No. 12 Florida State returns to action hosting NC State

Posted September 21, 2017 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

North Carolina State (2-1) at No. 12 Florida State (0-1), Saturday, Noon ET (ABC/ESPN2)

Line: Florida State by 13.

Series record: Florida State leads 26-11.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Florida State has been idle the past two weeks due to Hurricane Irma and is trying to avoid its first 0-2 start since 1989. North Carolina State is trying to get off to a fast start in Atlantic Coast Conference play, which is something it has not had much success doing. The Wolfpack have won only two of their past 10 conference openers.

KEY MATCHUP

N.C. State all-purpose back Jaylen Samuels vs. Florida State S Derwin James. A matchup between players who are known for their versatility. Samuels lines up mostly in the slot but also has seen some time at H-back. The senior is tied for third in the conference and fifth in Football Subdivision, averaging 8.7 receptions per game. James will see most of his time at safety but also can play linebacker and be a rush end in blitz packages.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

North Carolina State: DE Bradley Chubb. The senior is second in the ACC with 5.5 tackles for loss and also leads the Wolfpack in sacks with 1.5.

Florida State: QB James Blackman. With Deondre Francois out for the year with a knee injury, Blackman is the first true freshman to start under center for the Seminoles since Chip Ferguson in 1985.

FACTS & FIGURES

North Carolina State has scored on its first offensive possession in all three games this season. ... Wolfpack QB Ryan Finley has gone 192 attempts without throwing an interception, which is the longest current streak in FBS. ... N.C. State has a five-game losing streak at Doak Campbell Stadium and has not won in Tallahassee since 2005. ... The last time Florida State had longer than 14 days between games during the regular season was 1983 when it faced Miami on Nov. 12 and Florida on Dec. 3. ... The Seminoles have gone 77 games since losing consecutive games, which is the longest streak among FBS teams. ... FSU is 24-4 at home against ACC teams since Jimbo Fisher became coach in 2010.

___

More AP college football: http://collegefootball.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.