FSU Linebacker Omar Graham Jr. Discusses Preparation For QB Uncertainty Against Duke

No matter who suits up for the Blue Devils, the Seminoles have had their fair share of tests against dual-threat quarterbacks.

The Seminoles are officially halfway through the regular season and remain undefeated. Despite having a few close games on the road, the home-field advantage in Doak Campbell Stadium has been a key asset to the ‘Noles as they have outscored opponents 146-33 in Tallahassee.

The week 7 primetime matchup against No. 16 Duke is arguably Florida State’s toughest home game of the season, and while the Seminoles have looked like a playoff contender this season, the Blue Devils are also a contender for the ACC title with just one loss to a strong Notre Dame team.

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With a talented roster on both sides of the ball, the FSU defense needs to continue its home dominance this week in order to continue climbing in the right direction.

Redshirt freshman Linebacker Omar Graham Jr. has been a major asset to the team in his second year with the program. While he is still working his way to a starting role in one of the team's deepest position groups, Graham has made a name for himself this season as he has 11 tackles this season, and is continuing to see more time on the field.

“It makes me way more comfortable getting that experience, and just being out there knowing I can do it, gaining more confidence as I’m making more plays,” Graham said.

As it remains uncertain whether or not Duke quarterback Riley Leonard will start this weekend, FSU is preparing for all possibilities.

“He’s a great quarterback, but we’re preparing for both. Both of them are really great, they’re talented, they can run, and we’re just preparing for both,” Graham said.

Week in and week out it seems as if each quarterback FSU faces in the opposing offense is a talented runner. From Jayden Daniels in week one to this upcoming matchup against Leonard or Henry Belin IV, the defense is preparing for a run game almost more than the passing game, however, the games they are playing are also helping them for the following week.

“It keeps us prepared, every team we face, they have a running quarterback, so we carry the same things from each team and we’re just getting better from it and learning from our experiences.”

With the game not only having major playoff and ACC title game implications but also being Florida State’s homecoming and Seminole heritage game, a lot is at stake for the program on Saturday night. The Seminoles are well aware of what this contest means. While they have made mistakes along the way, there is a reason this team is ranked in the top four, and they are looking to show everyone why.

“They’re a great team, so we already know what we’ve got to do. We’re in Doak, it’s sold out, so we really just gotta go perform and do what we gotta do and do our job.”

The Seminoles and Blue Devils will face off for the 22nd time on Saturday for Florida State’s third consecutive sold-out game of the season. The game will be aired as ABC’s primetime game at 7:30.

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