Orange Bowl preview: Offense/ Special Teams
How in the heck is FSU going to move the ball against an elite Georgia defense?
Good morning FSU fans! The Orange Bowl is finally upon us. Last night I wrote in my defensive preview how Florida State’s defense will be the biggest indicator if they can pull the biggest upset or keep this game competitive. That said, the defense cannot do it all. How will Florida State move the ball against an elite Georgia defense?
If I am being honest, our offense will probably struggle to move the ball consistently against Georgia’s defense. As long as Kirby Smart is at the helm, Georgia will always have an elite defense.
That said, there are some things FSU can do in order to generate some semblance of an offensive attack. I noticed in my film study that Auburn made good use of the quarterback run game to help keep themselves competitive with Georgia’s defense. Brock Glenn is a very good athlete and has shown he can run the ball effectively at various points this season. His legs will be essential to any points Florida State can score against this vaunted UGA defense.
The best asset that Florida State has to help its offense is its elite special teams unit. There are times that coaches will reference “hidden yards”. What they are referring to are the yards special teams are able to generate in field position. If our special teams is able to consistently put our offense in good field position, it will go a long way to FSU being competitive in this game.
Ryan Fitzgerald has bounced back marvelously this season after a tough 2022 campaign. He has been virtually automatic this season, and if we get in his field goal range we will be a threat to score. Deuce Spann is also an excellent kick returner and has already run a kick back for a touchdown. His ability to generate good field position will be essential to FSU staying in this game.
Finally, I am confident in Norvell’s ability as a play caller. I believe him and Coach Atkins will have some schemed plays that will help our offense either score or get in a good position to score. I believe this coaching staff is often times at its best when they are the underdog and I don’t expect that to change.
Whether this game exceeds expectations or if it goes exactly how Vegas expects will likely hinge on the offense and special teams. This is not an easy task for this current iteration of the Seminoles, but I believe they are up for the challenge.