On Saturday at 3:30 on the ACC Network FSU will host the Kent State Golden Flashes.
Kent State is 1-2 on the season with a win over Merrimack and losses to Texas Tech and Buffalo.
Observations and stats from the last game
It takes triple the amount of time getting to the game then it did in 2023 (before they took out 13,000 seats). I don’t know what the new procedure is, but they need to go back to the old one.
The ‘Noles offense went crazy scoring a touchdown on their first 10 possessions. Tommy Castellanos seems to have control of the offense, and it was evident after leading 6 TD drives, which included 3 touchdown passes. Duce Robinson had an FSU record breaking performance with 160 yards receiving in just the first quarter. Running back Gavin Sawchuk had a huge first half as well with 3 touchdowns. 77 points is the second most points in a game in program history. The 74-point differential is the biggest margin in school history.
Two-way player Amaree Williams had a receiving TD and a half a sack.
The defense was incredible and relentless in the first half giving up only 60 yards and getting 2 turnovers. The backups had a solid showing as well.
My only nitpicking gripe was that the goal line offense sputtered a few times.
Florida State offense versus Kent State defense
The FSU should get the run game going with Sawchuk and the other backs behind offensive linemen Adrian Medley, Luke Petitbon and Richie Leonard. When that gets going the ‘Noles can hit the Flashes with the play action with some passes to Duce Robinson, Jayvan Boggs, Micahi Danzy and maybe Squirrel White.
The offense, led by Castellanos, will have another huge day against a defense that gives up 37 points per game (125 out of 136 in the FBS). Players to watch for the Kent State defense are defensive end Jamond Mathis and cornerback Jaire Rawlison (19 tackles in ’25).
Florida State defense versus Kent State offense
The Golden Flashes offense was second to last in rushing yards per game in the FBS last season and those struggles have carried over into 2025. (105th in rushing yards per game.) Daniel Lyons, the Desir brothers and the other defensive lineman should have big games against the run with Darrell Jackson clogging up the middle.
Since the running game has been almost nonexistent Kent State has been relying on the quarterback to make plays. The quarterback is Dru DeShields, who has 513 yards passing, 6 total touchdowns and 0 interceptions this season. Freshman running back/receiver Cade Wolford has a knack for the big play with 32 yards per catch and 4 touchdowns.
Special Teams
The Seminoles have a huge advantage in this phase of the game.
Prediction
The Seminoles will continue their dominance against an outmatched Kent State squad. I believe FSU will establish the run and then hit them with the play action pass.
Florida State 63 Kent State 7
FSU Preview: Florida State versus Kent State added by Scott Carswell Jr on
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