FSU Preview: Florida State versus Charleston Southern

On Saturday at 1:30 p.m. on the ACC Network Extra/Tubi, the Seminoles will host the Charleston Southern Buccaneers.

Charleston Southern is 1-10 on the season with a win against Furman and losses to the Citadel, Richmond, Tennessee State, Western Illinois, Lindenwood, Southeastern Missouri State, Tennessee Tech, Gardner-Webb, Tennessee Martin and Eastern Illinois.

FSU is 2-0 against the Buccaneers all-time, 62-10 in 2011 and 52-8 in 2016.

Coaching Changes

After the Notre Dame game FSU relieved offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and wide receiver coach Ron Dugans of their duties. The search for their replacements is ongoing. I think they will find the new coordinators the week after the Florida game.

Norvell has been the play caller for the offense his entire tenure and I think he should find a coordinator that can take up that responsibility. This would free up Norvell to focus on other things. FSU may have to find another defensive back coach as well, Patrick Surtain is interviewing for the Southern Mississippi head coach position.

Florida State offense versus Charleston Southern defense

The starter at quarterback will be Brock Glenn or Luke Kromenhoek and is going to be a game time decision. The back up will still get into the game. Glenn has a better grasp of the offense but I think Kromenhoek has a higher upside so I hope to see more plays with Luke under center.

Steve Zayachkowsky has been a menace on the Buccaneers defense this season racking up 74 tackles and 3 sacks. Other defenders to watch out for are D-Lineman Darrius Bell and defensive back Ja’Kobe North.

Running back Lawrance Toafili should break off a few big runs helping the ‘Noles score some points.

Florida State defense versus Charleston Southern offense

Rob McCoy (819 yards passing and 4 total TDs) and Kaleb Jackson (608 yards passing and 6 total TDs) will split snaps at quarterback for Charleston as they have a few games this season. Jackson is the better runner, so I expect him to get more snaps against an FSU defense that struggles versus mobile QBs.

When the Buccaneers throw the ball, they’ll be looking for receiver Noah Jennings (43 receptions). It’ll be up to corners AZ Thomas and Kevin Knowles to slow him down. I think defensive tackles Darrell Jackson and Josh Farmer are going to stop the run game making it hard for CSU to move the ball.

Special Teams

The ‘Noles had their worst game on special teams of the season against at Notre Dame, but I expect them to turn it around against the Buccaneers.

Prediction

Although the FSU defense is depleted and has underperformed all season they should have no problem stopping the Charleston Southern offense. The much maligned Seminole offensive line should take care of an outmatched defense leading the ‘Noles to a much needed victory.

Florida State 31 Charleston Southern 6.