Jared Verse, Seminoles eager to face LSU in New Orleans
Defensive end Jared Verse feels Florida State has an advantage heading into a Week 1 matchup against LSU. The Seminoles were one of six Power 5 programs to play in Week 0, coming away with a 47-7 victory against Duquesne.
Speaking with reporters postgame, Verse said that going through a game week already will help FSU come more prepared than the Tigers, who begin their season against the Seminoles.
“It helps us a lot,” Verse said. “I feel like it gives us a chance to figure out our strengths and our weaknesses. Me personally, I realized I made a couple of mistakes that I can’t make make next week. That’s not gonna be enough for the win. I feel like my teammates will have the same thing to say. We all made a couple of mistakes but going into this week, can’t make those again.”
A transfer from Alabany, Verse was an FCS Freshman All-American this past season after registering 53 tackles (11.5 for loss), 10.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one pass breakup. He finished his Seminoles debut Saturday with four tackles (1.5 for loss) and a sack.
The Florida State defense did not allow a touchdown until the third quarter and held Duquesne to 164 total yards. However, Jared Verse the Seminoles will face a much bigger challenge next week against the LSU offense.
The Tigers have yet to announce a winner from the quarterback battle featuring Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier. Whoever wins will have one of the best receivers in the country to throw to in Kayshon Boutte, a projected first-round draft pick who played in just six games this past season as he dealt with an ankle injury.
LSU is entering the first year under coach Brian Kelly, so there are many unknowns going into the season opener. The Tigers also added Penn State transfer running back Noah Cain, who rushed for 350 yards and four touchdowns last season with the Nittany Lions.
All this in mind, it’s hard to know exactly what to expect from the LSU offense in Week 1, but the Florida State is eager for the opportunity to prove itself. The Tigers and Seminoles are set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 4 in New Orleans.