Florida State football: Three players to know ahead of Sunday's game against LSU
Ready for some Florida State football?
Here are the three players to watch as the Seminoles (1-0) travel to New Orleans to play LSU (0-0) at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Superdome, with a trophy and even more on the line.
Here are the three FSU players to watch this weekend.
Center Maurice Smith
The starting center missed the season opener after suffering an undisclosed injury during fall camp.
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Smith has been progressing towards playing this week, which would be a major boon for the offensive line for Florida State.
"Maurice is doing well," Norvell said. "I like what I've seen up to this point. We'll continue to see where it goes up to the game."
FSU quarterback Jordan Travis is looking forward to Smith's return and it would give the Seminoles more options on the setup of their offensive line against a tough LSU defensive line.
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Cornerback Omarion Cooper
Another player who missed the season opener with an undisclosed injury, Cooper's return would be a major boost for the FSU secondary and defense as a whole.
His status is similar to Smith's, according to Norvell.
"I like what I'm seeing from (cornerback Omarion Cooper and receiver Johnny Wilson)," Norvell said. "Same answer."
Cooper had two interceptions and six pass breakups last season in eight games, including three starts for the Seminoles.
He will likely draw the assignment of covering LSU's Kayshon Boutte,
The junior caught 38 passes for 509 yards and nine touchdowns in six contests last season. He missed the final seven games of the season following an ankle injury suffered against Kentucky.
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Running back Trey Benson
Benson said he almost had had an anxiety attack before the game, but that would have been hard to tell by his performance.
Both he and teammate Treshaun Ward earned a spot on the Pro Football Focus Team of the Week, based on grades the analytical website handed out.
Benson led a rushing attack which forced an astounding 34 missed tackles with 16. He finished with 11 rushes for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
Lawrance Toafili (13 carries, 101 yards, one TD) and Ward (14 carries, 127 yards, two TDs) also eclipsed the 100-yard mark. FSU rushed for 406 rushing yards in its 47-7 win over Duquesne.
Contact Ehsan Kassim at 256-300-5313 or ekassim@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Ehsan_Kassim.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football: Three players to know against LSU
