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?