FSU football overreactions as Seminoles fall to underdog Ga. Tech

Disappointment is a natural reaction, experienced by many college football fans, and one that is amplified after the season opener.

There is so much preparation, so much excitement, so much anticipation.

One team wins. The other loses.

And fans disappointed by the losers may think the world is ending.

That might be the feeling at Florida State after Saturday’s surprising 24-21 loss to underdog Georgia Tech in Ireland. It was the Yellow Jackets’ first win over a top-10 team since beating FSU in 2015.

The defeat was a surprise but let’s also put some overreactions into perspective.

DJ Uiagalelei is not the answer for Florida State’s QB position

The veteran transfer quarterback completed 19 of 27 passes for 193 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. That looked good on paper, but Uiagalelei and the offense are capable of much more. The timid passing game lacked rhythm, relying on short passes and dunks. And a cautious Uiagalelei struggled early on throwing the ball downfield.

However, when it mattered in the fourth quarter and with the game on the line, Uiagalelei responded, completing 6 of 8 passes for 82 yards. He converted a pair of fourth downs on that drive, making a big read and pass to Ja’Khi Douglas for 20 yards, followed by a dart to Malik Benson over the middle for 19 yards. Overall in the game, Uiagalelei completed 10 of 11 passes of 5 yards or less; 7 of 11 on passes between 5 and 14 yards; and 2 of 5 on passes of 15 yards or more.

While not a dual-threat quarterback in the traditional sense due to his size, Uiagalelei can keep defenses at bay with quicker decisions in the pocket. The transfer player and his young receivers will improve as their comfort level increases.

“I thought DJ did some good things. I thought he did a great job on that fourth-quarter drive. I thought he delivered in that moment,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said after the game. “At the end of the day, we have to be more explosive, and that’s not just down to one player.”

Florida State’s defensive line isn’t as good as advertised

Patrick Payton, Joshua Farmer, Darrell Jackson and Marvin Jones, Jr. entered this season with much hype. In fact, many considered the Seminoles’ collective defensive front to be one of the best in college football. However, against Georgia Tech, the quartet recorded six tackles and many lamented their lack of physicality.

The determined Yellow Jackets ran for 5.3 yards per attempt and four different players gained 10 yards or more. More often than not, FSU failed to establish the edge and prevent running plays from going outside. Georgia Tech followed its game plan to perfection: run the ball, run out the clock and shorten the game. Quarterback Haynes King’s running ability also challenged the Seminoles.

While it wasn’t the showing FSU fans were hoping for from the talented defensive line, the quartet and its wounded pride are expected to bounce back aggressively in FSU’s home opener Monday against Boston College.

“There were some plays here and there where we were on the verge of blocks, but we have to be better and tighter in certain situations,” Norvell said. “We made some of those space tackles when we have the opportunity to do so.”

Florida State’s playoff hopes are dead on arrival

The season is not lost.

While the Seminoles’ chances of winning the ACC and reaching the newly expanded College Football Playoff appear to be more difficult, there is still a path forward in a 12-game regular season.

One. Game. At. A. Time.

Playoff contenders under the new format can advance as conference champions or earn an at-large invitation. FSU’s schedule includes seven home games, three teams in the preseason top 25 rankings, a conference champion and its SEC in-state rival.

FSU’s turnaround begins against Boston College, followed by a home game against Memphis, which is mentioned as a possible contender to earn the Group of Five playoff spot. September ends with a home game against California and at SMU.

There’s really no need to look much further ahead, because FSU’s focus should be on the task at hand. The Eagles have a new head coach in Bill O’Brien and an experienced quarterback in Thomas Castellanos, the UCF transfer who rushed for 1,113 yards last season, a team record for a quarterback. The Eagles also have a new defensive coordinator in Tim Lewis, who is looking to lift a unit that underperformed last season.

“For our football team, it’s all about how we respond from here, and obviously we’re all affected,” Norvell said. “… at the end of the day, this is a team sport and we have to step up as a football team and not let this game define the outcome of what our season is going to be. You know, we have a responsibility to respond.”

2024 FSU football schedule: TV channels, dates and kickoff times

All times are Eastern Time

Saturday, August 24: vs. Georgia Tech* (Aer Lingus College Football Classic) Lost 24-21
Monday, September 2: vs. Boston College* | 19:30 | ESPN (Fubo)
Saturday, September 7: Bye
Saturday, September 14: vs. Memphis | Noon | ESPN (Fubo)
Saturday, September 21: against California*
Saturday, September 28: at SMU*
Saturday, October 5: vs. No. 14 Clemson*
Saturday, October 12: Bye
Friday, October 18: at Duke* | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
Saturday, October 26: ranked #19 in Miami*
Saturday, November 2: vs. North Carolina*
Saturday, November 9: at No. 7 Notre Dame | 7:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo, Peacock)
Saturday, November 23: vs Charleston Southern
Saturday, November 30th: against Florida
Saturday, December 6: ACC Championship Game (Charlotte, North Carolina)

Breaking

FSU football overreactions as Seminoles fall to underdog Ga. Tech

ByS. Jacob

DJ Uiagalelei is not the answer for Florida State’s QB position

Florida State’s defensive line isn’t as good as advertised

Florida State’s playoff hopes are dead on arrival

2024 FSU football schedule: TV channels, dates and kickoff times

By S. Jacob

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