QB Nick Marshall: How would the DB-turned-QB handle the speed of the SEC game?
All he did was amass 2,782 total yards and 23 total touchdowns while only throwing five
interceptions. When the ball is snapped, Marshall has become an expert improviser and
is making better decisions with every passing month. Heading into October, Marshall
had thrown four touchdowns and four interceptions. Since that time, he has thrown eight
touchdowns and only one interception. An extra month of practice for Marshall could
spell trouble for Florida State.
RB Tre Mason: Mason leads the SEC with 1,621 rushing yards
and is coming off a 304-yard, four-touchdown rushing
performance against the Missouri Tigers in the SEC
Championship Game. The two previous games the Tigers faced
the No. 1 and No. 2 rushing defenses in the SEC, and he
torched them both. Mason will have to bring his best once again
because the Seminoles will bring in the No. 13-ranked rush
defense (116.5 yards per game).
CB Chris Davis: The Iron Bowl superhero will always be remembered for his gamewinning touchdown against Alabama. However, he also serves as the Tigers’ best cover
corner and a dynamic punt returner as well. Davis not only will need to play solid
defense, but he will need to make a big play that changes the momentum. Perhaps it
will be an interception, punt return or forced fumble, but Davis is a game-changer.
DE Dee Ford: If FSU's Winston has time to sit in the pocket and read the field, the
Auburn Tigers have zero chance of winning this game. He will not make mistakes if he
is not pressured. Auburn must find a way to keep Winston from finding a rhythm. Dee
Ford is Auburn’s best shot at making that happen, as he is the team’s top pass-rusher.
He comes into the game having registered 8.5 sacks. While he doesn’t need to have a
multi-sack game, he has to flush Winston early and often.
WR Sammy Coates: Coates has hauled in 38 passes for 841 yards and seven
touchdowns to lead Auburn in all three categories. While Auburn is a run-heavy offense,
when a big play is needed in the passing game, Coates has been the Tigers’ guy. For
example, Nick Marshall only attempted 11 passes during the SEC Championship
Game, and Coates caught six of those completions for 94 yards and a touchdown.