gains before the Seminoles can wear down the Cardinals’ defensive unit. Will Benson be able to break free for a long gain to give Florida State momentum?
DE Jared Verse
Florida State’s defensive unit has done well with generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks in recent weeks. One of their top defenders, in defensive end Jared Verse, has stepped up to the plate with his production. The former Albany transfer currently has 35 total tackles (9.5 tackles for loss) and seven sacks during the 2023 season.
Verse made his decision this offseason to return to Tallahassee for unfinished business. This will likely be his last opportunity to make his presence known to put Florida State in the College Football Playoff. The Louisville Cardinals rank No. 55 in the FBS in sacks allowed (1.83 sacks per game).
The Cardinals’ offense will likely try to neutralize this pass rush attack where they will get the football out of quarterback Jack Plummer’s hands with a variety of slants and crossing routes. The Seminoles’ defense is comfortable in man coverage. With that being said, the defensive line will have to be active in getting their hands up to bat the football away as well as get Plummer off of his spot to throw the football.