We’re fewer than 24 hours away from FSU kicking off the 2025 season against the Alabama Crimson Tide. It’s funny, the closer we get to kickoff, the more optimistic FSU fans get about hanging with Alabama or shocking the world with an upset.
It’s not out of the question, and I wrote about s for that to happen. However, FSU will need its best players to play at a high level, and they’ll need some under-the-radar guys to excel. Here are five of the latter who could shine against the Crimson Tide on Saturday afternoon.
- Mac Chiumento-Punter
- Elijah Herring-Linebacker
- Jaylin Lucas-Gadget/Punt Return
- Luke Petibon-Center
- Ashlynd Barker-Safety
I went with Chiumento at punter because I expect him to get some work on Saturday. I predicted FSU to score around 20 points, which means they’ll punt a few times. Chiumento replaces All-American punter Alex Mastromanno and has a big leg. He could play a vital role in flipping the field for FSU after the offense stalls a few times.
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Elijah Herring is a starter, but isn’t a name we hear much about. However, he’s always been extremely productive, and the linebacker will have to play big with the FSU defensive line, hoping to open lanes for them to make plays. Herring might have close to double-digit tackles.
Jaylin Lucas is the type of player who could make a big play in this game in a variety of ways. I don’t expect him to get many touches, but he’s electric in space. I can see Gus Malzahn using him on jet sweeps or some type of motion. He could make a big play in the punt return game if he had enough time to return one.
Luke Petibon is a former All-ACC starter on the offensive line, but nobody gives the offensive linemen credit. FSU having Petibon is a tremendous upgrade at the position, and I think he’ll help Thomas Castellanos navigate things, especially with Alabama’s starting defensive tackle out for the game. I expect FSU to find some success in the running game because of Petibon’s experience on the interior.
FSU will need its safeties to play well in this game as Alabama attempts to run it down their throat. Barker is a huge safety with physicality. He’ll team up with Earl Little Jr. to set the tone coming downhill in the run game. He could have the opportunity to make several players on Saturday afternoon.