FSU Rapid Reaction: FSU 38 Syracuse 20

The game between the Florida State Seminoles and Syracuse Orange has gone final, here’s some FSU Rapid Reaction from the game:

The Florida State Seminoles rolled against the Syracuse Orange today. It still wasn’t FSU’s best game — as in, the kind of performance this team is capable of — but the Seminoles were convincing enough in their win. Of course, that’s also part of the problem.

As Jimbo Fisher said last week, FSU just seems to be too caught up in everyone’s expectations and in not losing to really just roll and have fun.

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Things had that same feel today.

The Seminoles were still straining. This was business.

Offensively, the Seminoles looked potent but also left a lot on the field. Jameis Winston was sharp, going 30/36 for 317 yards and three touchdowns while keeping the offense moving all afternoon. But even Winston — in arguably his best performance of the season — left a few things out there.

Rashad Greene broke the FSU record for receptions in a career in the third quarter and finished the day with six receptions for 107 yards. Travis Rudolph flashed a few times and six grabs of his own and Jesus Wilson turned in another solid performance with a touchdown and four receptions. Even the run game looked good for Florida State.  Dalvin Cook is going to be a very good running back for the Seminoles. After Mario Pender got nicked up, Cook stepped in and showed good vision and burst– running for 122 yards in essentially a half this afternoon.

Ryan Hoefeld, playing for Austin Barron at center, had a few gaffes but turned in a very solid performance.

It was all very business-like.

Just like the self-described temperament of this team.

FSU ran the ball well enough. It blocked for Winston — with one fairly notable exception — well enough. And as long as they avoided mistakes the Seminoles were able to move the ball with ease throughout the day.

Business at usual.

Defensively, FSU still has some problems. A lot of it starts up front. FSU’s pass rush continues to be inconsistent and it’s defensive interior has been hit by a lot of injuries. When you can run at the middle of the defense and you have time to throw, third downs can be difficult.

But a lot of Florida State’s defensive miscues on Saturday look a little worse than they actually were.

On several plays — a TD and a couple of third downs — FSU provided good coverage and Syracuse just made a better throw and catch. There were also some breakdowns up front that extended plays. The longer the play goes the harder it gets for the DB’s. Even the best secondaries can only cover for so long.

The biggest thing for FSU was that there weren’t any major injuries. Mario Pender returned after going down in the second quarter and there weren’t any others lost. With Notre Dame on the horizon, and FSU already thin in a few key spots, staying healthy is huge.

Statistical Leaders:

Passing: Jameis Winston (30/36, 317, 3TD)
Rushing: Dalvin Cook (22-118, TD)
Receiving: Rashad Greene (6-107)