In a blowout loss to Clemson, starting QB Deondre Francois was injured late and subsequently unable to practice fully this week. With Francois out, the ‘Noles would make a switch behind center and sophomore James Blackman would get his shot at quarterback. Coincidentally, Blackman’s first start as a freshman came against NC State last year when Deondre Francois went down with a season ending knee injury against Alabama in the season opener.
FSU is averaging 7.7 yards per plays while giving up 5.7 yards a play to NC State. FSU’s running game has struggled to get going with just 24 yards on the ground, although Cam Akers did look sharp early.