UNC vs. FSU: Info on the Seminoles from FSU insiders
By Zack Pearson
We talk to some FSU beat writers about the Saturday’s matchup against UNC
The North Carolina Tar Heels and Florida State Seminoles will do battle on Saturday in a big ACC game in Tallahassee.
Both teams are coming off of a win and sit at 3-1 on the season.
This game not only has ACC implications with it but national implications as well. The Seminoles are looking to continue to rebound from their disaster at Louisville a couple of weeks ago and get back into the College Football Playoff hunt.
Related Story: UNC speaks to Chop Chat about Saturday's matchup
Meanwhile, the Tar Heels are looking to be ranked again and make a run at another ACC Championship Game, taking things from there.
To get you ready for the matchup against Florida State, we talked to some writers from fellow FanSided blog Chop Chat to get some info on the Seminoles.
The guys over at Chop Chat do a great job of breaking down the Seminoles every week. Check it out:
On Florida State’s early view of the Tar Heels
JP: At the start of the season, most FSU fans would have said this game was about fourth on the depth chart when it came to importance, maybe even lower. Now, it’s without a doubt the most important – at least for this week. The loss to Louisville put the ‘Noles in a situation where they can’t lose again, making the Tar Heels quite dangerous for what they can ruin.
Being honest, there isn’t much that can be assessed regarding UNC for many associated with the Seminoles since the teams haven’t played since the 2010 season. We know you all won the Coastal Division last year, but did lose some talent and have some questions on the defensive side of the ball.
KH— Well, every game is huge now for the ‘Noles since they had the embarrassing loss against Louisville. They must win out for any shot at the ACCCG or National Title and then would need Clemson to beat UL this weekend.
The early assessment of UNC…typical Larry Fedora team…put up a lot of points…explosive plays….and a defense that lacks elite talent and though improved over a few yrs ago…still not very good defensively.
Aside from Dalvin Cook, what offensive player should UNC fans look out for on Saturday?
KH: Running back Jacques Patrick is a huge back that’s finally running like his size. He’s a good compliment to Cook. Auden Tate is a big receiver for FSU that has been emerging, particularly in the red zone. Travis Rudolph is the co-leader in receptions along with Jesus Wilson. Those guys can have big games.
Defensively…well…not a lot to choose from through four games. Obviously, DeMarcus Walker is one of the better defensive ends in the ACC. Tavarus McFadden is a RS Frosh that’s playing pretty well..he’s huge at 6’2 and over 200 pounds…look out for Jacob Pugh and Brian Burns at DE as they are helping to replace the injured Josh Sweat.
JP: Kelvin named most of the talent, but keep on offense keep an eye on tight end Ryan Izzo. FSU has thrown to the tight end more this season than they have since Nick O’Leary was on the team. Most of that has to do with giving redshirt freshman quarterback Deondre Francois a close target for high percentage plays.
On defense, the name Matthew Thomas is an interesting one. When the former five star recruit is on his game, he can rip heads off. When he doesn’t want to play, he’s useless and taking up a roster spot. If the ‘Noles are going to get back in the title talk, he’s going to need to show up and help a struggling defense.
On how FSU plans on stopping Mitch Trubisky and the Tar Heels offense
JP: The cat is pretty much out of the bag that the secondary is hurting without Derwin James back there. USF even was able to expose them for the big play – something the Tar Heels would be smart to also try early and often if they want to win.
Even without James, the Seminoles are likely to be a faster and more talented defense than anything UNC has seen so far. If the front four can pressure Trubisky and prevent him from having serious time in the pocket, they should be able to force mistakes and keep the passing game contained.
KH: They’ll obviously want to limit the explosive plays while stopping the run first and foremost. The defensive ends can get after the quarterback pretty good, but I think pressure up the middle will be key in forcing Trubisky to make bad decisions.
The linebackers will need to play disciplined and not bite on the playaction, and the defensive backs will need to shed blocks when UNC throws those short passes in the flats to the running backs or Ryan Switzer….and all tackle in space well.
UNC passes more on first down than any other down..so if FSU can win first and second down and put them in obvious passing situations….the probabilities of UNC (or any team) completing third and long consistently are not very high.
The thing that stands out the most from the Seminoles beat writers is the comments on FSU’s secondary. That’s a huge key in the game. If Trubisky can find ways to exploit that weakness, it could be a big day for the Tar Heels offense.
Also, running back Jacques Patrick being someone you need to watch is very interesting. The Tar Heels are going to focus in on stopping Cook but while they do so, Patrick could be a big difference maker.
Check back with Keeping it Heel for postgame coverage of Saturday’s showdown.