The Florida State Seminoles get a clean-up game on Saturday night to correct some of their mistakes from Monday’s debilitating loss to Virginia Tech. While the Samford Bulldogs are a legitimate contender in the FCS, they’re going to feel the full brunt of an angry FSU team hoping to wash the taste of defeat out of their mouth. This game will be broadcast at 7:20 p.m. EST on the ACC Network.
2018 Record: 1-0 (0-0 Southern)
2017 Record: 8-4 (6-2 Southern)
2017 S&P Offensive Ranking: N/A
Returning Offensive Production: 10 starters
2017 S&P Defensive Ranking: N/A
Returning Defensive Production: 6 starters
On Offense
Samford got off to a brilliant start against Shorter University. The offense did whatever it wanted on its way to a 66-9 rout of the Hawks. Quarterback Devlin Hodges is currently third overall in the FCS with 330 passing yards, while receiver Kelvin McKnight hauled in 119 yards worth of passes, good for seventh overall.
Hodges tossed for five touchdowns in the contest against Shorter and is widely regarded as the Bulldogs’ best player. In 2017, he was named the Southern Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year for a second straight season. The leading rusher is Roland Adams with 71 yards and one touchdown. The Bulldogs likely won’t be using him much on Saturday, as they’ll try to play to their strengths and air it out.
On Defense
The Bulldogs return comparatively less on their defense, but they still have some standout players. Defensive end Ahmad Gooden was named the SoCon’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 and racked up 101 total tackles. He also led the team in tackles for loss with 15.5.
Samford currently ranks sixth in the FCS for total defense. It gives up just 3.56 yards per play.
On Special Teams
Kelvin McKnight is a dangerous return-man on punts. Samford has yet to defend a punt return however. Kicker Mitchell Fineran connected on his only field goal attempt from 32 yards out.
Summary
The Samford Bulldogs are an FCS team. This game will possess valuable reps for the FSU offense that looked completely flustered earlier in the week, and it will also provide somewhat of a confidence booster as well.
Look for head coach Willie Taggart and offensive coordinator Walt Bell to iron out the kinks and diagnose what went wrong against Virginia Tech. Also, Kelvin McKnight will be an interesting test for the FSU secondary. If FSU does not score 50-plus points against Samford, there’s serious issues with the offense. Hopefully FSU fans can relax by the third quarter and enjoy the rest of the night.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login