Noles D Is Ready For Cavs Running Game
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBSMiami.com) – The Florida State Seminoles bring a five game winning streak into Doak Campbell Stadium Saturday when the Virginia Cavaliers look to derail the Noles' defensive machine.
FSU's defense has sparked the five game winning streak by allowing just 11.6 points per game, including a shutout of North Carolina State at the end of October.
The defense's worst game in the streak was last weekend in a rivalry game against the Miami Hurricanes.
Overall, FSU ranks first in the ACC, and seventh nationally, in scoring defense giving up just 16.1 points per game on the season.
The Noles' rushing defense has been especially stout, ranking first in the ACC giving up just 85 yards per game on the ground on an average of 36 attempts.
The Noles' passing game gives up just 195 yards per game through the air, according to cfbstats.com. Opponents have also thrown nine interceptions on the season against the Noles.
Virginia will counter with an offense that averages just 26.4 points per game and does most of its damage on the ground.
The Cavaliers average just less than 190 yards per game on the ground and will use the running game to set up play-action passes.
When the Noles get the football, it will be all about the arm of junior quarterback E.J. Manuel. The Noles running game is bad, but Manuel has led a passing offense ranked second in the conference.
Manuel and the Noles average 283 yards passing per game and have thrown 15 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions, according to cfbstats.com.
FSU's game is set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff and can be seen on ESPN2.
