Florida State is officially 2-2 on the season after defeating Central Arkansas inside of Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. Coach Mike Norvell had a chance to coach against his alma mater, and picking up a win regardless of the opponent was needed after losing to Alabama in Week 3.
The Seminoles got off to a quick start with a 29-yard touchdown connection between Ashton Daniels and Duce Robinson on the third play of the game. Two touchdowns from Ousmane Kromah on the ground and a field goal gave Florida State a 24-7 lead heading into the half. The offense slowed down after the break, but multiple stops from the defense allowed backup quarterback Kevin Sperry to enter the game.
There was a lot of good, but also plenty of bad during the win, and a few key players managed to put together big performances once again.
Winners:
4. Rylan Kennedy - DL, Senior
If there was one specific position group that needed to perform well, it was the offensive line. Kennedy was arguably the star of the show with a sack and an assisted tackle for loss early that helped prevent Central Arkansas from generating any momentum. Kennedy was quiet at times during the game, but his performance is a positive one to see, especially with Mandrell Desir recording his first sack of the season as well.
3. Omar Graham Jr. - LB, Senior
Graham has been quietly putting together a career-best season for Florida State, and his stellar play was seen all over the field against the Bears. The linebacker recorded nine tackles against SMU and five tackles against Alabama, as his presence has been a welcome one with the current injuries at the position.
If Florida State has any chance at truly improving this season, veteran players are going to need to step up as Graham has. The linebacker finished the game against Central Arkansas with 1.5 tackles for loss and six total tackles.
2. Ousmane Kromah - RB, Sophomore
Kromah has proven time and time again this season that he is truly a special player with the football in his hands, with just 11 carries for 86 rushing yards and two scores. The talented running back is one of those players who seemingly can make an impact whenever he gets the ball, and who the opponent is does not change the danger he poses.
Kromah now has a touchdown in all four games this season for Florida State, and the Seminoles' staff will need to feed him the rock against the looming conference opponents. Quarterback might still be an issue for the team, but with success out of Kromah, the offense could hang with some of the ACC teams on the schedule.
1. Jayvan Boggs - WR, Sophomore
It is hard to ignore when a player hits a new career-high, and Boggs certainly deserves recognition for his performance against Central Arkansas. The Bears have a solid secondary that is arguably the best part of the defense, and much of the focus ahead of the game was on how Duce Robinson might be able to do some damage. Boggs proved he can be just as capable of a receiver, and his growth could give Daniels another weapon.
Boggs finished the game with a career-high 122 receiving yards, six receptions, and a touchdown against the Bears. Florida State needs to build off of Boggs' performance next week against a tough Virginia defense.
Losers:
2. Ashton Daniels - QB, Senior
After tossing multiple interceptions against Alabama, Daniels clearly reigned in his arm against the Bears' defense at times. However, he still managed to throw an interception right before the halftime break that was clearly off-target. The interception was the only costly mistake, but Daniels consistently missed open targets, including an incompletion that forced Florida State to settle for a field goal.
Daniels now has 30 career touchdowns and 27 career interceptions, as the picks have continued to build this season. The quarterback is currently on track to toss 15 interceptions this season and 18 touchdowns, which would both be new career-highs. Florida State really needs that one clean, efficient performance out of Daniels to help build some sort of momentum, but he has not been able to deliver yet.
1. The offensive line
Once again, the Seminoles were held back by the offensive line, particularly through the air, against a team like Central Arkansas. Florida State should flawlessly dominate an FCS program, but the offensive line provided inconsistent blocking all game, and the offense cannot find a real footing without a more consistent line. There has been success at times with the current unit, but there is still another level that needs to be hit moving forward.
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