Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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GAME PREVIEW: FLORIDA STATE On PaPer BY DOUGLAS FARMER FLORIDA STATE RUNNING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME RUN DEFENSE The Seminoles have averaged 4.2 yards per carry this season, due to both their numerous rushing threats and their experienced offensive line. Senior running back Karlos Williams was the only ball car- rier to get at least one attempt in each of the Semi- noles' first five games, totaling 353 yards and five touchdowns. Junior Mario Pender and true freshman Dalvin Cook, who spell Williams, have combined for another 282 yards and five touchdowns. Those backs — along with pass-first, but very run- capable, redshirt sophomore quarterback Jameis Winston — enjoy the holes made by an offensive line that returned 114 career starts this season despite losing first-team All-American center Bryan Stork. That unit led the way for 171 rushing yards against Wake Forest, yet was dominated by Clemson to the tune of only 13 yards. Granted, Winston was sus- pended for the latter matchup. Notre Dame has used defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder's aggressive scheme to force opponents away from the run. Known for its ground-heavy approach, Stanford managed only 47 rushing yards against the Irish, thanks to sophomore linebacker Jaylon Smith's 14 tackles, part of his 45 through the season's first five games, with senior linebacker Joe Schmidt just behind him with 37, including seven against the Cardinal. Advantage: Notre Dame FLORIDA STATE PASSING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME PASS DEFENSE When he plays, Winston is about as dangerous a weapon as there is in college football. The redshirt sophomore completed 66.7 percent of this throws for 1,288 yards with eight touchdowns in his first four games this season (Winston was suspended for one game due to off-field misconduct). The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has contin- ued his connection with senior Rashad Greene, who had 576 yards and three touchdowns through five games. Greene has led the Seminoles in receiving all three of his seasons in the garnet and gold, even last year when first-round draft pick Kelvin Benjamin compiled 1,011 receiving yards. Greene finished with 1,128 in 2013, but will likely blow past that number this season — even though 14 other receivers have pulled in passes for Florida State in 2014. Notre Dame has made do without cornerback Kei- Varae Russell (separated from the team due to the Senior running back Karlos Williams was Florida State's leading rusher through five games, totaling 353 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. PHOTO COURTESY FLORIDA STATE