FSU Preview: Florida State at Stanford

This Saturday at 10:30 pm the Seminoles will take on the Stanford Cardinal in Palo Alto, California.

Standard is 2-4 on the season with wins over Boston College and San Jose State and losses to Hawaii, BYU, Virginia and SMU.

This will be the first matchup between the two programs. The last time FSU traveled to the Bay Area was for the Emerald Bowl against UCLA in 2006. The ‘Noles won, 44-27.

Observations from the last game

The defense could not win 3^rd down the whole game. Getting pressure on the quarterback continues to be the biggest issue and when they did, they were out of their rush lanes allowing the quarterback to scramble for the first down.

The offense became too predictable in second half with Duce Robinson on the bench. Pittsburgh moved their safety closer to the line of scrimmage knowing that FSU wouldn’t test them down the field. The ‘Noles eventually hit a deep pass which makes you wonder why they didn’t try earlier in the half.

Florida State offense versus Stanford defense

FSU wants to establish the run, but Stanford has done a good job of stopping it the season. However, the Cardinal have been abysmal against me pass (132 in passing yards allowed). If Florida State can get some receivers back from injury, it’ll give tommy Castellanos a chance to force the safeties to respect the pass making it easier in the run game. If not, we’ll see more short passes and screens to the tight ends.

Stanford most likely will have linebacker Matt Rose (47 tackles) paying close attention to tight end Randy Pittman when FSU decides to pass. The Cardinal have done a decent job of getting pressure on the quarterback with defensive end Clay Patterson (3 sacks) leading the way.

Florida State defense versus Stanford offense

The balanced Stanford offense should be an easier opponent for the defense. The Cardinal like to run the ball with Micah Ford (400 yards rushing) but haven’t been able to as much with them trailing in most games. The Seminoles have done a good job slowing down running backs this year.

Stopping the QB run as been the problem. So, it’s good news they’ll be facing a pocket passer. When passing the ball Stanford QB, Ben Gulbranson, faces constant pressure and has thrown 4 interceptions to go with 20 sacks (124 worst in the FBS). Gulbranson’s favorite target is CJ Williams, who has 35 catches for 404 yards. The Desir brothers and the other defensive ends should have big games against a struggling offensive line.

Special Teams

Slight advantage to Florida State

Prediction

Stanford’s running /possession style of offense coupled with the QB not being able to escape the pocket very well will make it easier for FSU to get enough stops. The ‘Noles should break a few runs and hit Micahi Danzy for some big plays against a poor pass defense.

Florida State 31 Stanford 23