The Daily Nole

Assessing Each of FSU’s Upcoming Opponents Through Three Weeks

Mitch White/FSU athletics

Florida State fans unfortunately have not been able to watch their team play since the season-opening 24-7 loss against Alabama in Atlanta. With only one game under their belt and having to go the remainder of the season without quarterback Deondre Francois, there is still much to know about the Seminoles.

Most of the teams that FSU will see on the upcoming slate however, have three games under their belts. In this piece, we’ll briefly examine what we’ve seen out of Florida State’s upcoming foes through three weeks:

N.C. State (2-1)

While most raved about the N.C. State defense in the offseason, it’s been the offense that has been most impressive so far. Quarterback Ryan Finley has been solid so far this season and has a nice corps of skill players around him, headlined by tight end Jaylen Samuels and running back Nyheim Hines. The defense hasn’t been quite as good as advertised. The special teams unit continues to be a mess.

Wake Forest (3-0, 1-0 ACC)

The Wake Forest defense headlined by defensive end Duke Ejiofor and safety Jessie Bates continues to be a very good unit, allowing just nine points per game so far against sub-par competition. The biggest surprise for Wake Forest has been the offense, which is averaging nearly 44 points per game after putting up just 20.4 per contest last season. Senior quarterback John Wolford is having a career-year while Arkeem Byrd, a running back, has finally provided Wake life in the running game.

Miami (1-0)

Much like FSU, the verdict is still out on Miami after playing just one game. The Hurricanes weren’t overly impressive in a 41-13 win over Bethune-Cookman to open the year, but Malik Rosier protected the football and Travis Homer showed the ability to be a nice compliment back behind Mark Walton. Miami should be a good defensive unit, but allowed 350 yards of offense to the Wildcats in the opener.

Duke (3-0)

Quarterback Daniel Jones has been every bit as good as expected for a Duke offense that has looked explosive so far. The Duke defensive has actually been better than most would have anticipated. With two non-conference wins over Power 5 programs, the Blue Devils are a legitimate contender in the ACC Coastal.

Louisville (2-1, 0-1 ACC)

Louisville quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson continues to amaze, but with running back Brandon Radcliffe, tight end Cole Hikutini and wide receiver James Quick all gone, it’s clear that Jackson is being asked to do more by himself. With the losses of defensive talent like DeAngelo Brown, Keith Kelsey, Devonte Fields and Josh Harvey-Clemons, that side of the ball has also taken a significant step back.

Boston College (1-2, 0-1 ACC)

The Boston College offense continues to be a sore spot for the Eagles, although freshman quarterback Anthony Brown has a lot of upside and adds a dimension that was not there with Patrick Towles. Unfortunately for Boston College and head coach Steve Addazio, an outstanding defense has taken a big step back, allowing more than 34 points per game so far. All-American defensive end Harold Landry has just one sack so far after leading the nation with 16.5 last season.

Syracuse (2-1)

For Syracuse, the return of quarterback Eric Dungey has sparked the offense, but a Week 2 loss at home to Middle Tennessee State makes one question how much progress the Orange have really made. The Orange once again should be fine on offense, but there are still questions as to how good a veteran defense can be. With Clemson at home as well as trips to FSU, Miami, Louisville and N.C. State still on the schedule, becoming bowl-eligible looks like a tall task.

Clemson (3-0, 1-0 ACC)

Through three weeks, Clemson appears to again be the team to beat in the ACC. Quarterback Kelly Bryant and a deep stable of young backs seem to get better by the week while the Tigers’ receiving corps headlined by Deon Cain and Hunter Renfrow seems to be chugging along just fine. The defensive line for the Tigers is one of the deepest and most talented in the country. Despite losing a ton of talent, Clemson is again a College Football Playoff contender.

Delaware State (0-3)

Delaware State, an FCS school, didn’t win a single game last season. It hasn’t yet this season either. So far, the Hornets have been outscored 109-34.

Florida (1-1)

Although Michigan was able to run the ball at the teeth of the Florida defense, the Gators are still very talented on that side of the ball and very opportunistic with three interception returns for touchdowns in two games. Quarterback Feleipe Franks showed off his arm strength late in Saturday’s remarkable win over Tennessee, but the verdict is still out on whether he can bring stability to a position that has sorely lacked it for Florida. Things should improve when running back Jordan Scarlett and wide receiver Antonio Callaway return from suspension. The Gators are still very good on special teams.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson

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