Florida State Linebacker Tatum Bethune is Eager to Make His Mark Against Wake Forest

The Florida State Seminoles are undefeated through seven games for the first time since 2014 after their second-half dominance over the 16th-ranked Duke Blue Devils. While the Seminoles have been the favorites in most of their games this season, each player has been playing as if they are the underdogs. 

Linebacker Tatum Bethune is no exception to that belief as he is a key part of one of FSU's most impactful position groups. While he is a starter, Bethune has been playing fewer snaps as there has been a steady rotation of players on the field due to the depth of the roster.

"It helps a lot knowing that sometimes some guys will be banged up, and just trying to fight through stuff," Bethune said. "It also keeps us fresh so when we get out there we can give it all we've got."

With the Seminoles having three consecutive losses to a Wake Forest team that has been an ACC contender in recent years, the team is eager to come out on top for the first time in the Mike Norvell era at FSU.

"I felt like last year, Wake Forest was probably one of my worst games of my career, so I know now that I'm coming into this game I know what to be prepared for and I know what to expect."

While the 'Noles are excited about their opportunity to face Wake Forest on Saturday, they are still viewing it as another hurdle in the way. With the team having playoff hopes in sight for the first time since 2014, it is key for them to win on Saturdays.

"I'm eager to face every team, the whole team, and even myself, we just have a chip on our shoulder each and every game," Bethune said. "Just Wake Forest, I know I gotta do better than what I did last year because this season is a statement for all of us."

For the first time in over a month, the Seminoles will be on the road. While they may not be at home, Bethune said the team has no issue with mixing things up again.

"We're actually excited to hit the road again, sometimes you've got to face adversity on the road," Bethune said. "You're not with your crowd and you're not as comfortable as you are in Doak Campbell, so I just think it's good for the team so we can just stay focused."

The Seminoles and Demon Deacons will kick off at noon on Saturday in Winston-Salem. The game will be the seventh time the Seminoles have been shown on ABC.