The Daily Nole

FSU Football: A First Look at Delaware State

Rodney Adams/Delaware State Athletics

Not since Savannah State in 2012 has a team come to Tallahassee seemingly more overmatched than Delaware State should be this weekend. Given the season that Florida State has had, that’s a welcomed thing.

The Hornets will be in town for Senior Day as the Seminoles look to win consecutive home games after an 0-3 start at Doak Campbell Stadium this season. Delaware State has won two of four games since losing the previous 17.

On Delaware State

Record: 2-8
Offensive Ranks: 101st in FCS in yards per game (289.4), 49th in FCS in passing yards per game (216.6), 118th in FCS in rushing yards per game (72.8), 112th in FCS in points per game (15.2).
Defensive Ranks: 101st in FCS in yards per game allowed (430.7), 116th in FCS in passing yards per game allowed (275.6), 67th in FCS in rushing yards per game allowed (155.1), 106th in FCS in points per game allowed (34.3).
Last Game: Defeated Morgan State last Saturday, 33-30.

On Offense

Delaware State is statistically one of the worst offenses in the FCS, especially when it comes to rushing. At quarterback, both freshman Jack McDaniels and sophomore Keenan Black have seen time. McDaniels is more of a pocket passer while Black is the better athlete. The two have combined for just 12 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions this season.

Redshirt freshman running back Nyfease West leads the Hornets with 469 yards from scrimmage this year, but has averaged just 3.6 yards per carry. Junior wide receiver Taronn Selby leads Delaware State with 432 yards receiving. Freshman wide receiver Trey Gross has caught five of Delaware State’s 14 total touchdowns this season. The offensive line has yielded 39 sacks.

On Defense

Defensively, Delaware State has been gashed, especially through the air. Seven different players however, have an interception. The leading tackler for the Hornets is sophomore linebacker Brian Cavicante with 67 total tackles to go with a team-high nine tackles for loss. Freshman defensive back Alexander Lozano has 25 percent of Delaware State’s sacks with three.

On Special Teams

Unlike other aspects of the team, field goal kicking and punting have not been bad for Delaware State. Senior Wisdom Nzidee is 7-for-8 on field goals and perfect from under 40 yards. Freshman punter Jose Romo-Martinez has averaged better than 44 yards per punt and 21 of his 61 kicks have traveled at least 50 yards.

When it comes to kick and punt coverage however, the Hornets have been dreadful. They are allowing 33 yards per kick return, 10 per punt return and have allowed a touchdown on each. Fatu Sua-Godinet has been a reliable returner for the Hornets.

Summary

Delaware State isn’t going to come into Tallahassee and beat Florida State. The Hornets have far more weaknesses than strengths, but will get a nice payday. Another positive for Delaware State is that it has won two games over the course of a month after failing in the previous 17. Both Jimbo Fisher and Kenny Carter’s teams would be best served to make it out of this one injury-free.

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

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