FSU FOOTBALL
Florida State football took its first loss of the 2025 season, as the Virginia Cavaliers won in double overtime by a score of 46-38 on the road. The Seminoles were stunned as the defensive unit continued to miss tackles and allow Virginia to get into third-down and manageable situations to extend drives.
This had Florida State fans questioning defensive coordinator Tony White's ability to coach his defense. The Seminole faithful were once nervous that Coach White would leave to take a head football coaching job at UCLA, and now they are okay with him going to the Bruins.
If this doesn't tell you how much of college football is a roller coaster, then I don't know what will. The defense also couldn't get any pressure on Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris, other than the two sacks by defensive back Ashlynd Barker.
ASHLYND BARKER
This is a player on the defense who plays aggressively all the time. Head football coach Mike Norvell stated that redshirt junior defensive back Ashlynd Barker is still progressing. He continued by saying that they will see as these next couple of days will be big for him.
The fan base was wondering why veteran Shyheim Brown wasn't starting in the rotation at defensive back, but when Alabama was played, those individuals didn't question the decision anymore. Barker laid the boom on the Crimson Tide, where their wide receivers were nervous to catch the football.
The former JUCO product has recorded 13 tackles, two passes defended, and two sacks. The injury is located on his shoulder. With that said, the official injury report will be released tomorrow night by the conference, and Barker must play in the Miami game.
If Barker doesn't play, I believe it will be difficult to envision the Seminoles pulling off the upset against the Hurricanes because he is the enforcer on the defense. Having to replace Barker for Brown or even KJ Kirkland could be a step-down, as both contributors look to be better suited for reserve roles.