Font Size:

Florida State wraps up the 2011 campaign Thursday in Orlando against Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl, so here are the things we'll be looking for from up in the Citrus Bowl press box:

TB James Wilder Jr. Steve Chase

Quarterback: It's been about a month since junior quarterback E.J. Manuel has been subjected to any real contact, and while his banged-up left shoulder won't truly be 100 percent until he gets a chance to legitimately rest it during the offseason, he should be healthier now than he was Nov. 26 at Florida. His ability to augment the ground game with the option is crucial for the Seminoles, as more conventional running plays haven't produced many holes for the ball carriers.

Skill positions: With senior tailback Jermaine Thomas ineligible for the bowl game due to grades, FSU will likely turn to freshman James Wilder Jr. as a change-of-pace option in the backfield behind starter and fellow freshman Devonta Freeman. Just like Manuel, freshman receiver Rashad Greene has had four or five weeks to heal the ankle sprain that hobbled him for the second half of the schedule, and the 'Noles could certainly use his big-play ability in the passing game. Additionally, senior wideout Bert Reed made a miraculous recovery from his hamstring problem and will be in uniform.

Offensive line: Perhaps the focal point for the entire contest will be in the trenches for Florida State, as aside from senior left tackle Zebrie Sanders, the other four starters were all playing high school football at this time a year ago. Left guard Josue Matias, center Austin Barron, right guard Tre' Jackson and right tackle Bobby Hart may indeed be the future of the Seminoles program up front, but that quartet is going to have to grow up in a hurry and keep a frisky Irish defensive line at bay.

Defensive line: Another thing to consider Thursday is FSU's ability to rush the passer and take Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees to the turf, which has only happened nine times all year long. The Irish haven't seen a trio of defensive ends like juniors Brandon Jenkins and Cornellius Carradine and sophomore Bjoern Werner, but if those three aren't having immediate success vs. a strong Golden Domer offensive line, defensive coordinator Mark Stoops might want to challenge the immobile Rees with a heavy dose of blitzes.

Linebacker: The 'Noles contain the enemy running game as well as any team in the country, as they lead the nation with a yards-allowed-per-carry average of just 2.3 -- that's even better than Alabama's mark of 2.5. But while the linebackers stand a better-than-good chance of taking Notre Dame tailback Cierre Wood out of the game completely, they're going to have their hands full with tight end Tyler Eifert on passing downs and won't win many one-on-one situations against him.

Secondary: Junior cornerback Greg Reid was a one-man wrecking crew the last time he took to the field in a bowl game, recording five tackles, two forced fumbles and four pass breakups in a 26-17 Chick-fil-A Bowl win over South Carolina, although future first-round pick Alshon Jeffery did catch nine passes for 130 yards at the receiver position. Reid and Co. will have their hands full once again facing a soon-to-be first rounder, as Irish wideout Michael Floyd is one of the most dynamic pass catchers in college football and must be blanketed.

Special teams: While Notre Dame is solid at both kicker and punter, Florida State features arguably the best kicking-and-punting combination around in junior Dustin Hopkins and senior Shawn Powell, respectively. The Seminoles have a few return men that can flip field position, namely Reid, but don't sleep on Irish kick returner George Atkinson, who is pretty dangerous himself. FSU has its biggest advantage on special teams when lining up to punt, as ND averages an embarrassing 0.3 yards per punt return and is basically happy with a fair catch at this point.

 ________________________________________

John Crist is the editor-in-chief of NoleDigest.com, a Heisman Trophy voter and a member of the Football Writers Association of America. For unbiased, unrivaled and unconquered coverage of Florida State athletics, visit NoleDigest.com and become a subscriber.