Before the Virginia Cavaliers kick it off against the #8 team in the nation, we grabbed an analysis from Tim Alumbaugh over at Tomahawk Nation, SB Nation’s Florida State expert site.
The Seminoles head
to Charlottesville with a 3-0 record and one of the nation’s best wins under their belt, having defeated Alabama. There is a lot of buzz headed into this contest: Is it a trap game for FSU with a game against their heated rival coming up? Is the Tommy Castellanos hype real? Will the UVA throwback uniforms help propel them to victory? Just how improved is this Tony Elliott team from years prior? Etc. We got some help from Tim on those topics and more.
Florida State is off to a 3-0 start for the first time since the 2023 season, how would you compare this team to that 13-1 team?
I think the main similarity is that they have explosive quarterbacks. Jordan Travis and Tommy Castellanos both have the ability to turn a busted play into a touchdown with their legs or arm. But Travis was more accurate and polished IMO.
The main difference is the defense, specifically the defensive line. The 2023 team was elite and filled with NFL guys. Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and Joshua Farmer could shut down an opposing offense (see the 2023 ACC Championship game). To this point of the season, FSU hasn’t had that level of dominance from the big guys yet. Can Darrell Jackson, James Williams, and Jayson Jenkins rise to the 2023 level? Time will tell but that’s a high bar to reach.
FSU is averaging 629 yards of offense so far this year, and it has been a very balanced attack. Who do you credit most for that?
Overall, it’s [offensive coordinator] Gus Malzahn, but the more complete answer is the offseason overhaul that Mike Norvell and staff implemented.
First, Norvell finally made staffing changes and removed dead weight. He appears to have given up play calling duties which is a big deal as last year, the offense lost its way. Gus and FSU quickly targeted [Castellanos], who fit the new scheme. And, maybe the most important step, they went to the portal for four new offensive linemen. I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say FSU may have had the worst offensive line in the conference last season. Give all those pieces to Gus (plus a slew of portal skill players) and it’s been a perfect recipe for success.
Virginia has the #5 offense in the country, but the Florida State defense has shown its teeth this season. What matchup is the most intriguing to you?
You have to say Chandler Morris right? He’s been one of the best quarterbacks in the conference to date. But maybe his play is dependent on the matchup between the FSU defensive line and the Virginia offensive line.
Is UVA fully healthy on Friday night? And we’ve seen more than a few times this season where Seminole ends have lost contain on the edges, which could really work to the advantage of Morris’ legs. If FSU can pressure and speed up Morris, this could get the Cavs off their game plan. But if FSU is stood up at the line, it could turn into a shootout.
What would you say are the biggest weaknesses of this team? How can they be exposed on Friday night?
It’s hard to say as FSU has not really had to play since week one and those first week games are such a learning phase. Offensively, I think Tommy C has the potential to self-destruct (at least the last year version does). And, while it’s a better scheme and he has made strides on and off the field, we know the potential exists.
As weird as this is to say considering the win over Alabama, I think the team is still a bit unproven. Playing a veteran quarterback like Morris could definitely expose some gaps in the armor.
Have you seen improvement from Tommy C from last year, or is he surrounded by greater minds on the sidelines/better talent in the field? Or both?
Yes to both. I think there’s improvement from TC and also he’s in a much better position. Overall, I think the word that best describes the situation is “comfortable”. I’d say he’s more comfortable with Malzahn and trusts that Gus is going to have the offense in the right spot.
But it can’t be ignored that Tommy hit the ground running at FSU. He helped recruit players, participated in voluntary workouts with receivers, etc. He’s doing and saying everything you want in a leader and that is being backed up by his improvements on the field.
What is your prediction for Friday night?
There’s a ton of factors working for Virginia. Friday night game, throwback jerseys, Morris, Miami next week for FSU. It’s the very definition of a “trap” game for FSU and that’s before factoring in that this looks to be an improved Virginia team on top of that. It wouldn’t shock me if it’s a close game in the fourth, but give me FSU 35, UVA 24
