Cal at Florida State Preview
This weekend, Cal will be going into enemy territory for their first-ever ACC game against the reigning conference champions and playoff-snubbed Florida State. There have been no prior games played between the two so this first game will be the start of something new between the two programs. With Cal at 3-0 and Florida State 0-3 there could be a sense that this should be an easy win for Cal. As the great Lee Corso says, “Not so fast my friend.”
FSU Notable Players:
- DJ Uiagalelei: 56/99 passes, 666 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, 8 sacked, and 112.4 QBR
- This feels like a do-or-die game for the DJU experiment. His back is against the wall against a very confident and solid secondary led by Nohl Williams and Marcus Harris. Norvell could try to get the running game going and have Uiagalelei complete short, easy passes to get him warmed up. If the offense isn’t going by the end of the 1st quarter or halftime, expect Brock Glenn to come in.
- Malik Benson: 12 receptions, 171 yards, 14.3 YPC, and 0 TDs
- Benson is leading the Seminoles’ WR squad in receptions and yards for the season so far. Might be a stretch to say hes DJU’s favorite target but Benson has been leading the offense in yards after DJ and more yards than all the running backs rushing totals combined. The Alabama transfer had 99 receiving yards against Memphis last week.
- Shyheim Brown: 21 total tackles, 13 solo, and 8 assisted
- Brown accounts for a little over 10% of the tackles for this Florida State squad, even with not playing against Memphis due to injury. Brown will be looking to come back this weekend versus Cal but could be rusty from the injury. He is looked at as the best DB on the team.
FSU Overview:
We all know and saw what happened to this team last year on the brink of a CFP berth and having it ripped away. The beginning of the season was much anticipated for FSU, though they lost a lot of talent in the portal and to the NFL draft but they also gained a decent amount of talent back through the portal, finishing 11th overall in the country via 247sports and also the 7th best portal class in the country, highlighted by Uiagalelei (Oregon State), Marvin Jones Jr. (Georgia), Malik Benson (Alabama), Shawn Murphy (Alabama) and Jalen Brown (LSU).
The season started in a heartbreaking loss in Ireland against Georgia Tech, with the Seminoles losing 24-21 off a game-winning field goal by the Wramblin’ Wreck. The offense wasn’t impressive with 193 passing yards and 98 rushing yards. The defense was gashed for 190 rushing yards and 146 passing yards. Georgia Tech had 7 tackles for a loss to FSU’s 3. All in all, it was an ugly game. But then Boston College and Memphis happened. While both teams are not terrible losses in reality (Boston College took #7 Missouri to the limit 27-21 last week and Memphis is a G5 contender for the playoffs) it is not the expectation to lose to either in Tallahassee.
Being 0-3 put Norvell on the hot seat it seems, and the season seems like it could be getting away from them if not corrected fast. In the first 3 games of the season FSU’s defense has been giving up 175 passing yards, 173 rushing yards, 24 points a game, and allowing offenses to covert on 50% (21-42). The offense has been averaging 222 passing yards, 52 rushing yards, 15 points a game, and a 3rd down conversion rate of 26% (10-38). Needless to say, this is very average to bad on both sides of the ball. This game against Cal is a way to get back on track as the schedule doesn’t get easier with @ SMU, Clemson, @ Duke, and @ Miami their next 4 games.
Gameplan for Cal:
Defensively, my strategy is to pressure the QB and force him to make plays. Florida State’s running game hasn’t been impressive, and DJU seems to be on thin ice with the coaching staff. While FSU has talent across the board, they haven’t been clicking this season. Defensively, Cal needs to come out aggressive, aiming to put the game away early. Despite being 0-3, FSU will be hungry and determined to save their season, so the defense has to stay sharp. Nohl Williams and the secondary will be crucial in shutting down DJU and preventing him from building any confidence, as they’ve excelled in limiting the passing game.
Offensively, Cal should focus on running the ball to control the clock and keep their defense off the field. Both Boston College and Georgia Tech had success against FSU by effectively running the ball and dominating time of possession. Memphis, more of a passing team, shared that success through controlling the tempo. Watch out for Ott, who might return against FSU (currently probable). If he can’t play, expect Jaivian Thomas to shoulder the load after his explosive performance against SDSU last week.
This game is a pivotal moment for Cal. A 4-0 start for the first time since 2019 would put them on the map, possibly setting up a major showdown with Miami after next week’s bye. For FSU, this is also a critical game. After a highly successful season last year, head coach Mike Norvell is feeling the pressure as his team’s talent has yet to come together this season.
Kickoff is at 7:00pm EST/4:00pm PST on ESPN 2.