Assessing Florida State’s returning talent vs. LSU

LSU and Florida State are ten days away from kickoff in Orlando on Sept. 3 and now the plot continues to thicken as LSU’s star defensive tackle Maason Smith is suspended for the contest. Last year, these two played in an incredibly chaotic game in the Superdome where the Seminoles won 24-23.

Here, we’re looking at the returning talent that’s projected to start or heavily contribute this season for FSU, but especially in game one against LSU. The Florida State media is not allowed to post “depth chart prediction” pieces before the start of the season, so there could be some changes here, but this list feels safe as we enter game week.

* = Returning starter

Offense

*QB Jordan Travis

*RB Trey Benson

*WR Johnny Wilson

Slot WR Winston Wright

OT Bless Harris

*OT Robert Scott

*RG D’Mitri Emmanuel

The offense is obviously headlined by Travis and Wilson, two of the more prolific players at their positions in the country and headlining a passing attack that promises to put up numbers in the ACC this year. Travis had 260 yards and two touchdowns on 20 of 33 passing last year against LSU, which was just enough to get the win in New Orleans. As a whole, it was one of the better offenses in the country, ending with over 36 points per game and the 14th ranked EPA per play.

Travis, Wilson, Benson, and Scott were all named to the All-ACC second team last year and are the four returning starters on this offense. Benson and Wilson are the lead players at their position and will have expectations of building on their 2022 seasons this year with more numbers and higher volume.

LSU’s top priority entering the week one game is slowing the Florida State passing attack. We’ll get into the transfer additions on Friday, but Travis proved last year he’s capable of changing the game with his arm and mobility and now he has one of the better receiving corps in the country to work with. The offensive line is good, but it’s not a dominant unit from what we’ve read and heard, perhaps opening the door for LSU to win some one-on-ones and make Travis uncomfortable.

Defense

Photo by John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

DE Patrick Payton

*DE Jared Verse

*NT Fabien Lovett

*LB Tatum Bethune

*LB Kalen DeLoach

*CB Renardo Green

*S Akeem Dent

S Shyheim Brown

Nickel Greedy Vance

Payton emerged as a high-level freshman for the Seminoles last year and steps into a starting position comfortably in 2023. Vance and Brown both showed quality potential last year as well and will have significant roles with this team.

It’s the core group of returners that has to be elite for FSU this year. After losing Jammie Robinson at safety, there’s interesting turnover for the Seminoles in the secondary. Still, Dent and Green are quality players in their positions.

Florida State returns its two linebackers, but neither of them were All-ACC level last year and it’s a position where this defense can be better. Ultimately, the linebacker spot may not have a ton of value in this defense, but it’s still the biggest question mark when assessing Florida State this year. Whether it’s with the run game’s ability to get to the second level or the passing attack’s ability to pick on those two, there’s chances for the Tigers to try to attack.

Then you get to the defensive line, clearly the Seminoles strength with Lovett and Verse returning. Jayden Daniels was under a ton of pressure last season, but now that the Tigers’ offense is in a much better spot with plenty of continuity across the line, the battle in the trenches is evenly matched and should open the door for LSU to be versatile with Daniels’ arm and legs.

Last year’s defense was good, but there’s room for improvement after ending the season 33rd in EPA per play and ending the year allowing a combined 70 points to Florida and Oklahoma. We’ll get to the additions in another story, but Lovett and Verse have a lot of pressure on them.

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