FSU Halftime Reaction: Miami 23 FSU 10

The game between the Florida State Seminoles and Miami Hurricanes is at the half, here’s some FSU halftime reaction:

Another week, another slow start for FSU.

After a couple of three-and-outs — including squandering good field position set up by a Jalen Ramsey forced fumble — Miami drove down the field and scored a touchdown on its second possession of the game.

Once again FSU was looking up at at a scoreboard with an early deficit on it.

More from Chop Chat

And over the course of the first quarter that deficit — as it is wont to do with FSU this season — just grew and grew. Duke Johnson added another touchdown on Miami’s next drive– though Jalen Ramsey blocked the extra point — and then a Jesus Wilson fumble on the ensuing kickoff gave Miami the ball back again and set up a field goal.

It was 16-0 Hurricanes early on in the second quarter.

And tonight it’s looking like that tough start might finally prove fatal for Florida State. This time, Miami responded to FSU’s big play — a 44-yard Dalvin Cook touchdown run that looked like it would jump-star the Seminoles — with one of its own. Clive Walford went over 100 yards receiving on the day when he caught a Brad Kaaya pass and took it 61 yards for the score to make it 23-7.

It’s not as easy when the other team has the ability to keep slugging back. Miami looks like it does. FSU’s pass rush has been poor all day with Lorenzo Featherston out and the Seminoles attempting to contain Duke Johnson.

FSU came into the game planning to make Kaaya beat them– and so far he has obliged.

While Kaaya has led Miami on three scoring drives — the first field goal drive was set up at FSU’s 27 — the Seminoles have looked a stepped behind at every turn. The blitz has not gotten home, the coverage has been off and there have been plenty of mismatches — mostly involving Chris Casher — for UM to exploit.

Meanwhile, FSU has not been able to capitalize on its chances.

The Seminoles failed to do anything with the ball at mid-field after Jalen Ramsey ripped the ball loose on Miami’s first offensive play. And after a missed field goal, FSU had a chance to cut the lead heading into halftime — even driving into UM territory — before Jameis Winston tossed a pick and ended the threat.

The fact Florida State is only down 13 in this game is frankly surprising, because Miami could easily have 35 points right now.

It’s not as bleak as it seems for the Seminoles though. Miami will surely try to play keep-away in the second half — FSU has now play right into UM’s strength — but FSU has shown it can move the ball on the Hurricanes’ defense. If the Seminoles can settle down and get some stops the offense should have the firepower for FSU to come back. But first the Seminoles have to get out of their own way.

And Miami sure isn’t going anywhere.

Home/FSU Football