Saturday’s Florida State-Duquesne match-up could best be described as a tune-up game for the Seminoles. But hosting a game inside Doak Campbell Stadium to kick off the season gives the coaching staff and fans a first look at the team. Entering year three under Mike Norvell, the Noles return 19 starters from a season ago and are on a quest to make a bowl game.
Florida State-Duquesne Preview
While the majority of Division I teams are off this week, FSU is hosting Duquesne in week zero. Some will say the real season begins on September 4 against LSU in New Orleans. However, there is real, live football being played in Tallahassee this weekend.
Seminoles’ Offense Will Lead the Way
Starting with the offense, the Seminoles will be led by quarterback Jordan Travis. In 2021, he split playing time with former UCF signal-caller Mckenzie Milton. But heading into 2022, Travis will share the passing game with Tate Rodemaker. Travis has the tangibles and attributes to lead Florida State to a seven or eight-win season. The dual-threat quarterback will be in the main spotlight against Duquesne this weekend.
Staying with the offense, FSU has talent all across the board. Specifically at offensive line, though, the Seminoles have familiar faces taking over on short notice. Former Wisconsin transfer Kayden Lyles is out for the season after suffering an injury during camp. Darius Washington will start at center on Saturday against the Dukes.
At running back, Lawrence Toafili gets the starting nod in game one. Toafili is a versatile running back with the quick speed that can keep the drives going with powerful rushes. Camren McDonald will be the starting tight end and has the experience that gives the offense a veteran pass-catcher. On the outside, former Oregon transfer Mycah Pittman arrives in Tallahassee with expectations of being the team’s top pass catcher in 2022.
The Seminoles’ offense will be the key in Saturday’s Florida State-Duquesne game. Travis’ pocket presence could give the team a big momentum boost in the tune-up before facing LSU next week.
How Duquesne Pulls Off The Upset
For the Dukes, the program is coming off a 7-3 season in 2021. Last year marked the ninth-straight season without a losing record for the program. Of those seven wins, the Dukes defeated the Ohio Bobcats, giving the program its first-ever win against an FBS opponent. Also in 2021, Florida State was shocked at home to fellow FCS opponent Jacksonville State. How can Duquesne repeat history and take down the Seminoles?
It all starts with the offense. The Dukes have young talent across the board, but also have veteran players back that started a season ago. At running back, Billy Lucas returns for another year. In 2021, he rushed for 699 yards and six touchdowns. For his performances, he was named to the Second Team All-NEC. A pivotal tailback, Lucas has to get open space against an improved Noles defense.
On the outside, the Dukes are led by Cyrus Holder, who had 37 catches for 629 yards and eight touchdowns last season. If Duquesne is going to upset FSU, the offense has to thrive and limit turnovers. On the flip side, the Seminoles’ defense has to pressure the Dukes’ backfield and force unwanted passing situations. Shutting down the run game at the line of scrimmage will be the key for the Noles’ defensive line.
Florida State-Duquesne Prediction
The season-opening game for Florida State should be a breeze-by victory. However, as history has it, earning a win against an FCS opponent with a successful history could prove to be a tough task. Given the talent on the 2022 roster though, FSU should win this game by at least four touchdowns.
