LSU football is projected to have one of the best offenses in college football this season. However, that means nothing unless they can back it up on the field. This Sunday, theyâll have an opportunity to show their worth with their matchup versus a Florida State defense that features players like Jared Verse, Braden Fiske and Fentrell Cypress II.
Florida State defense: EDGE Jared Verse
When preparing to talk about the Florida State defense, thereâs really only one place to start. Jared Verse is easily the best player on this unit and could be one of the best in the country.
Last season, he recorded 47 total tackles and nine sacks. He was so good that many viewed him as a first-round draft pick last season.
However, he decided to return to Tallahassee because he felt there was more he wanted to accomplish at the college level.
For Florida State fans, this is fantastic news. For the rest of the country, not so much. If LSU football plans on moving the ball on offense this Sunday, Verse should be priority number one.
DT Braden Fiske
Among the many players Florida State took out of the transfer portal this past offseason was a 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive tackle named Braden Fiske.
Having played for Western Michigan for the past four seasons, heâs a relatively unknown commodity, but that shouldnât be the case for long. Fiske displays impressive strength and athleticism for a big man and was one of the more underrated players in the country last season.
However, now that heâs on a top-10 team and likely to start, expect to hear plenty more about Fiske.
One of the more impressive things about Fiske is his ability to play inside or out along the defensive line. He has the size to hold up against most inside offensive linemen, but he also has some top-end speed to easily get around offensive tackles.
This is a dangerous luxury for a team like Florida State to have. They already have Jared Verse on one edge, so this could be an elite one-two punch in 2023.
The LSU football offensive line will likely have their hands full on Sunday. Still, quarterback Jayden Daniels has an impressive ability to escape arm tackles, so the Florida State defensive line doesnât exactly have it easy.
CB Fentrell Cypress II
LSU football has one of the best wide receiver rooms in the country. Because of that, opposing defenses will likely need to bring their best when it comes to guarding them.
Lucky for the Florida State defense, theyâve got some impressive pieces in their defensive backfield. One such player is former Virginia cornerback Fentrell Cypress II.
Cypress II has plenty of experience in college football and was one of the few highlights on a Virginia team that has struggled to find much success over the years. Last season was particularly impressive for him, having recorded 39 total tackles and 13 passes deflected.
For context, his 13 pass deflections were good enough for 13th in the entire country in 2022.
With him bringing that kind of production to this Florida State defense, it will be important to at least be aware of where the star cornerback is on the field.
The Florida State defense, without a doubt, has some top talent spread across the field. Still, LSU football has an elite offense in its own right and should be able to move the ball with overall success on Sunday. Now, weâll have to wait and see how the Tigers elect to counter Jared Verse, Braden Fiske and Fentrell Cypress II.
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