The Virginia Cavaliers (3-1, 1-0 ACC) head to Tallahassee to face Florida State (2-2, 0-1 ACC) on Saturday at 3:30. Tony Elliott’s crew is a slight favorite headed into this matchup as Vegas has the ‘Hoos set at a 2.5-point favorite against Mike Norvell and his Seminoles.
I got the inside scoop on how the Seminoles have looked so far this season, plus insight on how this game might play out through the eyes of Tim Scribble over at Tomahawk Nation.
Florida State enters Saturday at 2-2, with losses to SMU and Alabama but a convincing win over Central Arkansas last weekend. How would you assess the Seminoles through the first month of the season, and is this team better than its record suggests?
Scribble: I think the team is exactly what the record represents— a .500 team that should beat bad teams and lose to good teams. Honestly, this game should be very telling. While I like Virginia and expect them to win, this game kind of falls into the “toss-up” category, which is the “unknown” of FSU. My overall assessment is that it’s a 5-6 win team with a better-than-average offense and an abysmal defense.
Ashton Daniels has taken over at quarterback and has shown the ability to create explosive plays both through the air and with his legs. What has impressed you most about Daniels so far, and where is he still vulnerable as a quarterback?
Scribble: Hmm, not a ton has impressed. He’s just an “ok” quarterback with decent arm talent and decent running skills. Daniels’ decision-making is what concerns me most. He abandons pockets when he shouldn’t, takes sacks when he should throw the ball away, etc. He’s had some rough interceptions and doesn’t have the “burst” you would hope for a running quarterback. FSU had better options this offseason but went with Daniels. It limits an offense that has improved in most positions.
Who should Virginia fans worry about most when Florida State has the ball?
Scribble: Running back Ousmane Kromah is the offense’s focal point. Norvell will run Kromah over and over, hoping to open up the passing game. I think FSU should actually work the opposite side and pass to open it up for Kromah. Duce Robinson is a stud at receiver, and the Seminoles should attack the short-to-middle levels of the field. They probably won’t, so expect a lot of Kromah. The offense can score if it doesn’t get behind the chains.
What has been the biggest issue defensively, and what does FSU need to do to slow down Pribula and UVA’s rushing attack?
Scribble: Wow, how much time do you have? It wouldn’t shock me if UVA scores on the opening drive, maybe struggles on one or two drives, and then scores every possession after that. FSU has been routinely abused by opposing offensive coordinators. Zero pass rush, huge cushions for receivers, players out of position. I am not sure Pribula will be slowed down by the defense, but if they can, I think it will be forcing him into obvious passing downs and keeping containment.
How much does last year’s result factor into this matchup (if at all), and what is your prediction for Saturday in Tallahassee?
Scribble: I don’t think it factors in much; there are several new faces in Tallahassee. I expect a similar result, though I am not sure the Seminoles hit 38. I think Virginia wins something like 41-28.
Check out Tomahawk Nation for the latest on all things Florida State athletics. @TomahawkNation on X/Twitter. Thank you, Tim Alumbaugh (Scribble), for his time.
