The Seminoles will host the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Doak Campbell Stadium at 8:30 on the ACC Network. The Golden Eagles are 1-0 on the season after a 40-14 drubbing of Alcorn State.
FSU is 14-8-1 against the Eagles all time. The last game they played was the 2017 Independence Bowl, the Seminoles prevailed 42-13.
Observations from LSU Game
After the ‘Noles got the first game jitters out of the way and made a couple adjustments,FSU outscored LSU 38-10 in the last 32 minutes. One of those adjustments was figuring out how to keep LSU’s Mekhi Wingo out of the backfield. Once that happened FSU was able to run ball, which opened up the rest of the offense.
FSU took advantage of their big receivers as Keon Coleman (3 TDs) and Johnny Wilson had over 100 yards each.
LSU’s star linebacker Harold Perkins had no impact on the game. LSU had him spy Jordan Travis all night which made it easy for the ‘Noles to keep tabs on him.
LB DJ Lundy, DT Joshua Farmer, DE Gilber Edmund had great games and had some crucial quarterback pressures and sacks in the second half.
Florida State Offense vs Southern Miss Defense
The Southern Miss defense has been a strength of the team since coach Will Hall arrived in 2021. USM’s defense was ranked 65th in yards per game given up last year but they were great at getting to the quarterback with 3.3 sacks per game, tied for 5th with Liberty and Florida State. However, most of their leading pass rushers have moved on. I expect Jordan Travis to have plenty of time to throw due to great pass protection and USM’s revamped defensive front.
Players to look out for are safety Jay Stanley, who had 5 interceptions in ’22, and defensive tackles Jalen Williams (7.5 tackles for loss in ‘22) and Quentin Bivens (4.5 sacks last year).
Florida State Defense versus Southern Miss Offense
The Eagles will lean on running back Frank Gore Jr to get the offense going. Gore had 1,382 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns (4 passing) last season. He was also fourth on the team in receiving yards in ’22.
Slowing down Gore will be the top priority for the Seminole defense. To do that the defensive tackles will need to take up blocks so linebackers Tatum Bethune, DJ Lundy and Kalen DeLoach can fly in and make the tackles.
USM’s quarterback is Clemson transfer Billy Wiles. Wiles threw for 267 yards and 3 touchdowns in the season opener. The Eagles will try to get the ball to its deep threat receivers, Jakarius Caston and Latreal Jones, but FSU’s talented secondary should be to keep them locked down.
Special Teams
Edge: Florida State
Prediction
Southern Miss’s strength is running the ball which will shorten the game and FSU will be a little lethargic after an emotional win 6 days ago. Florida State 42 Southern Mississippi 17.
Preview: Florida State versus Southern Mississippi added by Scott Carswell Jr on
View all posts by Scott Carswell Jr →
Once again, Scott C. Jr has given your readers a great insight into today’s matchup with BC. I always read his column before each game, as Scott succinctly sets the stage for what to expect and the impact players/matchups to focus on, Well done and Go Noles!
A good analysis and prediction… but… we’ve seen some unranked teams smack the teeth out of some ranked teams already. So, stay focused guys and play your game.
GO NILES!