Florida State Needs Passing Game to Come Alive vs. Alabama
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It is game week at the Florida State football facility, as the Seminoles (1-1) prepare for their road game on Saturday at No. 10 Alabama(2-0). They will face a tough and talented defense, one that even Nick Saban would be proud of. After two weeks, the Crimson Tide defense is among the best in college football, ranked in the top ten in many categories. Florida State coach Mike Norvell will be tested in his play calling as he tries to find ways to move the ball down the field and score points at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
One area of concern for the Seminoles is their passing attack. Currently, they are languishing in the bottom third of the FBS, at No. 120 in passing offense. They have averaged 163.50 yards through the air in the first two games of the season. Alabama has allowed 153 passing yards on average in their first two contests. And the Crimson Tide has two interceptions to its credit.
At his weekly press conference, Norvell spoke about the talented Alabama defense and how important it is to get the passing attack going and be productive.
“Yeah, they're fast, they're explosive,” said Norvell. “I think they've increased you know their size from what last year's defensive front was to this year. They've done a good job of being able to address some needs. You could see their confidence in the defensive backfield. They've been able to, in the first two games, really play a lot of man coverage. They've been able to match up. So, you're going to have to you have to win one-on-ones, and they're going to mix in good pressures. They don't tip a whole lot of what they do pressure-wise. So, you've got to be able to play with great eyes. And, it's still going to come down to a bunch of one-on-one plays versus, you know, it's good on good. Talented players trying to create space and, when you get the opportunity, you got to go make it.”
The problem with that statement is that Norvell’s play calling has not been focused enough on getting the ball to his playmakers on the perimeter, namely 6-foot-6 matchup nightmare Duce Robinson and speed merchant Micahi Danzy. Robinson has just five catches for 75 yards, and Danzy has posted six catches for 69 yards. Neither has found the end zone yet this season.
Robinson and Danzy would love nothing more than to challenge an Alabama defender one-on-one and create plays in space. If only someone could throw the football to them.
The other starring role in this Greek tragedy belongs to quarterback Ashton Daniels. All that was talked about, loud and proud during fall camp, was the growth and confidence that Daniels was able to build as he “improved” his quarterback skills.
After two games, Daniels has averaged 163 yards per game passing and thrown just two TD passes. He has also accounted for two rushing touchdowns. Daniels’ last time out, against SMU, Daniels threw for 125 yards and completed 52 percent of his passes.
Norvell must incorporate Robinson and Danzy into the offensive game plan against Alabama. They are two weapons that could be equalizers against what will be an attacking-style defense on every play.
Florida State’s offensive line will be challenged to keep Daniels upright so he can execute the passing offense. If he is flushed out of the pocket and forced to scramble for positive yardage, the passing game will be a moot point. Alabama could (and probably will) load up the box at the line of scrimmage and dare Daniels to beat them with his throwing arm.
Last season as a quarterback at Auburn, Daniels performed well against the Crimson Tide in the Iron Bowl, albeit in a 27-20 losing effort. Daniels passed for 259 yards and a touchdown, with one interception. He also rushed for 108 yards against the Alabama defense that went on to earn a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Maybe Daniels’ experience against Alabama could come in handy in such a way as to secure an upset. The Seminoles are +20.5 underdogs vs. Alabama.
With the firing of athletic director Michael Alford on Monday, it appears the dominoes could start to fall even more, putting more pressure on Norvell to win football games. 18 losses over the last two seasons on Norvell’s watch have hung over this once proud college football blue blood like bad weather.
Will there be a break in those storm clouds? Or will Florida State fans hunker down and become riders of the storm? Those questions will get answered, one way or another, on Saturday in Tuscaloosa.
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