FSU football has had a offense that’s been light years better than last year. Who are the top five impact players through the first five games?
Man, FSU football actually has an offense now thanks to new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and offensive line coach Randy Clements.
The Noles currently have the No. 26 ranked offensive in the country according to SP+ advanced metrics.
That’s a far cry from last year’s turnover debacle that could barely get a first down in a drive, much less score touchdowns.
Here’s a crazy stat for you. The FSU offense only scored 33 touchdowns in 12 games in 2018. They have already scored 22 through just five games in 2019 which equates to over 11 more points per game.
Here’s another stat for you. The FSU offense only made 32 red zone appearances in 2018. They’ve already made 18 trips to that area in just five games and scoring touchdowns 72 percent of the time compared to just 59 percent in 2018.
So the offense has been mostly great aside from some second half lulls in the first couple of games. Let’s take a look at five offensive impact players through five games.
Offensive Line
I know I said impact players but I can’t really highlight anyone on the offensive line individually.
However, I do feel this unit is somewhat improved and a reason the offense has been better than last year. They’ve also been playing most of the season without starting left tackle Jauan Williams.
The sacks allowed are inflated a bit because of the NC State game where Alex Hornibrook took about 4 sacks out of eight he shouldn’t have.
James Blackman has also taken a few he shouldn’t have because of holding the ball too long, otherwise their sacks allowed total would be much more respectable.
The offensive line has done a better job overall in pass blocking. They aren’t just allowing opposing players to go by untouched like last year.
They have also done a much better job of opening running lanes for Cam Akers who’s finally looking like the running back we thought he’d be coming out of high school.
If the offensive line was as terrible as last season we wouldn’t be seeing the offense perform as well as it has thus far.
Keyshawn Helton
Man, this little guy is all Nole. Keyshawn Helton was the lowest rated recruit in Willie Taggart’s inaugural recruiting class in 2018.
However, he’s done nothing but become a consistent play maker for FSU football.
He’s already surpassed ALL of his production from last season. Helton is second on the team with 16 receptions for 232 yards and three touchdowns.
He’s really come on strong the last three games as 15 of his 16 receptions have come in that time frame along with two of his three touchdowns.
Helton has also contributed on special teams in the kickoff return game where he’s averaging 28.50 yards per return which is No. 16 nationally.
Frankly, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of Helton in the slot than anyone else. The kid runs hard with the ball in hands and has the speed to take one to the house a hurry.
He already has two touchdown catches over 50 yards on the season and could become an even bigger weapon on offense as more attention goes to Tamorrion Terry.
Tamorrion Terry
Well, it should’t be a surprise to see this name on the list for offensive impact players. Tamorrion Terry was the FSU football offense in 2018.
He was used primarily as a deep threat vertically last season, but has shown some knew wrinkles to his game thus far in 2019.
Terry leads the team with 21 receptions for 384 yards and four touchdowns with a team leading 18.29 yards per catch.
He’s on pace to smoke all of his totals from a year ago with decent shot at becoming a 1,000 yard receiver if he stays consistent.
There have been a couple of balls that he’s allowed to hit the ground that should have been caught.
His blocking at times has been less than desirable, but that was improved during the NC State game Saturday night.
All in all, Terry has had a good start to the season while showing he’s more than just vertical threat.
James Blackman/Alex Hornibrook
Man, what can I say as both quarterbacks have played well for the most part when they’re in the game.
Blackman played well the first three games and wasn’t anywhere close to the reason why FSU was 1-2 at that point.
He’s completing 69 percent of his passes with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Blackman has been an excellent leader during games and when Alex Hornibrook has gotten playing time.
Alex Hornibrook has led the Noles to their last two wins over Louisville and NC State. The Wisconsin graduate transfer has completed 73 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Both players have limitations, but their play this year is light years better than what Deondre Francois brought to the table in 2018.
Two quarterbacks completing 70 percent of their passes and not turning the ball over a great deal?
That’s a recipe for success and something FSU football fans haven’t seen in quite some time. By the way, I expect both quarterbacks to play after the bye week with James Blackman being the starter if healthy as he should be.
Cam Akers
The ‘Noles feature running back has been a man among boys and has put this team on his back at different times like Dalvin Cook in 2015-16.
Cam Akers has ran incredibly hard the first five games. He has rushed for 582 yards on 115 carries for seven rushing touchdowns while only have 706 rushing yards and six touchdowns all of last season.
He’s also contributed in the passing game with 15 receptions for 108 yards and two touchdown. Those totals are about on par for all that he did in the passing game in 2018.
Akers is averaging 5.06 yards per carry which is a huge improvement over the pedestrian 4.39 ypc average from a year ago.
He’s shown much better vision and patience this year in conjunction with the offensive line actually creating lanes for him to work.
Even the times he has been met in the hole it’s obvious he put in work in the weight room as he’s falling forward for 2-3 yards nowadays.
FSU fans better enjoy watching No. 3 and it’s likely the final year we’ll see him in garnet and gold.
Honorable Mention
So those are the top five impact players through five games, but there are a number of players who are playing well.
- Ontaria Wilson-Wilson has cracked the starting lineup and had a solid five games thus far. His best game yet was last Saturday against NC State where he finished with four receptions for 91 yards and his first career touchdown.
- D.J. Matthews-Matthews has had a solid start to the season despite being benched and not traveling witht he team to Virginia. He has responded well with two consistent back-to-back performances against Louisville and NC State. Matthews has also done well in the punt return game as he’s averaging nine yards per return.
There are a couple other players that have made a few splash players here and there. The FSU offense has been fun and frustrating to watch at the same time.
However, it’s good enough to help carry this team to eight wins if they show up and are consistent of the season
It remains to be seen, but we’ll see just how good this offense can be after they face an elite Clemson defense next week.