PLAYERS TO WATCH:
–QB James Blackman is probably going to play this week, make no mistake. Between Francois not being 100% — and facing a quick hook if he struggles against N.C. State the way he struggled against Clemson — Taggart likely will have Blackman ready and waiting on the sideline Saturday. Blackman has only played in three games this year, going 4 of 5 passing for 89 yards. He did account for the Seminoles’ lone touchdown last week, albeit coming when Clemson was already ahead 59-3 in the fourth quarter.
–RB Cam Akers really seems like he’s having a hard time holding onto the ball this year. Yes, the Seminoles fumbled four times against Clemson (losing only one), but seeing Akers name back on that stat sheet after he opened the season with a lost fumble in Florida State’s first three games is concerning for the Seminoles. He’s easily a better option over senior running back Jacques Patrick — who has rushed for just 238 yards this year, despite playing in all eight games — but at some point the Seminoles may have to turn to Patrick or Amir Rasul for more stability. Neither Rasul nor Patrick has fumbled this season.
–DL Demarcus Christmas was the lone bright spot for the Seminoles’ defense last Saturday, leading the team in tackles with seven. That type of outing was a welcome sign after Christmas had recorded only 12 tackles all year prior to his solid game.
SERIES HISTORY: Florida State leads the all-time series against N.C. State 25-12, although the Wolfpack won the most recent meeting last year 27-21.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Pretty frustrated. That’s not us. We know what we are capable of, we’ve shown glimpses of what we’re capable of and what our expectations of ourselves are and when we don’t play to those expectations we’re frustrated with ourselves … It’s mainly just that. We know what we can be, and we know what we are capable of we just need to do it.” — Florida State punter Logan Tyler after Saturday’s 59-10 loss at home to No. 2 Clemson
