A rushing revival?
Florida State’s deep and talented running-back unit was supposed to be among the Seminoles’ biggest strengths this season.
While the passing attack is starting to take flight as key offensive linemen return from injury, the tailbacks have struggled to contribute to FSU’s offense.
Virginia Tech, Samford, Syracuse, Northern Illinois and Louisville have held the Seminoles to 2.8 yards per rushing attempt. The limited explosive plays on the ground have put more pressure on the passing game.
FSU offensive coordinator Walt Bell isn’t giving up on fielding a more balanced attack.
“A lot of the reason that we’ve had some explosive passes is because people know that we’re going to run the ball,” Bell said. “Is it as productive as we want it to be right now? No. Is it getting there? It’s better.
“I just think running the football is a collective effort.”
Florida State has extensive room for improvement, but the team has shown tenacity the past two weeks and has found ways to win. That spirit adds uncertainty to Saturday’s rivalry matchup against No. 17 Miami.
During FSU’s 28-24 comeback win against Louisville, all four touchdowns came from the hands of quarterback Deondre Francois. Of the 370 total yards, 294 were earned through the air.
It seems natural to expect a heavy investment in throwing against Miami, but Bell disagrees.
“We’re never going to hit the eject button,” Bell said of the rushing attack.
The Hurricanes’ defense, which is ranked second nationally, suffocates the passing game. The team leads the nation in fewest passing yards allowed per game.
“We’ve got to be able to run the football,” Bell said. “Running the football is what we do. We’re never going to give up on it. I know some people like to throw it 80 times a game, but that’s not who we are and it’s not who we’re going to be.”
The Seminoles’ tailbacks are trying to live up to Bell’s expectations. Aside from Cam Akers’ 74-yard run against Virginia Tech, explosive ground plays are rare. FSU’s rushing offense ranks last in the ACC.