They return 4 starters on D. Yes, they have talent of course, and of course they will have some hype around them because of the new mojo surrounding the program, but the REALITY is that the guys returning are unproven and/or very young. Sound familiar?

They "return" 4/5 offensive linemen, but that's misleading. More like guys "that have started in the past" would be more accurate. FSU didn't have enough bodies to field two lines in their spring game. This is from a group that was roundly criticized last season. You'd be hard pressed to even find a report that gives much idea of what the Oline will look like.
They are returning a ragtag group that has been extremely banged-up in recent years, with very inconsistent play.

Here's how I see this game on paper:

QB: Push. They have nearly identical freshman numbers, but Francois is in new system coming off an injury.

RB: Big Advantage FSU. Not even close

WR: Push. FSU returns an unproven and inexperienced group.

OL: Advantage VT. FSU lacks proven depth at OL, and the returning starters are average.

DL: Push. Similar to VT, holes to fill with capable bodies and a couple of returning workhorses.

LB: Push. Again, FSU lost 3 starters at LB, and like VT, return inexperienced talent. Amazingly you could actually make a really strong case that VT has the better talent at LB.

Secondary: Push. Like VT, its young talent taking over again. FSU loses a ton back there.

On paper, this to me seems like a pretty evenly matched game despite perennial over-confidence by FSU and a perennial inferiority complex by VT.

However, I am unable to let the last 30 years not influence how I see this game. Two heroic performances by Tyrod Taylor nothwithstanding, FSU seems to get in our head big time, and we always "blink" when we face them. Almost in every sport actually, but that's another tangent.

Everyone on the field, and in the stands will be waiting and expecting FSU to hit 2-3 devastating plays that put them over the top. Traditionally, we play them very well, and often dominate along the lines, and in yardage, but we lack FSU's swagger, and that's always the difference. "STUFF" just happens for them, and I have no reason to think it won't this time. Be it a blocked punt, a pick 6, a 60 yard completion in double coverage, or Cam Akers taking one 80 yards to the house that will likely be the difference. They EXPECT to win. We hope we can win.

They will have someone that will make us pay for a mistake with a touchdown. I'm not sure we have that guy. I'm preparing for another heartbreaker.

FSU 31 / VT 27




[Post edited by Techsupport at 08/28/2018 10:08AM]