It appears Florida State will have its leading tackler in the starting lineup against Alabama on Saturday.
FSU linebacker Matthew Thomas had been on the sidelines during the last three weeks of preseason practice due to an academic issue. But 247Sports reported on Wednesday Thomas' issue has been resolved and he'd be eligible to play against No. 1 Alabama.
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Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher said during the ACC coaches teleconference Wednesday morning that if Thomas was cleared academically, he would play Saturday night. Thomas appeared in all 13 games, starting 12, for the Seminoles last season. He recorded a team-leading 77 tackles and registered 11 tackles for loss.
Thomas’ best game in 2016 came in FSU’s 33-32 victory over No. 6 Michigan in the Orange Bowl. He tallied a career-high 15 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. Thomas has been named to the Bednarik and Butkus Awards this season.
The fifth-year senior is expected to start at weak-side linebacker for the Seminoles on Saturday. He has played in 20 career games and his experience will bolster Florida State as the team attempts to slow down Alabama’s offense, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Bo Scarbrough.
Kick-off between Alabama and Florida State is set for 8 p.m. ET from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.