FSU football: 5 major keys to pulling off upset over Florida Gators
By Kelvin Hunt
Control Florida's Run Game
FSU quarterback DJ Lagway is a talented player with immense potential, but he's still a freshman. He hasn't exactly lit up opposing defenses in their last two games.
He's 23 of 44 (52 percent) for 406 yards (9.35 ypa), with three touchdown passes and an interception.
However, Florida's offense wants to establish the run first and foremost. That was the case before Lagway became the starter when Graham Mertz got hurt.
However, Billy Napier has leaned more on the run since. Florida has run the ball 35+ times in six of its last eight games. DJ Lagway has only attempted more than 17 passes once in a game in that stretch(LSU).
Florida averages 4.32 yards per rush and has a three-headed rushing attack, with four guys over 400 yards. The good news? Lagway isn't a huge threat to run and FSU's defense has been fairly solid against rushing attacks not involving a dual-threat QB.
If I'm Randy Shannon, I'm committing to stopping the run and making DJ Lagway make plays through the air. He'll make some wow plays here and there, but can he do it all game? I'd make him put it in the air 30+ times.