FSU Survives
Louisville- FSU (3-0)survived a Friday night scare, holding off Louisville (1-2), 35-31. The questions from last year that all Seminole fans thought were answered with the win over LSU a couple of weekends ago are largely still unanswered. The game on Friday night was full of both bad and good news…let’s start with the bad (and we won’t even mention the problems with the kicking game).
1. This win costs the Seminoles dearly. Arguably two of the most important players for FSU were both helped off the field and did not play in the second half of the game; Quarterback Jordan Travis and defensive linemen and hero of the LSU game, Jarod Verse. Travis was on crutches the entire second half, BUT could be seen walking without them after the game. Verse was not seen with the team.
2. The Defense looked like last year’s squad, as in not very good. The secondary got torched time and time again by quarterback Malik Cunningham and the defensive line pressured him very little forcing only 3 hurries and recording just 2 sacks. Louisville racked up 495 yards of total offense against FSU. They had 334 yards against Syracuse in week 1.
3. FSU’s offensive line had to use its 3rd left tackle and it showed. Louisville’s front forced 2 hurries and sacked FSU quarterbacks 4 times.
4. Offensive play-calling, especially at the goal line, is still suspect. FSU head coach Mike Norvell was asked about a quick pitch play at the one yard line that resulted in a fumble in the LSU game that gave the Tigers a chance to steal the win. On Friday, from the 1 and a half line, FSU’s offense had to call a time out, after a face mask penalty, and on first down, called a play where a TE motioned and got under center to take a snap. It got stuffed. ‘Noles fans got to see on 2nd down FSU line up in a tight formation and call an end around which resulted in a loss of a yard. Luckily, Tate Rodemaker found 6’7” Jordan Wilson on 3rd down for a touchdown (see more about Wilson in good news).
Now for the good news…
1. FSU did win. FSU is 3-0 for the first time since 2015. In the last few seasons, Seminole fans would have probably saw their team falter when faced with the adversity that this year’s squad faced last night. The fact that head coach Mike Norvell has his team playing hard and bought in are very positive and hopeful signs.
2. Backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker proved he can play. In limited snaps in mop-up duty against Duquesne, the sophomore QB looked bad, quickly throwing an interception that ruined the defenses chances of getting a shut-out in week 1. Early in against Louisville, it looked eerily similar as Rodemaker threw an interception before halftime on a very ugly pass. But, the second half looked much more promising and again, Seminole fans should be hopeful that Rodemaker will not just be able to manage games, but that he can win them too? He completed 6/10 passes with two touchdowns.
3. When the running game was needed, it came through. The ‘Noles had six running plays in the first half. They ran the ball 26 times in the second half. Treyshon Ward ran for 127 yards on 10 Carries.
4. FSU may have found their receiver. Transfer Jordan Wilson had a huge night with 7 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
FSU 14 0 7 14-35
Louisville 14 7 0 10-31
