Tag: Florida State Seminoles

Notre Dame Week 11 highlight — Riley Leonard goes airborne

Notre Dame gets on the board to start the game thanks to a Riley Leonard leap.

No. 10 Notre Dame is hosting Florida State in South Bend tonight, and despite the Seminoles’ 1-8 start, FSU has the talent that would be needed for an upset.

Fighting Irish quarterback [autotag]Riley Leonard[/autotag] is doing his part early to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Leonard ran the ball in from 34 yards out to cap off a 5-play, 75-yard opening drive. Leonard hurdled a defender to get into the end zone to finish the drive, which took 1:43 off the clock.

Slow starts, especially against perceived lesser opponents, have been an issue for the Irish all season, but opening this game with a touchdown goes a long way to alleviating that issue.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard makes national award list
Oct 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) carries the ball during the first half against the Navy Midshipmen at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Is Loghan Thomas playing today? Injury updates for Notre Dame defensive lineman

Notre Dame defensive lineman Loghan Thomas is dealing with a right hamstring injury. Here are the latest updates.

Defensive lineman [autotag]Loghan Thomas[/autotag] is out for the No. 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish tonight against the Florida State Seminoles.

The freshman is sidelined with a right hamstring injury.

Notre Dame has listed all other student-athletes on the two-deep roster as available. That makes us wonder if kicker [autotag]Mitch Jeter[/autotag] is finally ready to play as he deals with a hip injury.

The Fighting Irish also return freshman cornerback Tae Johnson as the backup to [autotag]Leonard Moore[/autotag]. [autotag]Karon Hobbs[/autotag], who was in that spot last week, is now the backup nickel corner to [autotag]Jordan Clark[/autotag].

Otherwise, the Irish are getting healthier, though key players such as [autotag]Jordan Botelho[/autotag] are out for the season.

Notre Dame injury update

Notre Dame will be without Loghan Thomas this week, and [autotag]Jason Onye[/autotag] remains out for personal reasons.

How long will Loghan Thomas be out?

It is unclear how long Thomas will be out beyond this week.

Notre Dame defensive lineman depth chart

Thomas’ loss will be felt, but the Irish still have a deep defensive line. Thomas was already listed at third on the depth chart for the Vyper pass-rushing position behind [autotag]Joshua Burnham[/autotag] and [autotag]Junior Tuihalamaka[/autotag].

Marcus Freeman updates Mitch Jeter, Tae Johnson & more injuries
Sep 28, 2024; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Tyler Shough (9) is hit as he throws by Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Loghan Thomas (10) in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

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Experts pick Notre Dame versus Florida State

The experts expect Notre Dame to cruise against Florida State.

No. 10 Notre Dame hosts Florida State in a game that was circled on many calendars before the season began.

Now, however, the Seminoles are struggling at 1-8 and the Fighting Irish are playing good football but also in a position that likely requires them to win out to make the 12-team College Football Playoff.

So, with that in mind, let’s see what the experts think about who will win.

Let’s start with The Athletic. Pete Sampson is feeling pretty good about an Irish win and has them rolling 42-7, especially given quarterback [autotag] Riley Leonard’s[/autotag] improvement.

He writes, in part: “When Leonard plays well as a dual threat quarterback and not just a runner, Notre Dame becomes a problem for even locked-in teams. And Florida State won’t be locked in on Saturday night, as its season lurches toward its forgettable conclusion.”

Oct 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) fights off would-be tackler Navy Midshipmen cornerback Andrew Duhart (13) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Notre Dame football’s hype video for Florida State has been released

Watch it here!

Notre Dame football expected that its game this weekend against Florida State would have national implications for both teams, but that isn’t the case.

Only one team, the Irish, have a lot riding on this game, as the Seminoles have fallen hard this fall, with a 1-8 record heading into this game. The FIW staff has made their choices along with the FSU Wire staff making theirs.

While this is still somewhat of a rivalry game, that doesn’t matter for Notre Dame’s social media team. They released the Irish’s game trailer for tomorrow’s matchup against FSU, using the same theme they have had all season, old school hip-hop.

They once again used an EPMD song, this one being “Let the Funk Flow,” as the soundtrack to get Irish Nation pumped up for the game. Check out the video here, as we creep closer to seeing Notre Dame football back on the field after an off week.

