Matchup Analysis: 'Noles looking for first conference win at Louisville

Willie Taggart's Gulf Coast offense has failed to launch so far in 2018. A combination of poor offensive line play, questionable play-calling and suspect decision-making at quarterback have all contributed to FSU checking in with the second-worst statistical offense in the ACC. Overall, the ‘Noles rank No. 96 in total offense.

The biggest issue so far has been an inability to run the football. Despite the coaching staff's complete dedication to the ground game, Florida State has managed just 2.6 yards per carry in 2018. And there were very few signs last week against Northern Illinois (2.1 yards per carry) that the running game is poised for a turnaround anytime soon.

As a result, Cam Akers hasn't looked anything like the freshman sensation who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season. Through four games, the sophomore tailback has 274 rushing yards on 60 attempts. Considering that 85 of those yards came on one carry against Virginia Tech, he has been extremely average on the other 59 (3.2 yards per carry). Jacques Patrick hasn’t done much better. The senior tailback has 153 yards on 40 rushing attempts (3.8 yards per carry). Throw in the fact that quarterback Deondre Francois has been hesitant to run the football, and there simply hasn’t been any viable threats for FSU on the ground.

The primary reason for the ineffective running game, of course, has been a massively under-performing offensive line. It was hoped that a change in coaching staff, including new line coach Greg Frey, would result in an improvement up front. So far, that hasn't happened. Making matters worse, starting left tackle Landon Dickerson has been out several weeks with an ankle injury (status for Saturday uncertain), and fellow starter and veteran Derrick Kelly is out with a knee injury.