Matchup Analysis: North Carolina at Florida State
Complete breakdown, analysis, preview and prediction for FSU-UNC
Quarterback Deondre Francois is off to a solid start directing the Seminole offense in 2016. Through the first four games, the redshirt freshman has completed 63 percent of his pass attempts for an average of 238 yards a game. He has also done a solid job of protecting the football with seven touchdown passes and just two interceptions. While the former Rivals100 signal-caller has lived up to expectations so far, his production has dropped off the last couple weeks in games against Louisville and South Florida. Junior Travis Rudolph and Bobo Wilson are Francois' top targets; the duo have combined for 32 receptions, 453 yards and four touchdowns.
North Carolina returns three starters in the secondary, but so far in 2016 there's been nothing special from that group. The Tar Heels rank 70th in pass efficiency defense, and that's without playing a team ranked above 73 in passing offense. Also, through the first four games, UNC has failed to record a single interception.
MATCHUP: When given decent protection, Francois has preformed well and is capable of moving the offense. Florida State also boasts a veteran and deep receiving unit that should be able to get open against against the Tar Heels. However, UNC is especially vulnerable against the run, so the passing game may not be utilized to its fullest extent this Saturday.
WINNER: FLORIDA STATE
The Seminole ground game is led by Dalvin Cook, who set a school single-season rushing record last year with 1,691 yards and 19 touchdowns. The junior tailback got off to a slow start in 2016 but blew up last Saturday at USF, rushing for a new career-high 267 yards and two touchdowns. Backing up Cook is former five-star recruit Jacques Patrick, who at 231 pounds provides more of a punch and has seen increased playing time the last couple weeks. So far in 2016, the Seminole ground game is averaging 245 yards a game and 5.35 yards per carry.
To put it mildly, North Carolina has struggled defending the run. The Tar Heels are giving up an average of 240 yards a game on the ground, good for a No. 118 ranking in this category. Even James Madison, an FCS program, racked up over 200 yards rushing against UNC's defense. Opposing offenses are averaging five yards per carry so far in 2016. Sophomore linebacker Andre Smith and junior safety Donnie Miles are the top tacklers for the Heels.
MATCHUP: After a slow start, Florida State's running game showed major signs of life last weekend, racking up a whopping 478 yards. If the offensive line and tight ends continue to block well, Saturday should be another big day for Cook and Patrick.
WINNER: Huge for FLORIDA STATE.
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