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Alex Atkins expects FSU football offense to be ready for GA Tech before his suspension

peter holland jr., tallahassee democrat
·4 min read

Alex Atkins may not be on the sidelines for Florida State football's seasonal opener against Georgia Tech at the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, but he is still in good spirits. He will travel with the team to Dublin, Ireland.

The offensive coordinator and offensive line coach jokingly said that he would likely watch the ACC matchup at a local pub somewhere in Dublin as he begins his three-game suspension.

Atkins received a suspension after violating NCAA rules dating back to the spring of 2022. The NCAA sanctioned the program for recruiting violations.

He addressed his suspension after Monday's practice, expecting everything to run normally despite his absence.

"Our job, as coaches, is to get prepared and make sure they get the information," Atkins said. "They should be able to handle it as old as they are. "

Atkins also mentioned senior center Maurice Smith as a prime example of senior leadership and how he carries himself. He is not worried about the O-line while he is gone as they return three senior starters from last season, including left tackle Darius Washington and Smith.

Maurice was here before I got here," Atkins said. "If he can't handle it, I don't know who can. I expect the guys to show up, be who they are, and be what they have been all camp."

Alex Atkins' relationship with Gabe Fertitta

With the recent NCAA rule change that allows analysts to instruct athletes, Gabe Fertitta, FSU's offensive analyst, will take over Atkins' role while he serves his suspension.

Atkins has a building relationship with Fertitta dating back to 2022. He is impressed with how he views the game and puts plays together.

"That's the good thing about our relationship," Atkins said.

"Some coaches don't want accountability. You want your friend in there. He's a friend of mine. Also, with the accountability going around, he makes sure we are on top of them. We are seeing it from every angle. We hold ourselves just like we hold our players together."

Atlex Atkins on running backs being the most consistent, Georgia Tech preparation

At the beginning of Atkin's press conference, he was asked about the running backs and what has stood out to him throughout camp. He has been pleased with making positive plays even when things are going their way.

Just the consistency getting the yardage when the play might not be perfect,” Atkins said. "You want to play with running with an attitude and a mentality, and we're going to coach it to gain every leverage and things like.”

The running back position is considered the biggest strength on offense for FSU despite losing NFL-bound Trey Benson.

The RB room is deep and each bring a skillset that can help the Seminoles. Atkins praised the running back group of showcasing themselves in what role they can fit on offense.

“I do think these backs have done a good job displaying,” Atkins said. “That's one of their high attributes.

As for Georgia Tech, which FSU has not played since 2022, Atkins pointed out the Yellow Jackets' defensive front and praised them for what they bring to the defense. The Yellow Jackets are coming off a 7-6 season, 5-3 in the ACC.

“They got a good twitchy defensive ends with Romello (Heights), athletic, and speedy that chase things off the backside," Atkins said. "They have done a good job. "

How to watch FSU football vs. Georgia Tech

  • Date: Saturday, August 24

  • Time: Noon ET

  • Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland

  • TV: ESPN

  • Streaming: ESPN+ ($10.99 per month), WatchESPN and the ESPN app (TV provider subscription needed), fuboTV (7-day free trial), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)

Florida State football schedule 2024

BOLD = ACC

* = Neutral Site

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Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Alex Atkins not worried about FSU's offense while he's suspended