FSU Football: Recapping college football polls after week 4

FSU football suffered a disappointing home opener against N.C. State, and the Noles fall out of the AP top 25 for first time since 2011.

FSU football fans are not too happy with the product that was on the field yesterday afternoon. With an 0-2 record, the ‘Noles fall from No. 12 in the country to un-ranked. The 27-21 defeat was the first loss Jimbo Fisher has had in a home opener since taking over as head coach for FSU. Between horrendous ACC officiating, multiple injuries, and poor defense it was not a good day for FSU football and their fans.

Starting wide receiver Auden Tate and linebacker Matthew Thomas both left the game early with game ending injuries. Its not yet clear when either will be back in action. Tate’s injury was a shoulder problem while Thomas was his lower back. Tate’s injury was a huge blow to the offense. It was clear he was Blackman’s favorite target. Leaving the game with 9 receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown.

James Blackman finished the day 22 of 38 for 278 yards and one touchdown. Not a bad first career start for the 18 year old freshman. If there is anything positive to take away from this disappointing loss its that Blackman is more than capable of running the offense and producing wins. He just needs some help from the coaching staff and his defense.

FSU fans have every reason to be having meltdowns. This loss was unacceptable. There is no reason a team as talented as this one should lose to a Dave Doeren coached team. The blame has to mostly put on the coaching staff. Jimbo appears to be complacent in his play calling and Charles Kelly looks more lost than ever out there. Something needs to be down about this staff quick, fast, and in a hurry before this thing gets out of hand.

I strongly disagree with the idea of firing of head coach Jimbo Fisher. That is knee jerk reaction thing to say and makes no sense unless you can bring in somebody of the caliber of Saban or Meyer. That’s not the solution.

The solution is to adjust his staff and bring in productive coaches. In my personal opinion coach Trickett, Kelly, Miller, Graham, Sanders, and Dawsey need to be replaced by next season. I wont hold my breath for all them to go however I strongly feel like that’s what needs to be done.

What makes Clemson so successful and Dabo viewed as a top tier coach in recent years is the staff he surrounds himself with. Same thing with Nick Saban. It is such an important thing to have in college football. Something the ‘Noles strongly lack and what is holding them back from my point of view.

What now?

Now that FSU is no longer ranked and clearly out of the playoff picture for the year, what do they have to play for? I am not expecting an ACC championship appearance either unless there is drastic change in the play from the ‘Noles and they somehow win out. I still believe the Seminoles will suffer another loss to a North Carolina school (Wake Forest or Duke) and a loss to Clemson.

A win against rivals Miami and Florida is crucial in terms of recruiting. If FSU suffers a loss to both or even one of their rivals this season, recruiting could very well take a major step back.

The most realistic thing to play for at this point is to extend the bowl record of 35 to 36. Like I said, I just can’t see this team playing for a ACC title given what we saw yesterday. There is no question we have the talent but do we have the coaching staff to bring FSU football the success expected? Only time will tell and at the moment it’s not looking too good.