FSU Star Trey Benson On Rematch With LSU: 'It's Going To Be A Showdown'

The Seminoles and Tigers are gearing up for chapter two after an instant classic last year.

There might not be a more highly-anticipated non-conference game in college football this season than Florida State's rematch with LSU in week one. Following a contest that came down to a blocked extra point at the buzzer and both teams fresh off ten-win seasons, each fanbase is ready for chapter two.

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Last season, the Seminoles had the benefit of a 'tune up' game against Duquesne prior to traveling to New Orleans. That won't be the case in 2023 as Florida State will jump right into the action against the Tigers in Orlando on Labor Day Weekend.

FSU star running back Trey Benson is preparing for a 'showdown' against LSU. He's taking the process day by day ahead of what is expected to be a special season in Tallahassee.

"Like I said, taking it day by day, blocking out all the noise," Benson said during a press conference on Wednesday morning. "Two teams in the top 10, hey, it's going to be a showdown but just taking it day by day, each game by each game, and we're just ready to go."

This offseason has been a much-needed change of pace for Benson now that he's 100% recovered from a knee injury he suffered in December of 2020 at Oregon. That's allowed him to have zero limitations as he continues to work on becoming a complete running back.

"I was just grateful to come back from a devastating injury," Benson said. "This offseason has been great. I didn't have no problems, I feel 100% and I'm just ready to go."

Benson came up ten yards short of the century mark during his first season with the Seminoles. He lamented previously about leaving yards on the field and put a focus on two aspects to improve that part of his game during the spring.

"Just trusting my speed and trusting my track. That's what you're going to hear coach Norvell yelling at me about all the time," Benson said with a smile. "Basically spring, I been trusting my speed and trusting my track, that's all."

A healthy offseason has allowed him to put on a little extra weight. Listed at 215 pounds on Florida State's roster, Benson noted that he's actually around 226 pounds right now. He's going to slim down slightly with fall camp on the horizon.

"I don't really have a goal in weight. Being bigger, I mean, that's great. I still feel good at, I probably weigh like 226 right now," Benson said. "I'm going to go down a tad bit, I want to play at like 220. Having that weight, it's cool and all but I feel like I like being a little lighter because I don't want to lose out on my speed."

The Mississippi native is looking to make a bigger impact in the passing game as a redshirt junior after only catching 13 passes for 144 yards last season. Quarterback Jordan Travis provided an update on his progress while ribbing Benson in the process.

"Trey can catch the ball. I feel like he's worked really hard this offseason," Travis said alongside Benson on Wednesday. "Even last year, he would make plays, he would always ask for the ball, he said 'I can catch bro, I can catch.' If he drops it in practice he'll let me know it was a mistake but he's an athlete and he can catch the ball."

Florida State is returning the most experienced offensive line in the country with the unit holding 206 combined starts in their college careers. That has Benson feeling like he'll meet his goal of 1,000+ rushing yards this fall.

"It means a lot. Coming from experience in my previous school, they had a lot of guys coming back and returning and it was a great offensive line," Benson said. "This offensive line this year is going to be special. I feel like I won't be ten yards short this year."

Benson was named FSU's Offensive Newcomer of the Year and Second-Team All-ACC after rushing 154 times for 990 yards and nine touchdowns while also returning a kickoff for a touchdown in 2022.

Ahead of a season where Benson wants to display his talents for a future NFL career while making an impact on success on Saturdays, how does he keep his focus?

"Just taking it day by day," Benson said. "We've got big expectations but it's no pressure because of the teammates we have, the bond that we have, and we keep building the team chemistry."

Florida State and LSU will meet in Orlando at Camping World Stadium on Sunday, September 3 to kick off the season.

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