Thoughts From the Morning After: FSU 43 Wake Forest 3

Oct 4, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) congratulates his teammates following a touchdown against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the fourth quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 43-3. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Best Football Still Ahead?

One of the things you’ve probably heard players and coaches on this team say is that it’s actually encouraging that FSU continues to win and still hasn’t played its best football yet.

“At the end of the day when Florida State starts playing Florida State football and defense and offense are on the same cylinders, we’re going to be fun to watch,” said Jameis Winston after the game yesterday.

Added Fisher: “We’re a work in progress, but it continues to grow in how we’re playing, but we just keep getting better.”

There’s a couple of ways to look at those statements, but here’s a couple of things to consider. FSU was a work in progress over its first five games last year too. It’s not as if 2013 started and FSU was this flawless juggernaut from week one. There were issues then too. With FSU’s cupboard as full as it is from a talent standpoint, nothing is broken beyond repair. Everything can be coached up and corrected. Young players can emerge.

FSU — its players and coaches — know they’re not where they want to be. They still haven’t played their best. But with every team circling FSU on its schedule these days and throwing its best shot Florida State’s way, the fact FSU can play off its game and still be better has to inspire a lot of confidence.

Look at NC State last week. The Wolfpack closed practice for two weeks, and — though Presbyterian was on the schedule the week before — essentially spent two weeks preparing for FSU. NC State went all-in on that game. The ‘Pack threw the kitchen sink at FSU. They hit the Seminoles with their best shot and staggered them. It was 24-7 at the end of the first quarter.

But at the end of the day, NC State hit FSU with its best shot and still lost by 15.

That’s why it wasn’t even remotely surprising to see them get lashed by Clemson this weekend. Think about what that does to a team’s psyche. You went for broke, you left everything out there and by the time the dust settles you were barely within two scores of the number one team in the country. That can shatter a team’s confidence. NC State played like it did on Saturday.

FSU might not be playing its best football, but FSU’s ho-hum is still better than most other school’s best day.

If and when the Seminoles put it together, it really will be something to watch.