Savannah State-Florida State Capsule

By The Associated Press

(AP) -- Savannah State (0-1) at No. 6 Florida State (1-0), 6 p.m. (ESPN3)

Line: Florida State. No line.

Series Record: First meeting.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Sixth-ranked Florida State appears loaded with talent across the board and a huge offensive line is gaining much-needed experience with each game. The Seminoles rushed for 285 yards in the opener, an encouraging development considering their troubles on the ground last year. They also want to avoid key injuries after losing star defensive end Brandon Jenkins in the opener with a season-ending broken foot. Another payday for Savannah State. The Tigers get $475,000 this week after picking up $385,000 at Oklahoma State for an 84-0 shellacking last Saturday. However, Tigers coach Steve Davenport said afterward that he wasn't sure the money was worth the school's worst loss since 1953.

KEY MATCHUP

Florida State's heralded pass rush vs. any of Savannah State's quarterbacks. The Seminoles sacked Murray State's Casey Brockman six times in a 69-3 win last Saturday despite losing Brandon Jenkins early in the game. Fortunately for the Seminoles, defensive end is a position with depth. Bjoern Werner recorded four sacks and another tackle for loss and was the Atlantic Coast Conference's defensive player of the week. Cornelius "Tank" Carradine picked up more playing time in Jenkins' absence and led the team with nine tackles, including a sack.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Florida State: RB James Wilder Jr. stood out in the opener with 106 yards on a dozen carries in the second half of the Seminoles' 69-3 win over Murray State.

Savannah State: RB Alex Simmons gained 40 yards on nine carries, including a 19-yard run for the Tigers longest gain in an 84-0 loss at Oklahoma State.

FACTS AND FIGURES

It's the first time Florida State plays a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in football. Florida A&M, located just a few blocks from the Florida State campus, is a MEAC member and the Rattlers defeated Savannah State 47-7 last season ... Oklahoma State scored six touchdowns before Savannah State managed its second first down last week ... Florida State has outscored its three previous FCS opponents during the Fisher era by a combined 190-19 margin ... the Seminoles most lopsided win came in 1949 in a 74-0 romp over Whiting Field ... K Dustin Hopkins needs 53 points to become the all-time scoring leader at Florida State and the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Updated September 6, 2012