Blue and Gold Illustrated

Nov. 12, 2018

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com NOV. 12, 2018 43 BY BRYAN DRISKELL FLORIDA STATE RUNNING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME RUN DEFENSE There is little doubt that Florida State enters this game with the most talented backfield that Notre Dame will face in 2018. Sophomore Cam Akers is an elite talent and 234-pound senior Jacques Patrick would start on a lot of teams the Irish face this season. That makes Florida State's inability to run the football all the more surprising. Florida State ranked 127th in the country while rushing for just 83.5 yards per game through its first eight contests. Its 2.5 yards per rush ranked 129th nationally out of 130 teams. Blocking has been the issue for Florida State, and its line has struggled all season to not only protect the quarterback, but to open up holes for the gifted backs. Florida State was held to less than 100 rushing yards in five of its first eight games, including going for minus-21 yards in a 59-10 loss to Clemson. The running backs rushed for just 25 yards on 23 attempts in that contest. Notre Dame ranked 53rd nationally in rushing defense through eight contests, giving up 146.9 yards per game. That number and ranking is a bit misleading, with the Irish giving up just 126.1 yards per game on the ground against non-option op- ponents through the first eight games. That figure would rank the defense 28th in the land. Getting fifth-year senior Drue Tranquil back to health after he suffered an ankle injury against Navy is vital to Notre Dame. When Tranquill and senior Te'von Coney are side by side, the Irish have one of the best inside linebacker tandems in the country. In fact, Pro Football Focus analyst Mike Renner ranked Tranquill and Coney as the best linebacker duo in the college game. Advantage: Notre Dame On PaPer Senior wide receiver Nyqwan Murray was the Seminoles' leading pass catcher with 40 receptions for 536 yards and three touchdowns through eight games. PHOTO BY LARRY NOVEY/FSU SPORTS INFORMATION GAME PREVIEW: FLORIDA STATE

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