Mike Norvell Provides An Update On Three Veteran Starters Who Are Dealing With Injuries

The Seminoles are going to need all hands on deck as they prepare for the regular season finale against Florida in a building where they haven't won since 2017.

Florida State responded after starting quarterback Jordan Travis was knocked out for the season in the win over North Alabama. Facing a 13-0 deficit, the Seminoles went on an emphatic 58-0 run to close the game as all three phases of the game made a massive impact. The offense compiled 521 total yards, the defense held the Lions to 69 yards over the final three quarters, and the special teams unit blocked a field goal for a touchdown as time expired.

The team didn't only finish the game without Travis in the lineup. Starting center Maurice Smith was injured in the second quarter and didn't return while cornerback Renardo Green was spotted with a sling on his shoulder in the second half. Star linebacker Kalen DeLoach dressed out and went through warmups before being honored as part of Senior Day but didn't end up participating in the game.

Florida State Seminoles Release Depth Chart For Regular Season Finale Against Florida Gators

On Monday, head coach Mike Norvell seemed optimistic while offering an update on the trio of veteran starters. The Seminoles are going to need all hands on deck as they prepare for the regular season finale against Florida in a building where they haven't won since 2017.

"We'll see where it's at. I'm definitely very hopeful with Kalen [DeLoach]. I do expect him to be ready but we'll see where that goes throughout the course of this week," Norvell said to kick off the week. "Same with Renardo [Green] and Maurice [Smith], I mean, felt good about where we were on Sunday. As we get closer to kickoff we'll see what that looks like."

DeLoach leads FSU with 59 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown. In his absence, Omar Graham Jr. (24 snaps) and Blake Nichelson (17 snaps) ended up playing more alongside Tatum Bethune and DJ Lundy. Bethune, Lundy, and Nichelson all finished with at least three tackles.

With Smith out of the lineup, the Seminoles shifted Darius Washington to center while Bless Harris took over at left tackle. Offensive tackle Robert Scott has not appeared in the last two games despite being fully dressed out for both of them. He's been beat up throughout the year.

FSU replaced Green by committee with Fentrell Cypress II, Azareye'h Thomas, Greedy Vance, and Jarrian Jones all played 30 or more snaps. The Seminoles were already shorthanded in the defensive backfield coming into the game with junior safety Kevin Knowles out of the lineup. That led to Shyheim Brown (49 snaps) and Akeem Dent (48 snaps) leading the defense in playing time.

Florida State returns to action on Saturday in a rivalry matchup against Florida at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN.

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