3 things FSU needs that stood out watching Indiana beat Miami for National Title

As a Florida State fan, watching Indiana deny Miami another national title and continue their 20+ year drought of winning absolutely nothing was about as gratifying as it could be for the state FSU is in.

It was a good game, and both teams played hard. Indiana had to beat Miami and the referees. Seriously, how on earth did they miss so many penalties on Miami? The late hits on Mendoza and the multiple blatant defensive pass interference calls that went uncalled were horrendous.

Indiana was the better team and has been better than Miami all season. I pointed out earlier in the year that Miami’s offense wasn’t good enough:

Hopefully, Mike Norvell had FSU to watch that Indiana/Miami game to see what it's like to play high-level football

I watched that game through the lens of thinking about how far FSU is from consistently playing at that level. Here are three things that consistently stuck out:

1. The attitude and toughness Indiana plays with are impressive. The running backs run like their lives are on the line, and it helps that their offensive line gives them some space to get going downhill.  
2. They were not perfect, but the level of execution in key situations was astounding. They converted two crucial fourth downs and were 6 of 16 on third down. They could have converted at least two more third downs, but they dropped wide-open passes.
3. Special teams played a big role in the game. Indiana made both field goals, blocked a punt for a score, and gave the Miami offense long fields nearly all night. The two fourth quarter touchdowns Miami scored went 81 and 91 yards. That’s tough to do consistently against a good defense.

Indiana isn’t the most talented team. Miami had more talent, but Indiana took the fight to Miami for most of the game. They executed better overall in all three phases. They had fewer penalties, didn’t turn the ball over, and did all of the little things that win football games. Guys do their role and don’t try to play hero ball.

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Indiana basically did everything FSU didn’t when they played Miami earlier this year. Can FSU turn it around with Mike Norvell as the head coach? Nah, it’s probably too far gone, BUT if the players somehow bought into playing for one another? If some leaders actually emerged? FSU had as much talent as Indiana this year. However, Indiana’s physicality, mental toughness, ability to execute, and not beating themselves are major differences between those two programs right now.