Florida State has one final chance to build confidence, find its rhythm and create momentum before ACC play begins.
Florida State (2-1) has one final non-conference game against Central Arkansas (2-2) to address its biggest issues, rebuild confidence and generate momentum before entering the toughest stretch of its schedule.
This season, the offense has struggled to find any rhythm, while quarterback Ashton Daniels has thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns, with four of each. Defensively, they have surrendered more than 1,100 yards over the last two games, becoming the first FSU defense in school history to allow 500 or more yards in back-to-back games.
Central Arkansas now heads to Tallahassee following a 27-9 loss to Southeast Missouri State. For a United Athletic Conference (UAC) FCS level program, facing a Power Four opponent presents an enormous challenge, particularly given the disparity in talent and depth between the two teams.
“Its going to be a challenge,” Nathan Brown said. "Mike is in a tough spot right now and he's gonna try to put it on the Bears."
For Florida State, it’s an opportunity to correct its biggest problems, regain confidence and build some momentum before heading into ACC play and arguably its hardest stretch of games all season.
This game is about finding positives to carry into ACC play, and that starts with three areas that have to get going Saturday.
Build Confidence on Offense
If Florida State is going to regain confidence and build momentum, it needs to start fast. Struggling to move the ball right from the start will only add to the pressure on the offense, bring out calls for Mike Norvell's job and force Ashton Daniels to try to do too much, resulting in costly turnovers and even more calls for one of the backups to come in.
As a 44.5-point favorite Florida State has a chance to find its rhythm on offense. A fast start would take pressure off the offense, allow Ashton Daniels to settle in and give the Seminoles something positive to carry into ACC play.
"He's got a lot of confidence," Norvell said. “He wants to be better”
Coming out fast on offense could help Daniels improve by building trust in his receivers and confidence that he can get them the ball.
Let the Defense Attack
For Tony White, whose defense has surrendered more than 1,100 yards over the past two games, this needs to be a dominant performance at all three levels.
Central Arkansas quarterback Donovyn Omolo needs to find himself under constant pressure when he tries to pass, while having to fight for every yard when trying to make a play with his feet.
White's game plan has to have Florida State setting the tone from the start defensively, limiting the number of big plays and third-down conversions while making it clear that, unlike SMU (2-1) and Alabama (3-0), moving the football will not come easily.
The front four must find a way to live in the backfield, forcing Omolo to get the ball out before he is comfortable. Early pressure could do more than disrupt Central Arkansas's offense; it could give Florida State's defensive line the confidence to play faster, aggressively and with an attacking mentality that has been missing in recent weeks.
“I mean, that's my fault. I should have stayed aggressive, should have stayed attacking,” White said.
Reignite Mandrell Desir
Where in the world is Mandrell Desir? Through the first three games, Desir has been virtually invisible, and at times, you can't tell if he has even been on the field. For White, if the defense is going to improve, he needs to find a way to use Central Arkansas to get him going.
So far this season, Desir looks nothing like the freshman who earned FWAA Freshman All-American, On3 True Freshman All-American, 247Sports True Freshman All-American and All-ACC honorable mention recognition.
Desir has recorded only six tackles, one quarterback hurry and has failed to earn a sack. Even if Desir begins generating sacks, he's on pace for roughly 24 tackles, four quarterback hurries and 3-4 sacks this season—a far cry from the 30 tackles and 6.5 sacks he produced last season.
A dominant performance, however, could be the spark Desir needs to become the force he was expected to be before the season started.
A win over Central Arkansas, regardless of how big, won't change the expectations. A fast start, a dominant defensive performance, and an impactful game from Desir could build the confidence that the work being done during the week can translate to Saturdays. That belief will be critical for FSU as they enter the toughest stretch of their season.
