Report: Star Linebacker Not Expected to Play For Florida State

Star Linebacker Kalen DeLoach is not expected to play tonight for Florida State, according to the broadcasting crew on the CW Network. As the announcers were going through their impact players for the game, they got to Florida State's defense and said something along the lines of "unfortunately, we won't be seeing linebacker Kalen DeLoach tonight." He was also not announced as a starter on the video board before the game. 

It's senior night for the Seminoles, so I'm sure it hurts DeLoach not to be out there. He is on the sidelines in full pads and was honored prior to the contest. DeLoach currently leads the team in sacks with seven, tackles for loss with 10.5, defensive touchdowns with one, and tied for the most forced fumbles with 2. He's been arguably the defense's best player all season long on a side that features Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and more. 

Florida State should be able to handle business without DeLoach in the lineup. With Tatum Bethune and DJ Lundy getting the starting nod, expect them to have a big impact on the game. The team would likely rather have DeLoach feeling 100% heading into a big matchup next weekend instead of playing through something here. 

DeLoach led Florida State's defense to a win over Miami last weekend, with 10 total tackles, 5 solo tackles, and 2 sacks, leading the team in all categories. He'll be needed against Florida next week, who features a good running game with Trevor Etienne, and quarterback Graham Mertz has been playing better than expected. 

Florida State trails North Alabama 7-0 in the opening quarter.