Behind Enemy Lines: Florida State
Andy Backstrom (
@andybackstrom)
Publisher
Boston College will be facing its second ACC road sell-out crowd in the last three weeks when it enters Doak Campbell Stadium at FSU Saturday night.
The 1-2 Eagles need a statement game to rewrite the narrative of their season, while FSU has already reclaimed its swagger with its first 3-0 start since 2015.
Here at Eagle Action, we reached out to
TheOsceola.com editor Bob Ferrante to learn more about the Seminoles.
Q: In what part of his game has Jordan Travis made the biggest leap this season?
Ferrante: "Jordan Travis said in the summer that he wanted to show people he could be a passer. His completion percentage has jumped from 55 percent in 2020 to 62.9 percent in 2021 and 67.7 percent through three games in 2022. He has evolved from a quarterback who scrambled and ran after the first or second read weren’t open to one who is more composed, sees the field and runs when necessary. Travis also has the command in the huddle and is the offense’s leader."
Q: If Travis can’t go Saturday, what should we expect from Tate Rodemaker?
Ferrante: "Rodemaker has only thrown 47 college passes and he has tossed five interceptions. While inconsistent in games and in practice, Rodemaker has a strong arm and takes shots downfield. Defenses often will opt to load the box and defend the run against a backup quarterback, but Rodemaker can make them pay by hitting Johnny Wilson or other receivers."
Q: How is FSU’s O-Line holding up?
Ferrante: "FSU had two season-ending injuries on the offensive line: Kayden Lyles was competing for the starting job at center and was lost for the year in August, while Bless Harris started the opener at right tackle before being lost for the season. It’s an experienced run-blocking group that features three transfers but also one that has struggled in pass protection."
Q: If Jared Verse can’t go versus BC, where else will the pressure come from?
Ferrante: "Jared Verse is an athletic edge rusher who has made the jump from FCS Albany to the Power 5 level. He brings a ton of energy but hasn’t been nearly as good against the run yet. If Verse can’t go, look for FSU to lean on a rotation of veterans like Derrick McLendon and Dennis Briggs as well as a younger guy like Patrick Payton."
Q: Is FSU’s pass defense really that much better than last season, or are teams just running on the Seminoles more than they are taking to the air?
Ferrante: "FSU is 25th in the FBS against the pass and 87th vs. the run. There are a number of issues at play here. FSU has faced two mobile quarterbacks in LSU’s Jayden Daniels (114 rushing yards) and Louisville’s Malik Cunningham (127 rushing yards), who are a thorn for opposing defenses to wrap up. FSU didn’t have its best defensive tackle, Fabien Lovett, for the Louisville game due to injury and Verse was out in the second half. Offenses knew with a mobile quarterback and an efficient run game that they could hammer away with running backs at FSU’s depleted line. But it’s also evident that FSU’s veteran defensive backfield is growing up and playing the pass well."
Q: What position group is the weakest link on FSU’s defense?
Ferrante: "This one is tough and depends on who is available Saturday. If Lovett and Verse are out, the defensive line is down its top two players. The linebacking corps is thin on depth but FSU often goes with a 4-2-5 alignment that leans heavily on starters Tatum Bethune and Kalen DeLoach as well as DJ Lundy."
Q: Prediction for the game and why?
Ferrante: "My big question marks for both teams are injuries and how much it will limit them. Very curious how BC’s offensive line looks against FSU’s defensive front as well as who starts at quarterback for the Seminoles. Historically, we tend to see fewer possessions in an FSU-BC game. But will that be the case and can both offenses sustain drives? I’m not sold on FSU covering a 17-point spread, especially if Rodemaker plays. I’ll go FSU 27, BC 17."
