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Guest blog: ESPN's David Hale on FSU vs. Duke

Both Devonta Freeman and Ross Cockrell have taken on bigger roles for their team since last year's meeting between Duke and Florida State. Credit: CHUCK LIDDY

Earlier this week, I traded questions with David Hale, who covers Florida State for ESPN. Here's a link to what I told him. Enjoy.

How significant is the loss of Chris Thompson?

David Hale: It's a major blow for Florida State's offense. Purely from a running game standpoint, it may not be a huge loss, as James Wilder Jr. and Devonta Freeman have both run well when given the opportunity this year. In terms of all the other little things that a great running back provides though -- pass blocking, blitz pick-up, catching passes out of the backfield, leadership in the huddle -- there's going to be a lot of questions. Thompson was, in many ways, the heart and soul of the offense, and while Wilder and Freeman have the talent to step in and succeed, replacing Thompson is a very tall task.

What aspects of the game are the Noles looking to tighten up as the season enters its November stretch?

Know the Foe: Florida State

 

Devonta Freeman is part of what is now a two-headed running attack for Florida State. Credit: CHUCK LIDDY

Every week, I do a little bit on Duke's upcoming opponent for the Tuesday paper. Why has it taken me until week nine to post one here? Good question. 

No. 11 Florida State (7-1, 4-1 in the ACC)

Last time out: beat Miami 33-20

Name to know: James Wilder Jr. will likely receive the majority of carries at running back on Saturday. The sophomore will take over for Chris Thompson, the Seminoles’ leading rusher who was lost for the season with a torn ACL last week against Miami.

Wilder was the top-rated recruit as a senior at Tampa Plant in 2010. After struggling with the playbook last season, he has rebounded this year and has collected 369 yards on 61 carries (an average of six yards per touch) along with a team-high seven rushing touchdowns.

Wilder is complemented by fellow sophomore Devonta Freeman. Last week against Miami, the dup combined for 119 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries.

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