FSU-Alabama: Five Things to Watch

The highly-anticipated opener between No. 1 Alabama and No. 3 Florida State is now just one day away as both teams look to stay undefeated in openers under their respective head coaches. The contest will also be the first at the newly completed Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Florida State will be meeting Alabama for the fifth time and for the third time at a neutral field. It however, will be the first meeting between Alabama head coach Nick Saban and FSU’s Jimbo Fisher, who coached under Saban at LSU. With kickoff drawing ever closer, here are five things to watch for in Saturday’s opener:

1. Quarterback Play
With all-time leading rusher Dalvin Cook gone, Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois will be under the microscope this season. Francois performed admirably last season, but struggled against elite defenses. The Crimson Tide’s unit ranked second nationally and tops in the country when it came to scoring defense. Francois was named ACC Rookie of the Year, but still struggled with accuracy, anticipation and awareness in the pocket.

For Alabama, Jalen Hurts looks to build on a solid freshman campaign in which he accounted for more than 3,700 total yards and 36 touchdowns. Hurts however, struggled as a passer. Against an elite secondary like FSU’s, Saturday’s contest will show how much Hurts has matured in that category. He was arguably more dangerous as a runner last season, accounting for 954 yards rushing.

2. The Battle in the Trenches
Perhaps the biggest question mark for Florida State heading into 2017 is the offensive line and the Seminoles will be facing one of the best defensive lines in the country, anchored by Da’Shawn Hand and Da’Ron Payne. Alabama led the nation a season ago in sacks and was the only defense in the country not to allow 1,000 yards rushing for the season. FSU’s offensive front was much better last season as a run-blocking unit than it was in pass protection.

While Alabama led the nation in sacks, FSU led the country in sacks per game. DeMarcus Walker may be gone, but Brian Burns, Josh Sweat and Derrick Nnadi are three guys who can really get after the quarterback for the Seminoles. Alabama has a very good offensive line, but players like Lester Cotton and Matt Womack have played primarily in garbage time.

3. The Return of Derwin James
After playing in just two games last season, redshirt sophomore safety Derwin James returns from a meniscus tear for the Seminoles. James did everything for Florida State as a freshman in 2015. Despite being worked along slowly, he ranked among the team leaders in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and forced fumbles. During the FSU spring game, James looked like himself. James was named the top player in the country by Sports Illustrated coming into the season and has few, if any, weaknesses in his game.

4. Freshmen
Both teams return a lot of talent, but both are loaded with talented newcomers. The guys to watch for Florida State include running back Cam Akers as well as defensive linemen Joshua Kaindoh and Marvin Wilson. While teams tend to work youngsters along slowly, expect a number of new Seminoles to potentially see time on Saturday. Akers is expected to see plenty of carries to compliment starter Jacques Patrick in the first game of the post-Cook era.

For Alabama, the notable freshmen are at the skill positions. Running back Najee Harris could get some carries behind Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris while Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs are expected to contribute immediately at wide receiver. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Dylan Moses could see reps.

5. Special Teams
Special teams is an area that has been a difference-maker for Alabama under head coach Nick Saban — just ask Clemson. The Crimson Tide scored four touchdowns on punts last season and have one of the nation’s best punters in J.K. Scott. Special teams was not a strong spot for Florida State last season, but FSU returns all three specialists and is putting Derwin James and Tarvarus McFadden back deep on punt and kickoff returns, respectively. If the game comes down to a field goal, Ricky Aguayo returns for FSU while Alabama replaces Adam Griffith.

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