The Florida State rushing attack had an impressive showing earlier this evening against Nevada. A total of ten players rushed 41 times for 377 yards, six touchdowns, and a 9.2 average yards per carry. Very stout numbers. But the most impressive showing from the rushing attack came from Karlos Williams. If you didn't know, up until the Nevada game, Williams had never lined up as a running back. He was previously a safety. The move occurred in practice last week.
The move came as a surprise to some, and was an idea Coach Jimbo Fisher and the staff have pushed before. In his post-game statement, Coach Fisher touched on the skills that Williams brings to the rushing attack: "I'm not trying to say that I was rubbing a crystal ball, but that guy is a talented cat. He's very dynamic with the ball. He's big, he's strong and explosive. He's natural."
Karlos got to show off his talent on his first carry by taking a toss sweep 65 yards for a touchdown. The crowd went crazy and Williams just kept running. He even forgot to celebrate with his teammates. After the game, Karlos admitted to his excitement, saying, "I've never touched the end zone and scored a real touchdown. I was a little overexcited. It was a great feeling though."
His backfield mate, James Wilder Jr. had this to say about that explosive run: "I told all y'all. If he gets that toss sweep, and he gets that one little crease...he was gonna be gone. And he just did it. That boy is fast." Williams finished with 110 yards, 1 touchdown, and an outstanding average of 13.8 yards per carry.
Running back, Devonta Freeman, who had a big 60 yard run of his own, added, "I was happy for him (Williams) because he was going through some things at first and I told him to be patient, let God deal with everything and you're going to be alright."
Williams was definitely alright. His first game as a running back for Florida State was one to be remembered. Karlos will certainly remember it, and 'Noles fans will look forward to see more rushes from him.