The day after: Final thoughts on Notre Dame’s impressive win over Navy
Oct 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates a rushing a touchdown with teammates during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Notre Dame releases its depth chart for Florida State with a few changes

A couple of changes for the Irish ahead of its matchup vs. FSU

An off week gives teams an opportunity to self-scout and find out who could step up, and that is exactly what happened for Notre Dame football last week.

As the depth chart for Florida State was released, you can see that there are more than a few changes to it. After not being listed as a starter last week, Billy Schrauth is back into the starting line up at left guard, a spot that Sam Pendleton held down against Navy. He is now listed as the backup to Pat Coogan at center.

On defense there was a new name that made the depth chart, true freshman cornerback Tae Johnson. The in-state athlete has been battling an injury, and finally get back onto the practice field this past week. He’s listed as the No. 2 corner behind Leonard Moore, a spot that Karson Hobbs had last week. Hobbs hasn’t been replaced, as he’s still the backup to nickel Jordan Clark.

Those were the most notable changes to the Notre Dame football depth chart follow its off week, so we should see a much healthier team as they get ready for the Seminoles.

College Football Playoff rankings show: Where to watch for Notre Dame
Oct 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman during the first half against the Navy Midshipmen at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Omarion Hampton, defense carry UNC to dominant victory over Florida State

The Tar Heels marched into Tallahassee and destroy the Seminoles in ACC football action Saturday.

Where have today’s North Carolina Tar Heels been hiding throughout college football season?

For the second-consecutive week, UNC delivered a dominant, well-rounded performance that led it to victory. This time, it came against a preseason ACC Championship pick in Florida State, with North Carolina never trailing after the second quarter in a 35-11 win.

It wouldn’t be a Tar Heels victory without a big game from star running back Omarion Hampton, who scored all FIVE of UNC’s touchdowns and is now seven on the program’s career rushing yards list.

Hampton recorded four on the ground: his first giving North Carolina a 6-3, second-quarter lead it never relinquished, his second extending the Tar Heels’ lead to 13-3 two minutes before halftime, his third a 31-yard burst to open UNC’s second-half scoring (3:12 into the third quarter), then his fourth coming on fourth down with 2:50 left in the third quarter.

If you thought Hampton only contributed on the ground, think again. Hampton added North Carolina’s fifth and final touchdown, too, catching a third-down shovel pass from Jacolby Criswell and taking it 49 yards into the end zone. At that point, UNC led 35-11 three minutes into the fourth quarter.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DB4s35muYKh/

It was the Tar Heels’ defense, though, that made an initial impact on Saturday afternoon.

North Carolina generated SEVEN sacks against Seminoles quarterbacks Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek, with five coming in the first half alone. UNC held FSU to under 100 first-half yards, after doing so the previous week at Virginia, then later ended the game with just 201 total yards allowed.

The Tar Heels won’t be going to the College Football Playoff this year, but they’re suddenly back in bowl game contention after a second-straight convincing win.

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Another first half defensive shutdown leads UNC to halftime lead

The UNC football team’s first-half defense made a difference for the second-straight week

For the second consecutive week, the North Carolina Tar Heels’ first-half defense helped them gain a crucial halftime advantage.

Trailing Florida State 3-0 after the first quarter on Saturday afternoon, UNC quickly responded and took and 11-point lead into halftime. North Carolina kept generating pressure up front, with five sacks amongst its defensive linemen, led by a career-high 3.5 from Beau Atkinson.

Most impressive about the Tar Heels’ first-half defensive performance, though, was their ability to limit the Seminoles to just three points. UNC nearly replicated that last week against Virginia, limiting the hosts to six first-half points, while generating six sacks.

Florida State statistically has the ACC’s worst offense this year, but that doesn’t make North Carolina’s defensive start any less impressive. This is the same Tar Heels’ unit that allowed over 1,000 combined yards to Pitt and Georgia Tech, so this sudden resurgence is encouraging to watch,

UNC limited the Seminoles to just 61 – yes, 61 – first-half yards. FSU played both Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek at quarterback, with Glenn completed 1-of-3 passes for 33 yards. Seminoles running back Lawrence Toafili gained just 20 yards on six carries, while Kromenhoek was limited to six yards on a team-high seven carries.

We watched Virginia start to generate some rhythm on offense in the second half last week, but it was too late. Florida State could very well do the same thing today, as I saw a couple big plays in the first half, but North Carolina’s offense could put this game out of reach.

To see the Tar Heels’ defense is playing this well, this late in the season, is an encouraging sign for a possible bowl berth. Just think of the possibilities if UNC played this well defensively earlier in the year, too.

