FSU FOOTBALL NEXT GAME
Florida State football will be taking on Stanford at 10:30 PM EST on Saturday, as the Seminoles are trying to forget about their three-game losing streak. The disappointment is setting in for this fan base, so head football coach Mike Norvell and company have to get this fan base back into it.
The late kickoff against the Cardinal doesn't generate that much excitement, especially if Florida State starts slow and allows Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson to get confidence in himself in the passing game.
The Seminoles' defense has been frustrating to watch in the previous weeks, as a difference maker has emerged in each of the three losses. This is a pivotal spot for defensive coordinator Tony White and his unit.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT MISSING JA'BRIL RAWLS
It was announced in the initial injury report that redshirt sophomore defensive back Ja'Bril Rawls is out for the matchup against Stanford. The Pensacola native has been one of the more consistent pieces on the Seminoles' defense.
The secondary will miss the production and physicality of Rawls, but this is Florida State, and they have to have pieces ready to step up in his absence.
Defensive back Earl Little Jr. had his shining moment against the Alabama Crimson Tide, but he has fallen off a little bit as the year has progressed. However, one name that I will be monitoring to bounce back with Rawls being out is defensive back Jerry Wilson.
Wilson was projected to be the Seminoles' best cover cornerback. However, the former Houston defensive back was shown his inconsistencies within Tony White's defensive scheme. This is surprising since he played under Coach White at Syracuse.
During the 2024 season with the Cougars, Wilson recorded four interceptions, and he has even had two takeaways this year for the Seminoles, but there have been times when receivers have been able to create separation from him.
With the Seminoles' urgency of needing to win now and the defense having to stand tall, I expect the senior to emerge as the guy on the unit to lead the charge.