FSU FOOTBALL LOSES
Florida State football was defeated by Virginia this past Friday in double overtime by a score of 46-38. The Seminoles were expected to win the game by oddsmakers, given that they were a 6.5-point favorite on the road.
Losses happen, but the Seminoles cannot allow this result to snowball into the rest of the season. Florida State didn't look like the same squad that defeated Alabama, where its defense played aggressively and physically.
Defensive coordinator Tony White will have to go back to the drawing board, as his unit disappointed last week, especially in wrapping up to stop the running game of Virginia. Rusher J'Mari Taylor had 27 carries and 99 yards and one touchdown last week, and was looking like a prime Barry Sanders.
FSU DEFENDER NEEDS TO HAVE HIMSELF A GAME
Coach White highlighted redshirt sophomore cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls when he spoke to the media earlier in the week, where he discussed the fact that he played his best game against Virginia. He recorded 11 tackles and an interception versus the Cavaliers.
Defensive coordinator Tony White made headlines this past offseason when he referred to Rawls as "an NFL prospect". The former three-star prospect hadn't done much since being in Tallahassee, but the multiple 3-3-5 scheme suits his skill set nicely.
The Pensacola native looks to build on his performance. With pieces such as Earl Little Jr., Ashlynd Barker, Jerry Wilson, and Ja'Bril Rawls, the defense has solid contributors to work with as they try to stop one of the best passers in the ACC, Carson Beck, this Saturday.
The defense needs an edge over them, and Rawls can provide that as the home crowd gets behind the unit. Hopefully, we see him get another interception in the matchup.