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Chiefs scouting report: Florida State Seminoles CB Azareye’h Thomas

Florida State #Seminoles cornerback Azareye’h Thomas could be an early target for the Kansas City #Chiefs in the 2025 NFL draft.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and his unit continue battering opposing offenses, but an injury to cornerback Jaylen Watson pushed former seventh-round pick Nazeeh Johnson into the starting lineup. Kansas City’s secondary performs at a high level, but the Chiefs should look into adding more cornerback talent and depth through the draft.

Florida State Seminoles cornerback Azareye’h Thomas is a physical marvel with a tall 6’2″, 198 lb. frame and long arms that should surpass the league’s thresholds. He is a high-end version of the height, weight, and speed combination the Chiefs pursued at cornerback in past drafts.

Thomas uses poised footwork and fluid hips to mirror wide receivers at the line of scrimmage. He uses his long arms and sturdy punches to re-route receivers and drive them toward the sideline. He lacks elite downfield speed but is fast enough to carry most receivers vertically out of press coverage.

Thomas’ pattern matching and anticipation of routes set him apart from other cornerbacks in the class. He accelerates and decelerates at rare rates for a cornerback with his frame, which allows him to stick with shiftier receivers.

Thomas uses his anticipation and closing burst to undercut slants and crossing routes for pass breakups or interceptions. He plays tight to the receiver and allows limited separation going through sharp breaks. Thomas times his contact at the catch point well and rakes the receiver’s hands to pry the ball out.

Thomas is one of the youngest defensive back prospects in the class and is in his first season as a full-time starter for Florida State. His upside might elevate him out of Kansas City’s reach in the draft.

Florida State hosts North Carolina on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2:30 p.m. The Tar Heels are 1-4 in their last five games, making this Florida State’s best chance to earn its second win of the season.

Huskers predicted to land in-state tight end target

Chase Loftin got a prediction in favor of the Huskers on Monday morning

Class of 2025 Florida State tight end commit Chase Loftin has been predicted to flip to the Huskers. On3’s Steve Wiltfong put in a prediction for him on Monday morning.

According to the On3 recruiting rankings, the tight end is ranked the 22nd overall player at his position and the second overall player in his class from the state of Nebraska.

Loftin is scheduled to visit Lincoln on Saturday when the Huskers take on the UCLA Bruins. He officially committed to Florida State on June 26. His primary recruiter is offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Marcus Satterfield.

This is certainly something to watch, and Loftin would give the Huskers another weapon in the 2025 class. Nebraska currently has five four-star commitments in the 2025 class, and Loftin would also give the program another player from in-state. This coaching staff has made it a point to try and lock up in-state talent, and Loftin would undoubtedly fit the bill.

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Start time revealed for UNC-Florida State Week 10 ACC Football matchup

What time will UNC and Florida State kick off Week 10 ACC football action on Saturday?

When the North Carolina Tar Heels discovered their 2024 football schedule, I imagine players thought they’d be playing one of the country’s best teams in Week 10.

Instead, UNC (4-4, 1-3 ACC) will take on arguably the country’s greatest disappointment in Florida State (1-7, 1-6 ACC) on Saturday, Nov. 2.

North Carolina is coming off an emotional, dominant, 41-14 win over Virginia in which everyone played well. The Seminoles continued reeling, dropping a 36-14 contest to Miami (FL) for their fourth-consecutive loss.

The Tar Heels weren’t expected to contend for an ACC Championship this year, losing two of its top offensive producers, while FSU was expected to lead the conference.

All the unthinkables surrounding each program’s season makes for what should be an interesting game Saturday, with kickoff time recently being announced for 3:30 p.m.

After losing four straight games of their own, the Tar Heels are now suddenly just two wins away from reaching bowl eligibility. North Carolina’s offense played liked we all expected last weekend, but it was the defense imprinting its mark on the Scott Stadium field.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBnQ7clOdbG/

What can the Seminoles do right? Seemingly nothing. There’s one pass I’ll give FSU: it’s played a tough schedule so far, with five of its seven losses coming against five ranked teams – or ones that were ranked.

The Seminoles, though, are historically one of the nation’s best programs. Good teams always find a way to win – and in 2024, FSU is just not good.

If there’s one thing working for the Seminoles heading into their matchup with UNC, it’s that the Doak Campbell Stadium crowd – under the lights – is always rowdy.

Can our Tar Heels move a step closer to bowl eligibility, or will they suffer yet another bad loss?

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