Florida State Drops Shocking Opener to Georgia Tech, Leaving Fans and Experts Questioning "What Just Happened?"
Florida State’s highly anticipated 2024 season got off to a disastrous start with a stunning 24-21 loss to Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland. The Seminoles, who were ranked in the top 10 of most preseason polls and were considered a serious College Football Playoff contender, were simply outplayed by a Yellow Jackets team that was picked to finish at the bottom of the ACC. The loss sends shockwaves through the college football world and raises serious questions about FSU’s ability to achieve their lofty goals.
Key Takeaways:
- A Disappointing Performance: The Seminoles looked nothing like the dominant team that finished the 2023 season with 10 wins. The offense struggled to get going, the defense couldn’t contain Georgia Tech’s running game, and the special teams, a unit that was supposed to be a strength, made several key mistakes.
- A New Quarterback, A Still-Familiar Problem: DJ Uiagalelei, the former Clemson star, had a solid but unspectacular performance, completing 19 of 27 passes for 193 yards. He missed a couple of key throws and never seemed fully in control of the offense. Uiagalelei was largely kept on a short leash, and the offense lacked the explosiveness fans were hoping for.
- Defense Needs a Major Overhaul: The defensive line, which was expected to be one of the best in the country, had a disastrous performance. The unit allowed Georgia Tech to rush for 171 yards and struggled to generate any consistent pressure on the Yellow Jackets’ quarterback. The linebackers were equally ineffective, allowing Georgia Tech’s running backs to run wild through the middle of the field.
- Bright Spots Amidst the Gloom: While the overall performance was disappointing, there are a few positive takeaways to be found. Ryan Fitzgerald had an outstanding performance, hitting two field goals from beyond 50 yards. Receiver Malik Benson showed flashes of brilliance, and the offense did well on fourth down conversions.
A Closer Look at the Stock Market Report:
Rising Stocks:
Ryan Fitzgerald, Kicker: Fitzgerald was the one bright spot on a day full of disappointments. The senior kicker made a statement with his two long field goals, including a 59-yarder that would have been the longest in FSU history if not for a single-play record by Dustin Hopkins in 2010.
Late Fourth-Down Conversions: The Seminoles showed resilience by converting two crucial fourth-down plays in the fourth quarter, keeping themselves in the game. DJ Uiagalelei looked poised under pressure, hitting Ja’Khi Douglas and Malik Benson on crucial throws where FSU needed a big play.
Malik Benson, Wide Receiver: Benson, a transfer from Alabama, flashed his potential despite a modest stat line. He was open on several occasions and was visibly getting open in the deep passing game. His chemistry with Uiagalelei appeared strong, and the two have a potent element to their connection that can be further developed.
Shyheim Brown, Safety: Brown, a leader on the FSU defense, was the only defender who consistently stood out. He led the team with 13 tackles, a performance marked by his willingness to pursue the ball and make plays in a game where most on defense struggled to do so.
Falling Stocks:
The Offensive Line: The FSU offensive line, which had been touted as one of the team’s strengths, failed to live up to the hype. They struggled to open holes for the running backs, and allowed Georgia Tech’s defensive line to pressure Uiagalelei with alarming regularity. The right side of the line, in particular, was vulnerable, and Robert Scott at right tackle looked overwhelmed. With a talented running back room in FSU, the blame for the lack of ground game clearly falls on this unit’s shoulders.
The Linebackers: The FSU linebackers were completely invisible in this game. DJ Lundy, who was expected to have a breakout year, was out of position frequently and was unable to make any significant impact. Omar Graham Jr. had a silent performance and the rest of the unit was largely ineffective in covering the flat or supporting the run in the middle of the field. The absence of Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune was glaring and created a vulnerability in the heart of the defense.
The Defensive Line: The FSU defensive line, a group comprised mainly of highly touted players who are expected to be highly drafted NFL prospects, had a disastrous game. The unit was consistently pushed off the ball by Georgia Tech’s offensive line and they were largely ineffective in stopping the run or generating pressure on the quarterback. Their lack of impact proved to be a significant factor in the Seminoles’ loss.
Time Management: Poor time management played a significant role in FSU’s defeat and was particularly problematic in the final minutes of the game. The Seminoles ran out of time before they had a chance to tie or take the lead, allowing Georgia Tech to run out the clock and ultimately secure the victory.
Looking Forward: Can FSU Recover?
This opening loss to Georgia Tech was a harsh wake-up call for Florida State. While one game does not define a season, it does highlight crucial areas that need immediate attention for the Seminoles to contend for a championship. Coach Mike Norvell faces a significant challenge in fixing the defensive line and linebackers, whose lack of production needs to improve drastically for FSU to make a serious run. The offensive line also needs to find its consistency and keep Uiagalelei upright and provide their runners the space they need to make big plays.
For FSU fans, the hope is that this loss was a learning experience and a chance for the team to identify and rectify their weaknesses. The Seminoles have a talented roster and are still a team capable of making a deep run in the ACC, but they will need to make significant adjustments and work diligently to avoid a repeat of this disastrous performance. This team is a work in progress and will need to overcome this shock with confidence and focus if they intend on making a statement in 2024.
