Monday night’s conference opener between Florida State and SMU is already shaping up to be a wild one, with both teams dropping their initial availability reports just days before kickoff. This Labor Day matchup, the first time these squads have ever met in Tallahassee, is gonna test depth right out of the gate. For Florida State, their defensive backfield is staring down some serious challenges, with four players listed as completely out.
FSU’s Secondary Is Straight Up Dented
The Seminoles are feeling the pain, especially in their secondary. Cornerbacks Karson Hobbs, Chuck Kennon, and Jordan Crutchfield are all listed as out. That’s a huge blow to their defensive back depth before a single snap in conference play. Plus, wide receiver Devin Carter is also out, which could impact their offensive playbook and force some young guys into bigger roles. On top of that, tight end Gavin Markey is doubtful, further trimming down options for the passing game. That’s definitely not what Coach Norvell wants to see heading into a big conference game.
It’s not all doom and gloom for Florida State, though. They’ve got a bunch of guys probable, including defensive back Quindarrius Jones, defensive lineman Darryll Desir, defensive back Ashlynd Barker, running backs Zay Parks and Amari Thomas, linebacker Caleb LaVallee, and offensive linemen Bradyn Welch-Joiner and Kevin Wynn. Having those guys ready to roll is massive. Still, the impact of those “out” players, particularly in the secondary, is undeniable. Add in wide receiver Tae’Shaun Gelsey and defensive back K.J. Kirkland as questionable, and you’ve got some real uncertainty for Norvell’s squad.
SMU’s Running Back Room Taking a Punch
SMU isn’t coming into Doak Campbell Stadium unscathed either. The Mustangs have their own set of critical players questionable or out, and it looks like their running back room is taking a hit. Three running backs, EJ Kelly, Christian Rhodes, and Link Rhodes, are all listed as out. That’s a significant blow to their ground game depth and could change how Coach Lashlee approaches their offensive attack. Linebacker Caden Marshall and cornerback Deuce Gilbert are also out, which will challenge their defense. This means both teams will be leaning on their depth charts pretty heavily in this opener.
SMU also has some key guys questionable. Safeties Ahmaad Moses and Jaden Milliner-Jones are both uncertain, which could expose their secondary just like FSU’s. Wide receiver Daylon Singleton is also questionable. With linebacker Kenneth Goodwin III and offensive lineman Abel Hoopii also out, Coach Lashlee has some tough calls to make on who steps up in this first-ever meeting against FSU in Tallahassee.
Labor Day Showdown: Game Time!
This historic Labor Day showdown is kicking off on Monday, September 7th, at 7:30 p.m. ET. You can catch all the action on ESPN or stream it via WatchESPN and the ESPN App. The Seminoles Radio Network will have the audio broadcast if you’re tuning in that way. The current spread has SMU favored by 2.5 points, which is super interesting given the home field advantage for FSU and all these early season injuries. The over/under is set at 53.5 points, suggesting a potentially high-scoring affair. With so many uncertainties from both injury reports, this game is truly a toss-up, and that 5:30 PM Monday final report update will be absolutely critical. Get ready for some wild conference play, this one’s gonna be a grinder!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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