Ohio State vs Florida State Preview
By: HornsNation05
Ohio State and Florida State meet for the first time in Season 2. Last season, Ohio State took both match-ups against FSU, 31-3 and 45-26. Ohio State is coming off a blowout win vs Oregon in Week 1, 48-25. Florida State is coming into Week 2 off of a loss against Texas A&M 43-40.
What to Look for
Florida State will be looking to bounce back after last week’s close loss to Texas A&M. Michael Kovach was solid on the ground with 123 yards rushing on 26 attempts. FSU will need QB Elias Gonzalez to step up to keep this game close. On defense, Florida State will need their secondary to continue to make plays against this tough OSU offense. Special teams could also play a factor this week for FSU after last weeks performance by CB Brum James. James had 6 kick returns for 191 yards. Look for him to take one to the house this week.
Ohio State comes off an impressive win over Oregons “No Fly Zone”. Last week DJ Moss threw for over 300 yards, with 148 of those going to his HB Adric Khaan. Look for OSU to get AK47 involved early and often on screens and sweeps to utilize his speed to the outside. Ohio State will also be tested on defense by this FSU offense and Michael Kovach. OSU did only allow 334 yards of offense to Oregon last week, but FSU’s offense is more of a ground and pound type, than Oregon’s flashy style.
Key Matchup
DJ Moss vs FSU Secondary
DJ Moss, the heralded 5-star freshman, exploited a tough Oregon secondary last week for 324 yards through the air. Now albeit it was mostly towards his RB Adric Khaan, Moss will be leaned on heavily this week. FSU will likely look to cover RB Khaan with a LB like Paxton Murray. This will force Moss to have to likely attack 3-star DB Nathan Tetonis or James Dunn.
Quotable Quotes
“It starts with staying humble after last week. The offensive coordinator made the right reads and I made the most out of my touches so him and the offense should take the credit in my eyes. Going into tonight, I just need to follow the gameplan whether I’m protecting Moss in the backfield, blocking for my fellow teammates or running the defenders into the dirt. I’m prepared to do anything and everything to the best of my abilities to help the team get that win tonight.” – Adric Khaan on if he is able to repeat last week’s performance.
“We know we are gonna have a challenge tonight playing Ohio State but I am confident in our defense. We have some nice pieces on defense who I believe are gonna help slow down this Ohio State offense.” – Florida State Assistant AD on how to slow down Ohio State.
Prediction
Ohio State is really good on offense, and has the playmakers to score a ton of points. This game will come down to FSU and their running ability. If they can extend drives and keep time of possession in their favor, they could keep this game close. In the end, I believe OSU wins this game with the ability of their 5-star freshmen Moss and Khaan.
Ohio State 41, Florida State 30
