FSU football: Noles await Memphis's rushing attack ahead of Saturday's matchup

Florida State football luckily had a bye this week to regroup after their 0-2 start with losses to Georgia Tech and Boston College. The Seminoles' fan base has been quite disappointed as the program was projected to win the conference in the preseason.

Head football coach Mike Norvell and his team accomplished an undefeated regular season and a conference championship in 2023 so expectations were sky-high. However, during Norvell's fifth season at the helm, he is having doubters left and behind wondering how many wins this Seminoles' team will have in 2024.

Florida State has to buckle up after the much-needed bye week because they play a fierce Group of Five opponent in Memphis in the friendly confines of Doak Campbell Stadium.

The Seminoles have struggled to stop the rushing attacks of Georgia Tech and Boston College. The Yellow Jackets had 190 rushing yards in the opener while the Eagles had 263 rushing yards last week. It is obvious that Florida State needs to find a way to limit the successful rushing opportunities.

Florida State has to stack the box to force the Tigers to pass the football with Seth Henigan. On Saturday afternoon, Memphis took on the Troy Trojans. During the matchup, Henigan completed 20 of his 32 pass attempts for one touchdown and no interceptions.

However, the Tigers made their biggest impression on the ground where they had 29 carries for 211 yards and four touchdowns. Their leading rusher was running back Mario Anderson who had 17 rushing attempts for 125 yards and two touchdowns.

This has to make the Seminoles nervous as they are single-digit favorites at home versus the Memphis Tigers. They need to find a way to get into the win column, but it won't be easy as Florida State will be tested in every way imaginable.

Time to respond to adversity.