FSU football: 3 positives for Seminoles in their season-opening loss to Georgia Tech

Three positives for Florida State in their season-opening loss to Georgia Tech.

Aug 24, 2024; Dublin, IRL; Georgia Tech linebacker Justin Cryer reacts after their loss to Georgia Tech at Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tom Maher/INPHO via USA TODAY Sports / Tom Maher/INPHO via USA TODAY Sports

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KICKER RYAN FITZGERALD'S PERFORMANCE

Florida State fans were so critical of kicker Ryan Fitzgerald's performance early on in his career in Tallahassee. He connected on just 12 of his 20 field goal attempts in 2022. There were individuals out there that thought the kicker was a liability on the team.

As a result, the coaching staff added East Tennessee State transfer Tyler Keltner in 2023 to compete with Fitzgerald, the Georgia native had the best season of his career where he made 19 of his 21 field goals with a long of 48.

Special teams were a factor last season. Norvell has always emphasized the importance of that aspect of football since he was hired at Florida State back in December 2019.

On Saturday, Fitzgerald connected on both of his 50+ yard field goal attempts versus Georgia Tech. One of them was a 59-yard field goal attempt to end the first half that he made. He let the fans watching know that he has improved as a specialist as he celebrated like Conor McGregor.

Fitzgerald has a chance to win the Lou Groza Award in 2024.

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