FSU football: Can the Seminoles' rushing attack get back on track versus Memphis?

After losing to Georgia Tech and Boston College, Florida State football is off to a disappointing start. The Seminole faithful seem to be down on the program after being projected to win the conference in the preseason.

However, head football coach Mike Norvell always emphasizes the importance of responding to adversity. The biggest question is what will the Seminoles do when their backs are against the wall?

A concern I will analyze during the game versus Memphis after the bye week is the Seminoles' rushing attack. Florida State had ultra-talented running back Trey Benson, who had 1,800+ rushing yards and 23 touchdowns during his two seasons in Tallahassee. Benson is now in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals.

The coaching staff added Alabama's Roydell Williams and Indiana's Jaylin Lucas via the transfer portal as well as adding four-star prospects Kameron Davis and Micahi Danzy on the recruiting trail. Florida State also had returning pieces such as Lawrance Toafili, Caziah Holmes, and Samuel Singleton Jr.

The offensive line is also a veteran position unit that was supposed to generate rushing lanes for the backs as well as setting up easier passing opportunities for quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. However, the approach for establishing the line of scrimmage has fell by the wayside.

Here are the rushing numbers for the Seminoles in the last two games:

-vs Georgia Tech (Dublin, Ireland): 31 carries for 98 yards (3.2 yards per attempt)

-vs Boston College: 16 carries for 21 yards (1.3 yards per attempt)

I believe that Coach Norvell will get back to his roots of establishing the run early and often during the bye week as they head into the game versus Memphis. Florida State cannot afford to start the 2024 season with a 0-3 record as the program will be shifting its approach if that were to happen.