PLAYERS TO WATCH
–LB Dontavious Jackson has been seen as a potential breakout player, and last week against Syracuse was his best game so far. He led the team in tackles with 14 — including eight solo and two tackles for loss. Look for Jackson to fill up the stat sheet going forward.
–RB Cam Akers was supposed to lead the rushing attack this season, but so far he’s only leading them in fumbles. Akers has fumbled in each of the first three games, and while he does actually lead the Seminoles in rushing (38 attempts, 232 yards), it’s only because he’s getting more carries than last year’s starter Jacques Patrick (24 attempts, 105 yards), who is now the backup. The Seminoles have yet to break 100 rushing yards in any of their first three games, and Patrick may be due for a call-up because he brings the most experience and stability to the position.
–TE Tre’ McKitty has been arguably the most exciting passing option thus far. He’s third on the team in receiving with 10 catches for 84 yards and one touchdown. He’s also a big target (6-foot-5, 245 pounds) who runs more like a wideout than a tight end.
SERIES HISTORY: Florida State leads the series against Northern Illinois 1-0.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “At this point (at 1-2), a lot of teams seem to divide. We just have to stay together. We have a long season ahead of us. We can’t fall apart here. It’s about going out there and saying, ‘Let’s do it.’ That’s all there is to it.” — Florida State LB Dontavious Jackson, on his team’s rough start to the season
