Florida State will be playing the North Carolina State Wolfpack on Friday night at 8 PM EST in Carter-Finley Stadium. That House of Horrors has caused many issues for this program, and consistently gives the fan base PTSD.
This has probably been thought quite a bit during the 2025 season, but this is one of the biggest games of head football coach Mike Norvell's career with the Seminoles because a loss would have the Seminoles losing their eighth straight road game.
Previously, I highlighted impact players for the Seminoles that could make a difference in the game, but it is equally important to showcase players from the North Carolina State roster that should be contributors that Florida State should watch for.
QB CJ BAILEY
The quarterback position is always important to a team's success. This is no different for Bailey, who was classified as someone who to be a top-half signal-caller in the conference, but he struggled mightily against the Hurricanes when they lost in a blowout. The 6'7" standout could be someone that plays with more of an urgency as Florida State comes to town.
RB HOLLYWOOD SMOTHERS
Running back Hollywood Smothers did not have the performance that he wanted against Miami, as he recorded seven carries for -2 yards (per ESPN Stats and Information), but this could change if he plays against the same Florida State defense that allowed Virginia Tech to have over 200 rushing yards last week.
TE JUSTIN JOLY
It seems like the entire North Carolina State offense struggled last week with Miami. As a result, the numbers for all of their offensive weapons were severely suffering. However, one weapon in the Wolfpack's offense that I am paying attention to is tight end Justin Joly. He is North Carolina State's leader in receptions (37). The Seminoles' linebacker have not been great this year, so this should be a good time to emphasize communication and stopping Joly in the passing game.
LB CADEN FORDHAM
North Carolina State's defense isn't great by any means with their "terrific" pass defense, but they possess one standout player that the Seminoles need to monitor where he is at all times: Linebacker Caden Fordham. He is the older brother of Corbyn Fordham and his father used to be an offensive lineman for the Seminoles. The linebacker has balled out this season, where he has recorded 103 tackles (it is over 45 tackles more than the next leader).