Ousmane Kromah Key to Florida State’s Chances vs. Virginia
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Florida
State (2-2, 0-1 in the ACC) has shown that it is better at running the ball on
offense, behind the strong performance of star running back Ousmane Kromah.
Kromah has rushed for 397 yards, five touchdowns, and a yards-per-carry average
of 6.20. That is good enough for No. 3 in the ACC, and No.18 nationally.
Against
Virginia (3-1, 1-0 in the ACC) on Saturday, a heavy dose of Kromah may be the
best plan of attack to gain a victory against one of the best defenses in
college football this season.
The
Cavaliers are ranked in the top 20 nationally in total defense, pass defense,
scoring defense, and ranked No. 5 in the FBS in interceptions. Against the run
this season, Virginia allows 116.75 yards per game and 3.43 yards per carry.
That is good enough for No. 5 in the ACC (and No. 49 in the FBS).
And while
they gave up less than 100 yards on the ground to NC State, Norfolk State, and
Delaware, they were torched for 247 yards rushing and three touchdowns in a
38-27 loss to West Virginia. So, Virginia can be vulnerable to the run.
With an
inconsistent passing offense, Florida State coach Mike Norvell and Kromah should
be burning the midnight oil in the film room. They should be watching game film
of that West Virginia game to see how Kromah and his brothers in the garnet and
gold can exploit the Cavaliers’ run defense.
Florida
State has rushed for 689 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, and is the strength
of this Seminoles’ team at this point of the season. They are one of only six
teams in the ACC with double-digit rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Ashton
Daniels has also added four touchdowns running the football, whether by design
or otherwise.
Kromah is
coming off a win over Central Arkansas, in which he rushed for 86 yards on 11
carries and two touchdowns. Against the Bears, Kromah averaged 7.20 yards per
carry. In each of the first two games of the season, Kromah rushed for over 100
yards, but has not cracked the century mark the last two weeks.
Quintrevion
Wisner will have to provide more of what he produced against Central Arkansas,
when he carried eight times for 41 yards. That was his highest output of the
season so far.
The
Seminoles’ offensive line will certainly have to earn their pay, engaging and
holding their blocks to create running lanes for Kromah and Wisner. That is not
to suggest that Florida State should be completely one-dimensional.
But if
Florida State can soften up the Virginia defense by pounding the rock, maybe it
will create some space for receivers Duce Robinson and Michai Danzy to make
plays on the perimeter.
If they
make enough plays on offense, and if the defense can put pressure on Virginia quarterback
Beau Pribula, the Seminoles might come away with a much-needed conference
victory. And, build momentum before they hit the road to Louisville and Miami
in consecutive weeks.
Florida
State is a +1.5-point underdog to the Cavaliers at home. The Seminoles own a
14-5 record against the Cavaliers, and lost last year in Charlottesville, Virginia
46-38. However, Virginia has not beaten Florida State in Tallahassee since
2011.
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