UVA WAS MORE PHYSICAL
Florida State lost to Virginia in double overtime by a score of 46-38. This has not been peaceful to write about. This defeat stings because the Seminoles had about 15 to 20 plays that could have played out differently, and Florida State could've won.
However, we cannot play hypotheticals. The Seminoles lost the football game, fair and square. There might be some individuals out there who want to blame the referees, but the defense should get a share of the blame.
Coordinator Tony White and his players did not have their best performance against the Cavaliers, where they allowed 229 passing yards and 211 rushing yards. Virginia was holding on to seven and eight-minute offensive drives against this defense.
GET PRESSURE
The defensive line had its curse last year, as the former legendary head football coach Nick Saban called the Seminoles' unit "one of the best in the country". However, it turns out that the 2024 version was a major issue.
Coming into the 2025 season, Florida State brought in a new defensive line coach, Terrance Knighton. The unit also got a couple of capable pass rushers via the transfer portal, such as James Williams, Jayson Jenkins, Deamontae Diggs, and Deante McCray.
However, the unit as a whole has only recorded five sacks in four games this season. It was an expectation that the number would have been higher since they played the likes of East Texas A&M, Kent State, and Virginia with a makeshift offensive line that is dealing with injuries.
This could be a good use of utilizing athlete Amaree Williams as a defensive end. If tight ends Randy Pittman Jr. and Landen Thomas are healthy, there is a slim chance that the Seminoles would need him as a tight end. Williams is already getting fewer and fewer snaps at the position.
This is a situation where the coaching staff needs to read the room and understand that Williams is best suited at defensive end if they allow him the opportunities. With Miami on the table, anything is possible.