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For the second time in just three games this season, the Florida State defense will be without the services of a key defensive starter for the first half of a game. In the Seminoles’ opener against Alabama, it was safety Trey Marshall who was held out, due to a targeting ejection against Michigan in last year’s Orange Bowl. Against Wake Forest on Saturday, senior linebacker Jacob Pugh will remain sidelined until halftime after a rather spurious disqualification against NC State, also for targeting.
A versatile athlete and native of Tallahassee, Pugh (6’4, 240) is listed as FSU’s starting Sam linebacker. He earned ample praise during the offseason, garnering spring practice’s Defensive MVP honors, as well as the Hinesman Award presented to the spring’s most dominant player, overall.
Pugh’s backup on Florida State’s most recent depth chart is sophomore Josh Brown (6’3, 208). Brown has not yet registered a tackle in 2017 and had two last season.