FSU escapes NC State, extends School-Best Winning Streak
By David Visser
FSU has been here before. Literally. In Raleigh. Highly touted. And facing an unranked NC State team. The last two times, the final result was catastrophic for the ‘Noles. This was the scene of the Seminoles’ last ACC loss, after all, a 17-16 2012 defeat. On the strength of a 56-41 win over the Wolfpack tonight, consider that avenged.
Although it wasn’t always so academic.
An Inauspicious Start
FSU came out confused, blowing numerous coverages and providing NC State with a 24-7 head start in front of its home crowd. It was the same old story offensively. No running game. A passing attack far too reliant on Rashad Greene. But the real shortcoming was the tackling– or lack thereof.
This wound up being the game that it was, frankly, because of woeful FSU tackling. The ‘Noles took poor angles, routinely overran plays, and then exhibited less-than-ideal form in missing a plethora of tackles. Wolfpack QB Jacoby Brissett has nice escapability, sure, and played a whale of a game (32-48 for 359 yards and 3 TDs), but Florida State defenders missed him on several occasions, along with, seemingly, every other NC State offensive player.
Four ‘Noles wound up with double-digit tackles: Terrance Smith had 11, and Jalen Ramsey, Tyler Hunter, and Reggie Northrup all chipped in 10, but all of those numbers were higher than they needed to be, given the extraneous downs the defense had to play due to missed opportunities.
A Second Receiver Emerges
Rashad Greene is the unquestioned leader of this receiving corps, and that certainly did not change tonight. The senior continued his assault on the Florida State record books by catching 11 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. But Jesus “Bobo” Wilson distinguished himself as well. The speedy sophomore snagged six passes for 109 yards and a pair of scores.
Wilson looks increasingly comfortable, running solid routes and playing bigger than his diminutive frame. Also making a nice first impression was freshman Travis Rudolph, whose first career catch resulted in a 40-yard gain after he made a nice move and accelerated down the sideline. And lost to no FSU fan was the first career touchdown of senior Christian Green.
FSU continues to search for multifaceted contributions for QB Jameis Winston, who returned from a one-game suspension tonight. Winston surely appreciates more viable options; the sophomore QB forced the ball at times en route to a 26 of 38 night that saw him post 365 yards, 4 TDs, and 2 INTs.
Defensive Line Attrition
The biggest question going forward for this FSU team is certainly the defensive line. The ‘Noles lost starting DT Nile Lawrence-Stample for the season this week, and also saw Derrick Mitchell, Jr. and Eddie Goldman go down during this contest. The good news? Giorgio Newberry came through with a big fumble recovery, and the emerging star of the night was freshman DE Lorenzo Featherston. The 6-7 rookie made an immediate impact, menacing Brissett in the backfield and utilizing his size to disturb the NC State attack. Also playing meaningful minutes was frosh DT Derrick Nnadi.
DEs Chris Casher and Demarcus Walker left some opportunities out there, as they struggled with containing Brissett on the edge. All eyes are no doubt on the timetable for playmaker Mario Edwards, Jr. to return from the concussion he suffered last week against Clemson. His ability to create — and, noticeably absent tonight, finish — plays looms large for the FSU defense moving forward.
Take a Breath
This is a game that Florida State drops in the past. That didn’t happen. FSU retains the nation’s longest winning streak, with a school-best 20-straight Ws. And some perspective: the ‘Noles were down by 17 in the first quarter in a hostile road environment against a team that had FSU’s number. The banged-up Seminoles didn’t fold. They responded. Second and third-team players answered the bell. The offense found new contributors, and the defense witnessed its depth, which, while inexperienced, is beyond talented.
And maturing on the field.
Up next is a welcome date with Wake Forest in Tallahassee. Expect to see more of the Seminoles’ new-found depth during what should be a Florida State blowout.