If Florida State can unleash running back Ousmane Kromah, with his bruising running style and nose for the end zone, the Seminoles could come away with a victory in ACC play. In addition, they would build momentum ahead of a daunting two-week road trip against Louisville and Miami.
Florida State (2-2, 0-1 in the ACC) has shown that it is better at running the ball on offense, behind the strong performance of star running back Ousmane Kromah. Kromah has rushed for 397 yards, five touchdowns, and a yards-per-carry average of 6.20. That is good enough for No. 3 in the ACC, and No.18 nationally.
Against Virginia (3-1, 1-0 in the ACC) on Saturday, a heavy dose of Kromah may be the best plan of attack to gain a victory against one of the best defenses in college football this season.
The Cavaliers are ranked in the top 20 nationally in total defense, pass defense, scoring defense, and ranked No. 5 in the FBS in interceptions. Against the run this season, Virginia allows 116.75 yards per game and 3.43 yards per carry. That is good enough for No. 5 in the ACC (and No. 49 in the FBS).
And while they gave up less than 100 yards on the ground to NC State, Norfolk State, and Delaware, they were torched for 247 yards rushing and three touchdowns in a 38-27 loss to West Virginia. So, Virginia can be vulnerable to the run.
With an inconsistent passing offense, Florida State coach Mike Norvell and Kromah should be burning the midnight oil in the film room. They should be watching game film of that West Virginia game to see how Kromah and his brothers in the garnet and gold can exploit the Cavaliers’ run defense.
Florida State has rushed for 689 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, and is the strength of this Seminoles’ team at this point of the season. They are one of only six teams in the ACC with double-digit rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Ashton Daniels has also added four touchdowns running the football, whether by design or otherwise.
Kromah is coming off a win over Central Arkansas, in which he rushed for 86 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns. Against the Bears, Kromah averaged 7.20 yards per carry. In each of the first two games of the season, Kromah rushed for over 100 yards, but has not cracked the century mark the last two weeks.
Quintrevion Wisner will have to provide more of what he produced against Central Arkansas, when he carried eight times for 41 yards. That was his highest output of the season so far.
The Seminoles’ offensive line will certainly have to earn their pay, engaging and holding their blocks to create running lanes for Kromah and Wisner. That is not to suggest that Florida State should be completely one-dimensional.
But if Florida State can soften up the Virginia defense by pounding the rock, maybe it will create some space for receivers Duce Robinson and Michai Danzy to make plays on the perimeter.
If they make enough plays on offense, and if the defense can put pressure on Virginia quarterback Beau Pribula, the Seminoles might come away with a much-needed conference victory. And, build momentum before they hit the road to Louisville and Miami in consecutive weeks.
Florida State is a +1.5-point underdog to the Cavaliers at home. The Seminoles own a 14-5 record against the Cavaliers, and lost last year in Charlottesville, Virginia 46-38. However, Virginia has not beaten Florida State in Tallahassee since 2011.
