I know we're super bummed about losing Mertz, but FSU losing Jordan Travis is absolutely catastrophic for them. Their backup doesn't know their offense and is completely immobile. Travis' mobility is what hid their glaring OL deficiencies, for years actually. Without that mobility, they are completely handicapped. They won't be able to move the ball. OTOH I don't think our offensive production loses much with Max Brown. In fact his mobility gives us an added dimension and will keep defenses honest. I was worried about this game, but Travis being out changes EVERYTHING. Tate Rodemaker under the lights at the Swamp??? Lol good luck with that, kid.
That Rutabaga kid has been in their program a while. At least two seasons. Plus they have tons of weapons all over the field. The key will be how Max Brown plays. FSU against are defense is going to perform only a little less without Travis. Maybe they only score 34 points instead of 45.
To the OP, the Arkansas game was VERY telling. If the "Missouri" team shows up then the backup FSU QB should have real problems with the crowd noise and as long as we don't lose the turnover battle then we can indeed pull off the victory. But, again, when everything is on the line, like against Arkansas, and the players seem to be "just outside the line" in their mental makeup, then this is going to be another version of Arkansas. We shall see.
And our defensive players will stand around and hope they drop balls or someone else makes the tackle. Just like we did on 4th and 17 when the DB is signaling incomplete pass when he is like 2 yards away from the receiver instead of trying to make a play to break up the pass. I do think we need Brown to be running the zone read all night but can't see this defense doing anything that will help win this game. BTW: Whatever we do against FSU I think Louisville beats them.
Honestly, I think we win too. Team showed a lot of fight last night after Mertz left the game. Brown might not be the same passer as mertz, but he can do just enough, and his keeps on the QB read will give FSU fits
I would love to see it happen but I doubt it. Then again I thought Mizzou would beat the brakes off of us so what do I know?
I think that’s all that’s left of this season: seeing SWAC collapse like a dying star and seeing Georgia dethroned.
Remember The Rooster. Didn’t that kid beat us ? I think that was 98 though so it may have been in tally.
With Travis or without Travis, it is still the least experienced team in CFB going up against the most experienced team in CFB. I like your optimism but I hope you don’t gamble.
At midseason I was thinking we beat FSU at home in the Swamp but seeing the character of our defense makes me doubt that. I think the Noles are well coached and have a lot of talent but they are still a ways away from being National Championship competitive. The 4th and 17 spoke volumes to me. Watching our defender signaling incomplete as the Mizzou receiver is catching the ball. Not sure why he would be relying on a dropped ball instead of doing something to break up the pass? I think that explains a lot. There is no leadership on defense. The players are looking for someone else to do what needs to be done. Only hope of Georgia getting dethroned is if Bama does it in the SECCG and it won't matter cause they will still make the playoff. They are stacked 3 and 4 deep with NFL talent.
I just saw the replay and the defender wasn't signaling incomplete but it looks like it was a "how did that happen"? Still would rather us not pointing fingers and taking responsibility for what happens on the field. We need to compete in recruiting, that's all there is to it.