The moment is finally here.
Fans of college football and media pundits alike will pack out new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a matter of hours, as Alabama and Florida State are set to open the most highly-anticipated game on tonight.
After serving at offensive coordinator under Nick Saban at Louisiana State University from 2000-04 (BCS national champion, 2003), Jimbo Fisher has gone on to make the Seminoles a powerhouse program in the Atlantic Coast Conference – including a national title in 2013.
In facing his old boss and good friend, Fisher brings a stacked roster of talent to Atlanta and expects to pull out a victory in what could be a rematch during the College Football Playoff.
Offensively, the ‘Noles averaged 35.1 points and nearly seven yards a play (6.45) through 13 games a season ago.
With the return of Deondre Francois at quarterback and some weapons on the outside, yours truly looks at five offensive impact players that are on the clock for FSU.
Landon Dickerson, OL
Normally when teams face Alabama, guys talk about how excited they are for the game and the challenges they’ll face.
Coaches discuss the great program that Nick Saban is running in Tuscaloosa and just expect a well-played game.
Before John Thrasher, president of Florida State University, made his statement on Twitter – Dickerson had already stated his piece to the media.
“I think, honestly, we probably have a better defensive line than they have,” said Dickerson on Alabama’s defensive line in an interview with the Florida Times Union on Aug. 6.
“I’m competing against them every day for the next month. I’m not terribly concerned about Alabama. Alabama’s one game. We have Miami [two weeks later], always a good game, then N.C. State, which has a great defense. We have a whole series of games. Alabama is not the only one I’m worried about.”
Dickerson ended with “we have the athleticism and ability to beat this team.”
While Crimson Tide’s defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt and others can perceive in a variety of ways, the absolute best way for this group is to come after Deondre Francois with rage.
Dickerson, who missed six games last season due to injury (knee), was the first true freshman to start on the offensive line for the Seminoles since Jamie Dukes in 1982.
Listed at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, the sophomore left guard will have to deal with Da’Shawn Hand, Da’Ron Payne and whomever the Tide lines up at the edge-rushing linebacker off that side.
Should he hold his own, Cam Akers and Jacques Patrick may have success running the football out the backfield. If not, the Seminoles will have a difficult time obtaining balance on offense.
Auden Tate, WR
Big-bodied receivers give Alabama a lot of problems.
Whether it was Alshon Jeffrey, Mike Evans, Damore’ea Stringfellow (or any Ole Miss receiver for that matter) or Mike Williams, the Tide’s secondary could not affect them in jump ball situations.
Auden Tate presents the same issue at 6’5″ and 225 pounds. The junior and former four-star prospect returns with 25 catches for 409 receiving yards and six touchdowns from 2016.
Having Nyqwan “Noodie” Murray and tight end Ryan Izzo back is good, but Tate’s physicality and ability to high point the ball will come in handy. A combination of Trevon Diggs and Anthony Averett may be rotated on him at different moments; however, Tate can be effective if he finds a way to work back to Francois.
Cam Akers, RB
Nick Saban wanted Cam Akers for Alabama’s 2017 signing class, unfortunately Jimbo Fisher claimed the Mississippi native for Florida State.
Regardless of Jacques Patrick backing up the departed Dalvin Cook, Seminole fans are anticipating a strong year from the five-star recruit.
As an offensive dynamo at Clinton High School, Akers totaled 13,143 yards (8,140 passing, 5,103 rushing) and 149 touchdowns in four seasons – while guiding the Arrows to its first-ever Class 6A state championship in 2016.
He earned Mississippi’s “Mr. Football” and was named the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year during his senior year (5,233 yards, 65 scores).
All the ingredients of being a superstar player are in Akers; nevertheless, he will encounter a defensive front seven that does not allow an individual to have fun in the run game.
Getting tough yards early and trying to soften Alabama up with the passing attack is the lone avenue for Florida State to create success. To wear down Da’Ron Payne and the rest of the defensive line would be a win for Akers and the Noles’ offensive unit throughout the game.
Deondre Francois, QB
The ACC’s road back to the College Football Playoff lies on the arm and decision-making skills of Florida State’s Deondre Francois. He accounted for 3,350 passing yards with 25 touchdowns (five rushing) to seven interceptions through 13 games as a freshman.
His athleticism does not scream “dual-threat,” but Francois’ toughness in the face of a blitz is second to none.
Many of the hits he took and mistakes he made came against quality defenses.
If the Seminoles provide him with the time, Francois can locate open targets from the pocket. On the other hand, should Alabama affect him consistently – what’s predicted a close matchup could become a rout.
Ricky Aguayo, PK
This is the biggest advantage Florida State has over the Tide.
Although Saban and his staff will try a two-man rotation at placekicker, the Seminoles have recruited a family that’s known for dominant leg strength.
After his older brother, Robert Aguayo, was a three-time All-American, Ricky Aguayo returns to Tallahassee as a sophomore.
Once a three-star athlete, Aguayo made 19 of 26 attempts last season.
He was a perfect 12 for 12 on kicks inside 40 yards, while making all but one of his 52 extra point tries. A product of IMG Academy, the 6’2″ specialist received first team Freshman All-American honors from ESPN and looks to have even more success this season.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
