After a challenging season, the Florida State Seminoles are gearing up for a crucial matchup against their arch-rival, the Florida Gators, on November 30th. The excitement is palpable, especially with the anticipated return of running back Roydell Williams, who has been sidelined due to injury for a significant part of the season.
Roydell Williams’ Journey Back
Roydell Williams, a transfer from Alabama, has had a rocky road this season. He played in only three games, accumulating 20 carries for 54 yards and two touchdowns, along with five receptions for 46 yards. Unfortunately, an injury has kept him out since September, leaving fans eager for his return. With the Gators on the horizon, Williams’ comeback could be a game-changer for the Seminoles.
Head coach Mike Norvell shared his optimism during a media briefing on Monday. “I do [expect him to be full go],” he stated confidently. “He’s done a good job of being able to push throughout the course of the last few weeks. We’ll see exactly how many plays he’s going to be able to get for us there come Saturday, but full expectation is for him to play. He started this last week, and you saw the burst, the balance, the things that you want to see from a back coming off of an injury. Excited to see him back in the lineup.”
The Struggles of the Seminoles
This season has been a tough one for Florida State, currently sitting at a disappointing 2-9 record following a victory over FCS Charleston Southern. The struggles have been particularly evident in their rushing game, where they rank 129th out of 134 teams, averaging a mere 89.09 yards per game. This statistic highlights the pressing need for a strong running game, especially as they prepare to face a formidable opponent in Florida.
The absence of Williams has placed a heavy burden on the Seminoles’ rushing attack. Lawrance Toafili has stepped up as the primary running back, recording 413 rushing yards on 100 carries and scoring two touchdowns. He’s also made an impact in the passing game, ranking fourth on the team with 22 receptions for 176 yards. Beyond Toafili, the depth chart features Kam Davis with 170 rushing yards, Caziah Holmes contributing 84 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and Samuel Singleton adding 77 rushing yards. However, none have quite matched the potential that Williams brings to the field.
Eligibility and Future Prospects
One interesting aspect of Williams’ situation is his eligibility. Having only played in three games this season, he still has one game available to him before burning his redshirt. This is particularly significant since his 2020 season at Alabama didn’t count toward his eligibility due to the pandemic. This gives the Seminoles some flexibility as they look to maximize his contributions moving forward.
Anticipation for the Rivalry Game
As the Seminoles prepare for the showdown against the Gators, the return of Roydell Williams adds a layer of excitement and hope. Fans are eager to see how he will impact the game, especially considering the high stakes of a rivalry match. Will he be able to provide the spark that Florida State desperately needs? The Seminoles will certainly be counting on him to help turn their season around.
Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST in Tallahassee, and the atmosphere is sure to be electric. The Seminoles have a lot to prove, and with Williams back in the lineup, they may just have the edge they need to compete fiercely against their rivals.
In a season filled with ups and downs, the return of Roydell Williams could be the catalyst for a much-needed turnaround. The Seminoles have faced numerous challenges, but with determination and the right players back on the field, they have the potential to finish the season strong. Fans and players alike are ready to rally behind their team as they take on the Gators in what promises to be an unforgettable clash. Will Florida State rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the passion for college football shines bright in Tallahassee.
