Kalen DeLoach breaks down mindset facing LSU in Week 1

Florida State will enter the 2023 season with a far different set of expectations and standards than a year ago. If not internally, then certainly externally following a 10-win season in 2022. And LSU in Week 1 of the season looms large.

One of the games that really launched the season for the Seminoles a year ago was a neutral-site game against LSU.

They’ll play that same matchup again this year, with both teams entertaining College Football Playoff dreams and capable of pulling such an appearance off with the right bounces this fall. But Florida State players aren’t particularly worried about LSU.

“Just focus on us. Focus on what we have at task,” linebacker Kalen DeLoach said at the ACC Football Kickoff. “Focus on who we are. We want to go out there and trust in the work, trust in what we do. Coach put us in a position to be our best, so I feel like just go out there and be dominant.”

LSU in Week 1 will be a pivotal game, to say the least.

While the loser certainly won’t be eliminated from College Football Playoff contention, a loss would make it a steep climb back up. Meanwhile, the winner will enjoy all the perks of what should be a marquee non-conference win.

That’s a big deal, and one that fans will await anxiously over the next few weeks as the season slowly approaches.

Jordan Travis also staying focused

Like his defensive teammate, star quarterback Jordan Travis had a similar answer about how he’s approaching LSU in Week 1.

Bottom line: It’s all business.

“Keep the main thing the main thing,” Travis said. “Stay level-headed, no matter what is going on. There’s going to be ups and downs, we know that. LSU is a great football team and a great defense. Have a great offense, great quarterback.

“We just got to keep the main thing the main thing. We know who we have and I would put our talent across anybody in the country. We got to prepare right. Just focus and do our thing.”