![UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn, left, walks away with a frown after meeting Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier at mid-field after the Gators defeated the Knights at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The Gators defeated the Knights 24-13. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4901,h_2756/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/270/01k7mtm3n261xq6711zr.jpg "UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn, left, walks away with a frown after meeting Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier at mid-field after the Gators defeated the Knights at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The Gators defeated the Knights 24-13. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]")
GUS BUS
Florida State’s offense ranks third in the FBS in total offense (536.5 yards per game), as they travel to Stanford to play them at 10:30 PM EST.
Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn has built consistency in the Seminoles’ unit, where they are putting last year’s effort on that side of the football behind them. While it’s not a perfect product by any means, Florida State’s ability to establish the ground game has been a night-and-day difference from last year. The Seminoles were one of the worst rushing attacks in 2024.
They are averaging 274.5 rushing yards per game with the help of a stable of backs. True freshman Ousmane Kromah is flashing his talented skill set with every opportunity he gets, while veteran Gavin Sawchuk is a consistent piece in the rotation.
Florida State has to do a better job of putting teams away and being more consistent, but offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn has been productive in Year 1 of his tenure.
SUCCESSFUL HIRE SO FAR
The Seminoles had the Alabama Crimson Tide on the ropes in Week 1, as they defeated them at home by a score of 31-17.
Some individuals have been frustrated with Coach Malzahn’s offensive play calling at times, with being “too gimmicky” with selections, such as the end arounds with wide receiver Micahi Danzy. This isn't UCF anymore, as some fans say.
Even with the shortcomings, the offense hasn’t been the main culprit for the three-game losing streak. The defense, under coordinator Tony White, has been the talking point, as they are allowing 36 points per game in that period.
Malzahn still has to have his offense put its foot on the gas during the crunch time of games. Given that Stanford is one of the nation's worst units in the country, the Seminoles have to take advantage. As it pertains to the future of Florida State's success, the movement of Malzahn's offense would put pressure on opposing offenses to perform against the defense.