To the pleasure of Florida State fans, the long-awaited change at quarterback is happening this week.
Redshirt Freshman Brock Glenn is set to make his first start of the 2024 season on Saturday in Doak Campbell Stadium vs the Clemson Tigers.
Glenn saw action in last week's loss to SMU following DJ Uiagalelei leaving the contest early with an injury; he did not record a stat aside from going 0/4 passing.
Glenn was thrust into the starting role last season for FSU following injuries to Jordan Travis and Tate Rodemaker, starting against Louisville in the ACC Championship and against Georgia in the Orange Bowl.
Glenn won against Louisville, completing 8/21 (38%) passes for 55 yards and a QBR of 11.7.
Glenn faced a herculean task vs Georgia in the Orange Bowl, completing 9/26 (34.6%) passes for 139 yards and two interceptions.
While battle-tested, Brock Glenn finds himself in a brutal matchup against one of the best defenses in the country.
While the statistical rankings don't jump off the page, they are skewed. Take away the blowout loss in the season opener vs Georgia and the second half vs NC State, where the Tigers pulled their starters, and the numbers match the production more truthfully.
The Tigers are still elite defensively in situational football. They bolster the #32 third-down defense and are ranked #11 nationally in turnovers forced per game.
Clemson DL Peter Woods has missed the past two games while recovering from injury but is hopeful to play Saturday. A freakshow athlete that adds another dynamic piece to an already uber-talented front seven.
Florida State fans should not expect Brock Glenn to right the ship in 2024. The truth is that he's not in a situation to succeed. With a banged-up offensive line and the absence of a marquee playmaker at a skill position, it will be a long day for Glenn.
While it may be hard to believe, it could be worse than the Florida State offense with DJ Uiagalelei. While DJU has struggled mightily thus far in 2024, his veteran presence is still a key factor when playing an experienced and elite defensive unit.
Another under-the-radar aspect of this whole quarterback situation in Tallahassee is the trust this coaching staff has in Brock Glenn. If he couldn't beat out a hobbled and struggling DJU in practice, what does that tell you regarding the staff's confidence in the redshirt freshman?
Schematic-wise, it will look the same, plus or minus a few wrinkles in the run game, considering Glenn does possess the athletic ability to be a factor in it. In terms of the passing attack, expect RPO's screens and an emphasis on quick game to get Glenn's confidence up.
The run game will have to find success for Florida State to have a pulse in this game. Luckily for the Garnet & Gold, this is where the Clemson defense has struggled.
Last week, the Tigers gave up 236 yards on the ground to Stanford, and the week before, they gave up 179 yards to NC State. If there's a formula for success, it will be establishing the run game and sticking to it.
Expect a slower tempo of offense. FSU wants to make this a dogfight by limiting possessions and playing ball-control football. If Florida State can protect the football, run efficiently, and dominate the time of possession, they will have a chance against Clemson.
It could and likely will get ugly on Saturday night in the 850; on the bright side, the Seminoles' situation can't get any worse in 2024.