'Noles without top defender and their starting RT

TALLAHASSEE – State of Florida will be without Start S Shyheim Brown for today’s lunchtime match against Memphis. Brown, one of FSU's leaders and a defensive back on the All-ACC Third Team last year, leads the Seminoles with 21 tackles.

The reason for Brown's absence was not disclosed. KJ Kirkland is listed as the primary backup behind Brown and is expected to play a larger role this week after playing 10 snaps with a PFF grade of 64.6 in FSU's Week 1 game against Boston College. If Kirkland starts, he will likely line up alongside Conrad Hussey This would mean two second-year safeties in the secondary against Memphis, which has a four-star starter as QB, Seth Henigan. Watching two young safeties communicate against an offense with a veteran quarterback and a strong passing game will be an important aspect to watch in tonight's game.

Another important injury: Starting RT Jeremiah Byers is out for the second consecutive game as Byers will miss today's noon game against Memphis.

Byers missed the first week’s game against Boston College with a knee injury that is expected to last for several weeks, but according to the coach is not considered long-term Mike Norvell. Byers' absence is significant because he is considered internally to be FSU's best run blocker.

His replacement in the lineup last week was Robert Scottwho had the second-lowest run block grade against Boston College with a below-average PFF grade of 48.4. The Seminoles only gave the ball away to running backs eight times in the game.

Byers was actually missing.

FSU is expected to use Scott again at right tackle this week, although it's notable that Norvell mentioned last week that the veteran lineman was on the snap count list as he recovers from his own injury. Redshirt sophomore Jaylen Frueh played 20 snaps against BC to reduce Scott's workload, with mixed results.

Other injuries

–Pound Omar Graham: Started in week 0, missed week 1 against BC

–Pound Michael B.: Did not play this season.