Scouting Report: FSU-Virginia

Florida State
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Xavier Lee's running threat adds a needed dimension to the Seminoles' offense. His arm strength was evident on several throws against Maryland. What amazed coaches was his accuracy and poise. He looked like a different guy and FSU's offense looked like the group of the 90's.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
For all their injuries on the front line and among the LB corps, the Seminoles still are 13th nationally in run defense, giving up only 80.5 yards per-game.

Virginia
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Virginia ranks near the bottom (11th, actually) in total offense in producing only about 271 yards a game and is 11th in rushing (107) and 10th in passing (164). Only North Carolina (15 points a game) and Duke (about 12) are scoring less than the Cavaliers, who are averaging about 15 points a game. Florida State is off to its worst season since 1976, but the Seminoles are fourth in the ACC in allowing only 276 yards a game.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
With a couple of exceptions, the Cavaliers have had a solid season defensively, posting two shutouts (Duke and North Carolina) and allowing foes only 285 yards a game, fifth-best in the league. But the Cavaliers have had some trouble against the run, allowing teams about 116 yards a game on the season despite the statistical benefit of holding Duke to minus-21. The Cavaliers gave up 208 yards rushing in a loss to East Carolina and 174 to Maryland. Florida State gets most of its 362 yards a game through the air, however, and Virginia has had some success there. The Cavs have eight interceptions in nine games.