Andrew Spivey, Nick Marcinko, and Gentry Hawk preview Florida’s week 14 matchup vs FSU with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
What are the keys to victory over FSU’s offense led by true freshman Luke Kromenhoek?
AS: Keep the pressure coming from the front seven and mainly the front four. If the Gators defensive line can cause pressure then I really like Florida to cause turnovers in this game.
NM: FSU maintains one of the worst offenses in college football, regardless of what quarterback they’re playing. Luke Kromenhoek probably has the most upside at the position due to his athleticism but is only completing 51.8% of his passes and has not thrown a touchdown pass against a P4 opponent. Kromenhoek stands tall at 6’4, 208 pounds and is a willing runner, as seen by his 71 rushing yards vs Miami. Kromenhoek has thrown for just 68 yards on 15 pass attempts while under pressure. The key will be to keep him inside the pocket.
GH: Florida’s defensive line and Caleb Banks must continue to cause consistent pressure for 60 minutes while keeping Florida State out of the red zone. Florida currently has the 12th ranked red zone defense in the country while Florida State has the 47th ranked red zone offense. Keep them from executing in the red area and you win. If the Gators can get to Luke Kromemhoek early and often, the Seminoles have nothing.
What are the keys to victory against FSU’s defense?
AS: Run the ball early and often because the Noles haven’t been good at stopping the run. This also allows Lagway the ability to throw the ball down the field.
NM: Run the ball! FSU’s cornerbacks are extremely talented in coverage and don’t let much by them, allowing just 207 passing yards per game this season. FSU ranks 101st in rushing defense.
GH: If there’s anything you could look at that Florida State isn’t beyond awful at from a statistical standpoint, it’s their defense and secondary. The Seminoles rank 49th in the country in passing defense and 88th in the country in team defense. DJ Lagway can’t turn the ball over and must continue to play smart football when looking to extend plays. I think if Lagway can do that and stay composed, Florida’s offense could have a field day.
One player you would like to see receive more playing time in week 14?
AS: Bryce Lovett, with Dameon George still questionable for Saturday’s game, I want to see what Lovett can do in this game against an FSU defensive line that isn’t very good.
NM: Myles Graham flashed in limited snaps last week vs Ole Miss. I’d like to see Napier work the young linebackers in the game.
GH: I said it last week and I’ll say it again this week. I want to see Myles Graham continue to get more snaps this weekend after looking good last weekend against Ole Miss and recording four total tackles.
Other keys to victory?
AS: Start fast and put all the pressure on FSU, I also want to see DJ Lagway put on a show in this game so all gas and no brakes.
NM: Start fast and take over Doak Campbell Stadium.
GH: I think pressure in the trenches will cause turnovers for Florida State’s offense, and if the Gators can cause turnovers this one will get ugly for the Seminoles. Keep trending in the right direction defensively, as that has been Florida’s strength the last couple weeks.
Florida is 14.5 point road favorites over FSU. Give us a score prediction.
AS: Florida 41, FSU 10
NM: Florida 31 FSU 13
GH: Florida 38 Florida State 13