FSU football: Is FSU offense close to breaking out after California game?

The woes of the 2024 FSU football offense are well-documented. There are lots of blame to go around. Most of the focus is on the quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei, and he's had his fair share of mistakes. However, the supporting cast around him hasn't lived up to their end of the deal either. The offensive line hasn't lived up to expectations. Receivers, tight ends, and running backs have dropped wide-open passes. The running game has been non-existent because of the issues mentioned beforehand.

However, we saw some glimpses of an offense Saturday night against California. The Bears have a better defense than Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Memphis. They ranked No. 30 nationally according to FEI advanced metrics.

Yet, the FSU offense moved the ball on several drives but failed to capitalize on the scoreboard. FSU had five drives in the first half, accounting for 208 yards on 43 plays(4.83 ypp). That's not explosive, but FSU sustained drives by converting 5 of 10 third-down conversions in the first half. They got at least one first down on four of those five drives. FSU had four drives in the second half. FSU ran 21 plays for 89 yards (4.23 ypp).

The first two drives in the second half had great success running the ball. They were at 2nd and 3 and 2nd and 4 after one play, which is where you want to be. The failure to capitalize on that success on 2nd and 3rd downs is what doomed those two drives.

The first drive in the second half dies because DJ Uiagalelei fails to get the ball out to get Jalen Brown. It's an anticipatory throw, but Uiagalelei waits until he sees that he's open instead of throwing it on time.

Kam Davis tripping over his offensive lineman's foot on the other drive prevented another positive play. It's Jackson West missing a block on a jet sweep that makes the play go for a loss instead of an explosive play.

Uiagalelei has some faults, but he made some big-time throws on third down too. However, the offense playing together and everyone executing their jobs is the key. There was much more of that on Saturday night with Darius Washington returning to the lineup. The run game looked much better, which opened the passing game some. However, DJ Uiagalelei(or whoever is at QB) has to capitalize when the opportunities are there, and his teammates must catch the ball when it's on the money instead of dropping it.

The plays are there, guys have to simply execute.