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Multiple sources with direct knowledge have told Noles247 that Florida State is planning to start quarterback Deondre Francois against Notre Dame this evening.
This doesn’t come as a surprise given that Francois took increased reps with the first-team offense throughout the week in practice (reported on Thursday), although it is a decision that was worth monitoring given that reserve James Blackman performed well in a start against N.C. State (Francois was out with a rib injury/concussion).
Taggart said on Monday that he’d make his decision on a starting quarterback based on how they performed in practice (link), and the QBs were listed as co-starters on FSU’s projected depth chart (link) on Tuesday. Francois said on Tuesday that “I’m still the No. 1 guy.”
“Coach Taggart continues to make that clear,” Francois said.
FSU’s quarterback situation is interesting because Francois, a redshirt junior, has shown spurts of being a sharp downfield passer at times this year. But he hasn’t looked particularly mobile since suffering a serious knee injury last season, and that hasn’t helped him deal with the steady pressure that’s come from playing behind a makeshift offensive line.
Meanwhile, Blackman — a true sophomore — brought elements to the offense against N.C. State that we hadn’t seen much from Francois this year. He threw well on the run, did a nice job avoiding pressure and showed good chemistry with two of FSU’s most promising receivers: Tamorrion Terry and D.J. Matthews.
Francois has completed 60.9 percent of his passes this year, going 171 of 281 while throwing for 2,039 yards and 13 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. Blackman has completed 64.7 percent of his passes, going 33 of 51 for 510 yards and 5 touchdowns to 1 interception.
Blackman — who was named the ACC’s quarterback of the week after throwing four touchdowns against N.C. State last Saturday — is still eligible to receive a redshirt if he doesn’t take another snap this season. Rumors have circulated that either FSU or Blackman want to keep the possibility for a redshirt intact, although that scenario seems unlikely at this stage given that FSU has three remaining games in the regular season. Blackman has already played in four of FSU’s nine contests this year and will be available to play or start if needed moving forward.
Taggart, Noles247 was told by multiple sources, did inform his team of a starting quarterback until Friday afternoon at the earliest.
The Seminoles (4-5) take on Notre Dame (9-0) at 7:30 p.m.
Josh Newberg of Noles247 contributed to this report.
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