The Florida State Seminoles shocked the world with their dominating performance against Alabama in Week 1. They showed the confidence and swagger that had been lacking in 2024. And entering Week 2 of the 2025 season is an FSU vs. East Texas matchup in Tallahassee.
The Seminoles play FCS East Texas A&M, which just lost to SMU in Week 1, 42-13. The program has only won three games in 2024. The Seminoles need to maintain the momentum in this matchup and prove last week’s win wasn’t for nothing.
FSU Seminoles vs. East Texas A&M Lions Football History and Game Excerpts
This will be the first time the Florida State Seminoles and East Texas A&M Lions have met in football. The Lions were formerly known as Texas A&M Commerce and began playing in the FCS Southland Conference in 2022, but gained eligibility for postseason play this season.
In his weekly press conference, Mike Norvell spoke about what he wanted to see improve in Week 2.
FSU vs. East Texas A&M 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions
Key Players for FSU
Tommy Castellanos is the key to the Florida State offense, and in Week 1, he was efficient and made quick decisions. The motion and different formations on the offense made for easier reads and forced the opposing defense to be disciplined.
Just like many Gus Malzahn offenses, when the run is working, the offense is prolific. The carries were spread out for the running backs, with six different players getting carries and four getting six or more carries. Outside of Castellanos, Jaylin Lucas had the most touches with eight for 88 total yards.
Lucas was utilized on a nice wheel route and on many jet sweeps that set up big reverse plays against Alabama. Wide receivers only had three receptions in Week 1, but the ability of Squirrel White and Duce Robinson was evident in limited touches.
The defense was quick to the ball and was able to stop the run against Alabama. Justin Cryer and Elijah Herring were impressive against the run, combining for 11 tackles. The secondary held up well against the talented Alabama receivers, and Earl Little Jr. at the rover position has taken more of a leadership role.
Little Jr. led the team with nine tackles and was one of the reasons Ryan Williams alligator-armed a couple of catches across the middle. The defense only had three sacks when they had double-digit pressures. This week, against the Lions, they should be able to get home more frequently.
Key Players for East Texas A&M
East Texas A&M is breaking in a new starting quarterback this year. And in Week 1, Will Madonna and Eric Rodriguez both saw action. While Madonna started, Rodriguez played the majority of the game. Both quarterbacks threw an interception and a touchdown, but Rodriguez was the more successful paser, finishing with 191 yards.
The only all conference player for the Lions is wide receiver Christian Jourdain. He caught five passes for 53 yards against SMU and led the Lions with 683 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. The running game was not very successful in Week 1, but Jaisean McMillan and KJ Shankle averaged over seven yards per carry on limited touches.
The Lions’ defense did not start off poorly last week, causing a punt and a fumble in the first quarter. After that, SMU did what they wanted and finished with 400 total yards.
Defensive Back Cinque Williams had the most tackles for the Lions and also had 2.5 tackles for a loss. The defense was overmatched but did have two sacks by Micah Owens and Koby-Sebasyen-King.
How FSU Avoids a Let Down
Florida State had a huge win to open the season against Alabama. It is crucial for the team to keep the momentum. FSU needs to stay focused, and most of all, not commit turnovers to allow East Texas A&M stay in the game.
The talent gap is so large that as long as Florida State comes prepared, this should be an easy win. The Seminoles should get their passing game more confident and play some of their younger players in this game. The best-case scenario is the starters only have to play a half and the momentum and swagger of the team continues to grow.
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Brandon Haye
Brandon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and works as a health insurance data analyst. He has no children, but two fur babies - Squirt and Brownie. He and his wife, Katie, spend their time playing poker and enjoying time with their pups. Brandon is a huge Michigan Wolverine and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. Brandon started writing for The League Winners in 2021.