Three ways that the Seminoles’ offense can attack Georgia Tech’s defense
Florida State’s football team had an outstanding 2023 season, finishing with an undefeated regular season and winning the conference championship.
However, in 2024, the Seminoles must replace key players, including quarterback Jordan Travis, running back Trey Benson, wide receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, tight end Jaheim Bell, and offensive linemen Casey Roddick and D’Mitri Emmanuel.
Head coach Mike Norvell has shown confidence in his team for the upcoming season. The coaching staff has also strengthened the offense through the transfer portal, bringing in quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, running backs Roydell Williams and Jaylin Lucas, wide receivers Malik Benson and Jalen Brown, and offensive linemen Richie Leonard IV, TJ Ferguson, and Jacob Rizy.
Florida State is set to face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Dublin, Ireland, for their season opener on Saturday, August 24th. In this article, I will explore three strategies for the Seminoles’ offense to penetrate the Yellow Jackets’ defense.
ESTABLISH THE RUN EARLY AND OFTEN
Florida State needs to fill the gap left by standout running back Trey Benson, who was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, fans can remain optimistic, as the Seminoles have several capable backs ready to step up.
In a previous article, I highlighted Lawrance Toafili as a potential x-factor for the team in this matchup. Additionally, players like Roydell Williams, Jaylin Lucas, Caziah Holmes, Samuel Singleton Jr., Kameron Davis, and Micahi Danzy could all contribute to the running game.
With quarterback DJ Uiagalelei joining the offense for the first game of the season, it’s crucial for Florida State to establish the run early and consistently.
Georgia Tech’s defense struggled, allowing 221.3 rushing yards per game (ranked 128th in the FBS), which plays to the Seminoles’ advantage as they look to implement their game plan and manage their new lineup.
THROWING THE DEEP BALL
Florida State experienced significant success last season with star quarterback Jordan Travis, who often connected with talented, tall playmakers like Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman.
While the Seminoles may not currently have players as NFL-ready as Wilson and Coleman (though they do possess potential), DJ Uiagalelei has demonstrated his strong arm during his time at Clemson and Oregon State.
The receivers may not yet be well-known, but they have the ability to make big plays. If everything falls into place, these athletes could help Florida State develop one of the top offenses in college football.
Despite differing opinions on Uiagalelei, it’s clear that head coach Mike Norvell is among the best offensive strategists in the game and will leverage Uiagalelei’s strengths.
Overall, I anticipate that Georgia Tech’s defense will have to respect the Seminoles’ running game, which could open up opportunities for Uiagalelei to throw deep.
EXPERIENCED OFFENSIVE LINE
Florida State boasts a seasoned offensive line this season, featuring seniors like Darius Washington, Richie Leonard IV, Maurice Smith, Keiondre Jones, Jeremiah Byers, Robert Scott Jr., and Jacob Rizy.
Although offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Alex Atkins will be suspended for the first three games of the 2024 season, the veteran nature of this unit should help them perform well.
While the offensive line faced challenges with run blocking last season, the addition of guards like Richie Leonard IV, TJ Ferguson, and Keiondre Jones is expected to improve their performance and allow the Seminoles to return to their effective counter-run scheme.
This experienced offensive line is likely to establish a strong foundation against a Georgia Tech defense that averaged only 1.62 sacks per game in 2023 (ranking 109th in the FBS). The Seminoles should have a favorable matchup against the Yellow Jackets.
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