What makes this Wake game different?

by FSUSkot on Sep 16, 2008 4:22 PM EDT

I'm listening to the Jeff Cameron show and it got me thinking. What is different this year that is in the favor of the Noles vs. Wake Forest. What is it this year that will put FSU over the top?

Athleticism and Accuracy from the Quarterback Position

This should cause problems to a Wake Forest defense, who in the past, loaded up against the run and dared FSU to pass. If they choose this option this year, they have a much better chance of being burned because of the talent level of the options at QB this year.

Healthy and Deep Backfield

FSU running back Antone Smith leaves Alabama linebacker Prince Hall in his wake as he runs for a touchdown.

Healthy refers to Antoine Smith, who seems to be running better than ever, which he attributes to being 100% for the first time in a very long time. Couple that with the fact that we have young and talented backups to spell him when he needs it. It should bode well for FSU's chances to have a good running game this year.

Trickett's "guys" on the Offensive Line

Although they are young and very much inexperienced, the depth chart is almost completely comprised of guys recruited by Rick Trickett. Hopefully this means success early, and not growing pains through the meat of this year’s schedule.

Playmakers on the defensive edge

At the Defensive End spot we have a sack machine in Everette Brown on one end, and an end in White who is slowly but surely picking up the system. Mickey even commented that White is the hardest working player on defense and will end up as one of the great FSU DE's

Someone other than Preston Parker to throw the ball to

All too often last year it seemed that Preston Parker was the only person catching passes. This year FSU has 4 (some would argue more), legitimate playmakers at the wide receiver position. Surrency, Parker, Reed and a rejuvenated Greg Carr, will give the Wake secondary fits. The combo of speed and size will be too much for this experienced, but overmatched secondary.

Controlled play by the Linebackers

The position of linebacker at FSU has been plagued recently by players who were incredible players, but tended to run wild, and not part of the system. This left holes in coverage, forced their teammates to pick up the slack. This year’s group seems more disciplined and has bought into the team mindset. This will be critical in a game where Wake will use misdirection to use FSU speed and aggressiveness against them.

These are just a few things that came off the top of my head. Let me know if you have anything to add, or just want to shoot holes in my logic.

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As a Seminole fan from Illinois, it’s hard to get coverage of the Noles. But, I got the opportunity to watch the game last year and think that FSU is looking impressive so far. (Yes I know Chat is a d-2 school, or whatever there calllin it these days). The WR spot seems to be showing the most improvement to me. Parker was good last year, but Surrency is stepping up and is helping Ponder make smart and accurate throws. He’s got the big play ability that the noles have been missing the last few seasons. When did Greg Carr come back into the thick of things? Having a giant playing receiver on the outside to throw the fade in the endzone is a young qb’s best friend. I guess a number change is all a man needs to make a comeback. Hopefully he can live up to the hype and play like we all know he can. As long as they can keep getting open and catching the ball, things will be looking up.
FEAR THE SPEAR

by jeezy_hamilton on Sep 16, 2008 5:58 PM EDT reply actions

The one thing I notice most about our team vs. last year’s team is their ambition. It seems their drive and will this year is much fiercer and stronger. They don’t seem to be going through the motions during the game, but it seems as if they are playing each down as if it’s their last.

by thirdcoastnole on Sep 16, 2008 7:55 PM EDT reply actions

I agree

Before the opener they just looked different. They looked fierce, ready to play, and looked like a team. They remind me of the Noles of the 90’s in how they are carrying themselves on and off the field. They are going out there and showing that they need to be respected, unlike the past where we saw players that put on the Garnet & Gold and expected to win as individuals, not as the team that dominated the 90’s.

I think the players I’m most excited about are Nigel Bradham and Corey “Smurf” Surrency. Both play hard, are outstanding athletes, and really wear the spear with pride.

