QB Christian Ponder
Florida State's recent failures have basically hinged on inconsistent quarterback play. Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee are two of their talented QBs who never really panned out. So far, Ponder has. He is not All-ACC material quite yet but he's getting there. He is an accurate passer and makes good decisions. He is a weapon with his legs however, netting almost 300 yards (with sacks included) with a long of 45. Expect him to get at least a dozen carries Saturday Night. They run plenty of QB draws and bootlegs for him to spread out the field.
Florida State's recent failures have basically hinged on inconsistent quarterback play. Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee are two of their talented QBs who never really panned out. So far, Ponder has. He is not All-ACC material quite yet but he's getting there. He is an accurate passer and makes good decisions. He is a weapon with his legs however, netting almost 300 yards (with sacks included) with a long of 45. Expect him to get at least a dozen carries Saturday Night. They run plenty of QB draws and bootlegs for him to spread out the field.
How to stop him: Must keep him in the pocket. I'm sure we will see Coach Spaz using Kevin Akins to spy him most of the game, but the defensive ends must contain him and not allow him to run wild.
HBs Antone Smith/Jermaine Thomas
When you have a young a quarterback at the helm, it helps a great deal to have a solid running attack. Along with Ponder, the Seminoles boast a great 2-headed running attack. Smith is the workhorse and has so far toted the rock 126 times for a total of 632 yards. He has a 5 yards per carry average and boasts 13 touchdowns on the year. Smith is a rare combination of great strength, quickness, and breakaway speed so I'm not sure if even BC's defense can slow him down. Thomas appears to be their big play threat. He averages an outstanding 8.4 yards per carry. The true freshman running back has carried it 52 times for 437 yards and 2 touchdowns.
How to stop them: Keep them inside the tackles. We saw what a dangerous runner can do to us in space (CJ Spiller) so I think its very important to keep the ball carrier in the middle of the field and gang tackle.
WR Greg Carr
Greg Carr has been playing for Bobby Bowden for 20 years now. Okay so its only been since 2005 but it feels like he's been in the game for awhile now. With all his experience, athletic ability, and most importantly his 6'6" frame its no wonder why he's so successful. The senior receiver only averages roughly 3 catches per game this season but will burn you deep. He averages about 16 yards per reception and his long is 54 yards. Gause and Fletcher give up a little height to him (only about 7 inches or so) so he may be trouble for us.
How to Stop him: The secondary did a great job shutting down 2 very talented receivers last week versus Notre Dame, so I fully expect to see more of the same. Watch for Anderson and Davis to play over the top on Carr and make him beat us with the short stuff.
KRs Michael Ray Garvin/Tony Carter
Let's face it, BC's kickoff coverage has been a wreck this year. Between the short kickoffs and over aggressive tacklers, opposing teams kick returners have burned us this year. Currently, we rank 101st in the nation in kick return yards given up (24.2 per play). And Garvin will be the best we've seen so far (yes even better than Spiller). Garvin leads the nation with 34.3 yards per kick return. He also took one back to the house this year. Tony Carter leads the team in interceptions as the team's starting cornerback but is perhaps more dangerous as a punt returner. Carter currently averages over 14 yards per return and also has a touchdown on the season. While I'm more concerned with Michael Ray Garvin it is important that we contain both of these guys Saturday.
How to Stop Them: I have not been a fan of the pop-up kickoffs the team tries against good returner men. I think this screws up the kicker and coverage more than the return team. Quigley looked pretty good kicking off last week, so hopefully they let keep letting him boot it deep.
DE Everette Brown
Brown is currently tied for 7th in the nation with 9 sacks on the year. In only 9 games last season, the 6'4" 250 lbs. Brown led the team with 6 sacks. Now, through 9 games Brown has 9 sacks. In order to prevent Crane from getting rattled early it is important BC keeps Brown out of the backfield on a regular basis. Virginia Tech and Clemson could not accomplish such a feat as Brown registered 3 sacks in both of those contests.
How to Stop Him: Double-Team him!! BC really needs to take extra caution with Brown. Look for the TE/RBs to chip at him. Our tackles will certainly have their hands full. It best to force him outside and hop Crane releases the ball quick enough.
K/P Graham Gano
Judging on stats alone, I would have to say that right now Graham Gano is hands down the best kicker in the nation. He is 17 of 18 on the year with his field goals and 5 of 6 on the year from 50+ yards out. His longest on the year is a 53 yard field goal against Miami. Gano has also handled the punting duties half the time this season averaging over 44 yards per punt. Gano is a game-changer and can actually win the Noles a few games.
How to Stop Him: Its tough to acually stop a kicker, although Momah gets about 11' feet high on his jumps. I wouldn't mind forcing them into kicking situations as long as it means we are not giving up touchdowns.
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