FSU FALLS TO VIRGINIA IN A HEARTBRAKER
Theres no doubt that this one really hurt. The reason? FSU was outplayed in almost every facet of the game the first two quarters. FSU was outgained 325 to 101 in the first two quarters. Virginia led 27-14 at the half when they capped the final drive of the Second quarter with a short field goal. FSU struggled in all facets of the game. They couldn’t defend the run, they couldn’t stop the big play. Then the second half kicked off…
In the second half FSU’d defense didn’t allow a a touchdown, only a field goal after a team walked up and down the field on them with ease. The only other points came from a safety by the offense, and a kick off return for a TD. The defense got stop after stop in the second half. They weren’t the normal takeaway machines that they normally are, but they got repeated stops when needed. The game came down to a the final play where Quarterback
Sarderrious Minter. overthrew a TD attempt in the endzone to
Kennard Thomas.
Much is clear, Minter has to become more consistent as a passer. He’s one heck of a talent, but to play Quarterback at this level he has to become more consistent. However, he does give FSU the best chance to win behind center. Rivals analyst Mike Ferrell ways in on the former Five-Star prospect.
“Hes one heck of a talent. We see that. We rated him the #3 overall prospect for a reason. However, people have to realize he was kind of thrown into the Quarterback situation at Florida State. He played some Quarterback in high school, and when he did it was mostly as an athlete. He never went to any passing camps, didn’t go to the Elite 11, he didn’t really focus and hone in as a Quarterback because he was so special at other positions. He was mainly a Running Back and Wide Receiver on offense his final two years in High School. And he didn’t come off the field. He also played Defensive End, Linebacker and Safety. So the FSU staff has work to do to complete him as a package at QB. But there is no denying his upside.”
The Good
The Wide Receivers of FSU played very well. They were matched up vs one of the best secondary tandums in the nation and they played lights out. Freshman
WR Jamar Reid had 7 catches for 111 yards and 2 TD, while fellow Freshman
Kennard Thomas continues to be the homerun threat that he is with 2 catches for 100 yards and 1 TD.
The front 6 continues to dominate getting 6 sacks on the night vs Virginia. Freshman
Zaveri O’Born had another huge night on the DL with 5 Tackles one Sack, Senior
Cameron Landrum with 5 tackles 2 sacks, and Freshman DL
Alonzo Jackson with 3 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Sophomore Cornerback
Detaro Levine had an absolute monster game, probably the best of his career today. Finished with 12 tackles and 1 interception. He really has ramped up his game tremendously playing the run and the pass equally well.
The Bad
Rushing Defense still is a thorn in the side for FSU. The second half they played much better. FSU once again gave up 226 yards on the ground.. However, if they can play like they did in the second half things will bode much better for the Seminoles moving forward.
The Offensive Line..
even with the return of Kevin Lewis to the starting lineup still surrendered 6 sacks on the day. They also still couldnt muster much room in the run game. Outside of Sarderrious Minter's rushing efforts, FSU only mustered 62 yards on 17 carries. The inability to run the football has been a thorn in FSU's side all year. No running back has hit the 100 yard mark yet this season.
In the End
FSU has not put a complete game together yet this season. Sitting at 2-2, and 1-2 in the ACC, they have work to do in order to finish this schedule