Let’s crush Wake! GO NOLES!

by Moojenowski on Sep 17, 2008 4:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Good to hear

Thanks for posting and thanks for reading. It’s nice to here Nole fans so positive about their team. I think a lot of times we get pulled down by all the negativity. I mean, we win a game 69-0 and all people can talk about it what we did wrong.

by FSUSkot on Sep 17, 2008 8:37 AM EDT reply actions

Nobody is talking about FSU

This is the first year in quite some time that I havent heard much press about FSU comming into the season. Maybe its because we opened up the season playing AA teams and the suspsensions. So far the press seems to think that Clemson, Wake and NC are the powerhouses of the ACC and that this division is soft. Nobody is talking about FSU. This is only going to add fuel to the fire.
With Weatherford out and Ponder in the offense already looks 100% improved. No offense to Weatherford but he just reminds me so much of Alex Smith in SF. He cant get rid of the ball fast enouph, doesnt seem to make good reads most of the time, cant really scramble, and I cant remember him throwing the deep ball to often. This year we seem to have a playmaker at the QB position, studs at WR and alot more depth. The running back talent looks good but when has FSU ever had a power running game. The one thing we must improve on is our offensive and defensive lines. If we dont control the line of scrimmage against Wake then we may lose to a last minute field goal or TD. I see alot of talent and much improved team this year. Bobby has to keep the players focused each and every game if we are going to make a showing. This game is huge for FSU. We need the respect back. The only downside to the team this year is youth. So far it does look more like the 90s Noles and we should have a much improved year. Lets leave it all on the field when Wake comes to town.

GO NOLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by TurfToe on Sep 17, 2008 9:32 AM EDT reply actions

Love the lack of hype

I think this team finally needed to be completely overlooked by everyone in the country. Media and fans have given FSU too much respect over the last 8 years. I think those players bought into hype and thought they could win games just by showing up. This team looks hungry to prove themselves.

I hope what Wake did in Doak 2 years ago is still fresh in the minds of everyone wearing garnet and gold on Saturday. The Noles need to remind the country that nobody walks over FSU and make a national statement that the program is back on track. (Wow, never thought beating Wake could be a national statement…..maybe it’s not….maybe a regional statement)

by zest on Sep 17, 2008 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions

I think beating Wake is a statement

A statement that FSU has good athletes.

A statement that FSU is no longer being run like someone trying to herd cats.

A statement that Clemson isn’t a lock for the Atlantic Division.

A statement that we are moving in the right direction.

Honestly, I want to win this badly. I’m driving down to the game. More important though, will be the progress we show in our play. If we lose because we don’t have a good kicker or any depth at DT, I won’t be as mad, because I know those things will be fixed soon.

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by Bud Elliott on Sep 17, 2008 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Well, we don't deserve any hype yet, do we?

Good post, I agree that upgrading the most important position on the field is always a good thing.

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by Bud Elliott on Sep 17, 2008 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Not certain I agree with the "controlled" thing

We are doing A LOT of blitzing (run and pass blitzing). They are athletic and deep at LB spots. I hope they can cover, but I’m not sure we know yet. I’m pretty sure with WF lack of a run game that we will find out.

by truecolors on Sep 17, 2008 10:14 AM EDT reply actions

Athleticism

I think Skot is getting at the idea that none of our LB’s are trying to be Heroes.

Remember that Verdell and Ingram were free safeties. I think that some of their coverage skills should carry over.

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by Bud Elliott on Sep 17, 2008 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Grobe is no dummy.

WF will NOT load up against the run and dare us to pass this year as they have before. In an article in the WF local paper, he says the same things about Ponder and our WR corps that we’re saying. He calls it the most talented FSU WR corp in history, and he may be right.

Here’s the WF defensive plan: Blitz, disguise the blitz, LB blitz, CB blitz, stunt and blitz, and blitz again. His best hope to win is to take advantage of our OL’s and Ponder’s inexperience.

Our OL’s ablity to pickup the blitz, and Ponder’s ability to scramble and make WF pay.when the blitz gets though, will determine whether we win or lose.

by PeachTreeNole on Sep 17, 2008 10:36 AM EDT reply actions

100% Agree. In fact, I don’t agree that Wake dared FSU to pass. I think our offensive line was so bad that wake could use minimal personnel to stop the run.

Now, did he crowd the line of scrimmage? Yes, but don’t kid yourself, that was to saturate the likely passing areas that Drew could hit.

Wake won’t blitz early in this game. They’ll try to get pressure with the front 4. Frankly, they might be able to do it.

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by Bud Elliott on Sep 17, 2008 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Welcome to Tomahawk Nation

I almost forgot to say hello.

We hope you will stay and become a part of our community.

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by Bud Elliott on Sep 17, 2008 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions

KUDOS

totally agree that they haven’t loaded up against the run. In fact I think I remember quite a bit of 3-4 in that shut out win a couple years ago…and we just kept throwing short passes in the crowded lanes…thank God for Jimbo

by truecolors on Sep 17, 2008 12:01 PM EDT reply actions