Florida State’s Ground Attack Flashes Its Potential To Be Elite

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Before Florida State ever took the field for its 2026 opener, head coach Mike Norvell made it clear how he felt about the foundation of his offense.

On Saturday night, that confidence translated into production.Behind a physical offensive line and a deep stable of running backs, Florida State rushed for 217 net yards on 39 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt while scoring three rushing touchdowns in a 34-17 season-opening victory over New Mexico State. 

“I feel very confident in that group. I think we do have seven, eight guys that can go out there and play high-level winning football,” Norvell spoke glowing about his offensive line unit following the game.

The Seminoles never relied on one player either in the backfield to shoulder the workload.

Instead, they showcased exactly what Norvell has envisioned throughout fall camp: a relentless, fresh-legged rotation capable of wearing down defenses over four quarters.

Freshman Ousmane Kromah led the way with 115 rushing yards on just 14 carries, averaging 8.2 yards per attempt and scoring the game’s final touchdown. Quintrevion Wisner added 34 yards while averaging 8.5 yards per carry, Samuel Singleton Jr. contributed 42 yards and a touchdown, and quarterback Ashton Daniels added another rushing score while keeping New Mexico State honest with his legs. 

According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Kromah finished with the team’s highest rushing grade (78.4), forcing five missed tackles and producing 84 yards after contact. More impressively, 115 of his 116 rushing yards came after first contact or on positive gains, illustrating both his explosiveness and tackle-breaking ability. Wisner earned a 69.1 rushing grade, while Singleton posted a 65.4 mark as all three backs found success behind Florida State’s front.

While the running backs deserved plenty of attention, much of Saturday’s success started up front.

Norvell’s confidence in his offensive line appeared justified as the Seminoles consistently created movement at the point of attack and allowed multiple ball carriers to find running lanes throughout the evening.

PFF’s run-blocking grades reflected a balanced effort rather than domination by one individual.

Left tackle Xavier Chaplin earned the highest overall run-blocking grade among offensive linemen at 74.5, while receiver Micahi Danzy posted a 73.9 grade in his blocking opportunities from the perimeter. Tight end Chase Loftin (72.5) and Desirrio Riles (72.0) also graded well as edge blockers, highlighting how Florida State’s perimeter players contributed to the rushing attack.

Among the starting offensive line, Chaplin set the pace, while Chimdia Nwaiwu (61.9), André Otto (60.4), Bradyn Welch-Joiner (60.2) and Nate Pabst (55.6) combined to help pave the way for more than 200 rushing yards. The collective performance mattered more than individual grades as Florida State consistently generated push against a New Mexico State front Norvell had praised during the week.

The versatility of Florida State’s offense also stood out.

The Seminoles recorded 22 zone runs and seven gap-scheme carries, showing they were comfortable attacking the Aggies in multiple ways. Kromah’s 52-yard burst provided the game’s explosive rushing play, while Florida State generated six runs of at least 10 yards, an indication the blocking unit was creating opportunities beyond simply grinding out short gains.

Perhaps the most encouraging statistic came after contact.

Florida State accumulated 145 rushing yards after contact, averaging 3.72 yards after contact per attempt. Those numbers speak both to the physicality of the backs and the offensive line’s ability to create favorable angles before defenders could finish plays.

The rushing attack also became increasingly important as the game progressed.

After leading just 17-10 midway through the third quarter, Florida State leaned on its ground game during touchdown drives of 12 plays for 51 yards and eight plays for 75 yards, controlling possession and wearing down the Aggies in the second half. The Seminoles ultimately finished with 31:32 of possession, converted 8-of-14 third downs, and scored on all six red-zone opportunities, evidence of an offense capable of finishing drives. 

Week 0 certainly wasn’t perfect. There were penalties, a red-zone sack and moments where the offense stalled early. But the blueprint Norvell described before kickoff was unmistakable by night’s end.

Florida State doesn’t need one featured back.

It has multiple runners capable of producing behind an offensive line that appears deep enough to sustain a physical rushing identity throughout the season. Against New Mexico State, that combination looked every bit like the foundation Norvell believed it could become before the season ever began.

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