Depth Chart: Small changes ahead of UMass

Ahead of Florida State football’s matchup with the UMass Minutemen, FSU released its latest depth chart on Monday.

While things remain largely the same, there were a few signficant updates. The evidence of improved health on the part of the offensive line, with center Maurice Smith listed as the sole starter, rather than the accompanied OR of Baveon Johnson.

On defense, there were some small changes to reflect how rotations have shaken out. Cornerback Jarrian Jones is now listed as the sole starter at the position, rather than sharing the title with Meiko Dotson. Freshman Kevin Knowles II is now listed as the starter at nickel, with Jammie Robinson starting at free safety, while also being listed as Knowles’ backup.

Of note on special teams, Treshaun Ward now shares punt return responsibilities with Keyshawn Helton, who has held down that spot all season. Travis Jay and Ja’Khi Douglas are listed as kickoff return specialists.

Some game notes from FSU Sports Info:

• Florida State returns to action Saturday to host UMass for Homecoming after an open date. FSU boasts a 59-12-1 (.826) all-time record on Homecoming and have won eight straight Homecoming contests.
• The Seminoles have rushed for at least 200 yards in five of their first six games this season and are one of 11 teams with five 200-yard rushing games this year. The last time FSU produced at least five 200-yard rushing games in a six-game span was 1995 when the Seminoles rushed for at least 200 yards in the first six games of the season.
• In the 21 seasons from 1995-2020, Florida State had at least five 200-yard rushing games in a season seven times (1995, 2000, 2002, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2017). FSU posted four 200-yard rushing games in nine contests in 2020.
• The Seminoles’ average of 6.22 yards per rush in October is 1st in the ACC and 6th-highest in the nation.
• FSU has produced a 100-yard rusher in five of its first six games of 2021, one of only three teams in the nation to have five different games with a 100-yard rusher in their first six games this year. Running back Jashaun Corbin has three 100-yard games, the 3rd-highest total in the ACC, and quarterback Jordan Travis has two 100-yard games, 5th-most in the conference.
• The Seminoles have converted 10 consecutive Red Zone trips, scoring a total of 61 points. FSU was 1-for-1 with a touchdown in the Red Zone against Louisville, 6-for-6 against Syracuse, scoring four touchdowns and two field goals, and 3-for-3 at North Carolina with three touchdowns.
• FSU ranks 2nd in the ACC with a 70.0 Red Zone touchdown percentage this season (14-of-20).
• Florida State’s Red Zone output vs. Syracuse was the program’s most Red Zone conversions against an ACC opponent since converting all six Red Zone trips for points vs. Boston College on Nov. 11, 2016.
• Florida State has been flagged for five or fewer penalties in three consecutive games, the first time since 2006 the Seminoles had five or fewer penalties in three consecutive games all against FBS opponents.
• Florida State is tied for 8th in the country with five plays of at least 60 yards this season. FSU’s four rushing plays of at least 50 yards, three rushing plays of at least 60 yards and two rushing plays of at least 70 yards all rank 1st in the ACC and tied for 3rd nationally.
• The Seminoles rank 11th nationally in 4th-down defense with opponents converting only 30.0 percent (3-of-10) this season. In October, FSU’s opponents are 0-for-4, the most attempts in the country without allowing a conversion.
• FSU has held opponents to 4-of-6 (.667) Red Zone conversions in October, the 3rd-best defensive stop rate in the ACC.