Florida State survived it’s biggest scare in school history, losing to Jacksonville State, an FCS team.. FSU trailed 9-7 late into the fourth quarter until the offense finally avoided a turnover plagued drive.

In the waning moments of a tiresome game, the offense found the will to win and Ty [...]]]> By Daniel Brommer |Florida State Gameday Correspondent

Florida State survived it’s biggest scare in school history, losing to Jacksonville State, an FCS team.. FSU trailed 9-7 late into the fourth quarter until the offense finally avoided a turnover plagued drive.

In the waning moments of a tiresome game, the offense found the will to win and Ty Jones drove in the dagger, but that wasn’t the final blow. On the ensuing offensive drive for Jacksonville State, Jacobi McDaniel sacked quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, yes the same Ryan Perrilloux two years removed from the National Championship LSU team, forcing a fumble only to be returned for a touchdown by defensive end Kevin McNeil.

So is there cause for concern? Absolutely.

No hangover lasts that long, especially when it comes from a hard fought battle and a loss that the ‘Noles suffered to rival Miami just five days prior.

The rust was worn off, the first game jitters were out the window. This was the home opener ladies and gentleman. A home opener against a much lesser opponent.

Sure the three turnovers didn’t help, nor did the poor defensive play by the secondary, but we’re talking about a powerhouse. Admit it or not, Florida State is still considered a powerhouse when it’s matched up against an FCS team.

How does the old saying go? A wins a win. Which is exactly the case in this scenario. The only problem is this was supposed to be a tune up game. Something to get the fans excited about for the cross country trip to BYU this Saturday. The seventh ranked team in the country which happens to be blazing hot at the moment.

Is there cause for concern? Again absolutely. The Florida State secondary still hasn’t gelled. Sophomore cornerback Dionte Allen displayed flashes of shutdown ability Saturday against Jacksonville State, but again that was against Jacksonville State.

The real test comes this weekend against BYU. A pass happy team that still has balance. Max Hall is one of the best pure passers in the country. He gets everyone involved in the offense as well.

The secondary for Florida State will have to find a chemistry and find it quick.

As for the offense, Christian Ponder looks more and more like he’s coming into his own. He didn’t have a touchdown against Jacksonville State, but he did have a career high 324 yards passing.

Richard Goodman is looking like he’s the go to guy for Ponder.

If Florida State is going to upset BYU they will need to have a more balanced attack. The running game was supposed to be ready to go by now, but it’s almost like they have regressed.

Jermaine Thomas will need to get healthy quick.

Turnovers will be the key to the game. If Florida State can avoid them, then an upset could happen. However if they don’t, then it could be a long night for the ‘Noles.

Confusion, exhaustion, and the lack of knowing assignments.

That about sums about Florida State’s performance Monday night against their long-time rival Miami. Most of the night showcased a brand new secondary that got burnt and beat all night long resulting in Miami quarterback Jacory Harris passing for a career high [...]]]> By Daniel Brommer |Florida State Gameday Correspondent

Confusion, exhaustion, and the lack of knowing assignments.

That about sums about Florida State’s performance Monday night against their long-time rival Miami. Most of the night showcased a brand new secondary that got burnt and beat all night long resulting in Miami quarterback Jacory Harris passing for a career high 386 yards and the most passing yards against a Seminole defense in the series.

The defense as a whole failed to impress. With the lack of an outside pass rusher to replace the departed Everette Brown, Harris had all day and night to look down the field. He showed poise and a presence of a classic Hurricane quarterback. He showed the kind of resilience that makes up a leader and the Florida State defense paid for it.

Time and time again the secondary was out of position or getting burnt by speedster Travis Benjamin, who had a career game himself with four catches for 128 yards and a touchdown. Starting strong safety Korey Mangum looked last the entire night, and veteran cornerback Patrick Robinson looked like a scared freshman in his first line of duty.

This did not look like a Mickey Andrews defense. The defensive line showed signs of dominance at times with starting true freshman Jacobi McDaniel in at tackle and walk on starter Craig Yarborough at left defensive end, but Markus White was supposed to take up the mantle left to him by Everette Brown. While he had a giant interception return for a touchdown caused by true freshman cornerback Greg Reid, he still failed to apply pressure to Harris.

While the defense was average at best, the offense showed huge signs of improvement from a season ago. Christian Ponder is in his second season as being the full time starter and he showed Monday night. He was 24-41 with 294 yards and two touchdowns. A new career high in passing yards, but that’s not the whole story. His ability to stay in the pocket and check off receivers showed his transformation into not only a good college quarterback, but a solid leader in the huddle.

Florida State’s receivers looked the part led by Richard Goodman and Jarmon Forston. With what was thought to be a weak point in the offense, the receiving crew ended up being a strength.

The running game on the other hand still needs a little bit of work. Jermaine Thomas saw limited time due to injury, but his back up Ty Jones ignited a late offensive drive.

We can’t take away from this Miami team however.. They showed the will to win and the hunger to succeed. This is a team to look out for in the near future. With so many youngsters and a solid quarterback who looks to be a household name by midseason, this could shake up to be a monster year for the ‘Canes.

All bets aside, Florida State’s season is not over. They could still run the table with their remaining ACC conference schedule and could possibly see their bitter rival in the ACC Championship.

Florida State is almost there, but they still need a tune up. Here’s to hoping they find their itch by Saturday.