Florida State’s Struggles and Georgia Tech’s Victory: Week 0 Winners and Losers

Florida State traveled all the way to Ireland, only to suffer a last-second defeat against Georgia Tech. This loss, which could have easily occurred back in Atlanta, sets the stage for a long flight back home. It seems the Seminoles forgot that amidst the excitement of their season-opening trip, there was a game to play. After months of preparation for the 2024 season, FSU appeared ill-equipped to face a team projected to finish ninth in the ACC preseason poll.

The game started off promisingly for Florida State as they initiated a swift touchdown drive, followed by a two-point conversion that gave them an early 8-0 lead. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as the Seminoles’ offense faltered, failing to establish a running game or effectively push the ball downfield. Problems that surface this early in the season often linger on well into the fall.

One major concern for Florida State lay in the performance of their new quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei. The question lingers: was FSU’s inability to stretch the field due to an unproven receiving corps that struggled to gain separation, or is Uiagalelei simply uncomfortable making deeper throws? On the defensive side, the challenges compounded as FSU struggled against a seasoned Georgia Tech offensive line, which resulted in nearly 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns allowed.

Despite this disheartening outcome, there is a silver lining: the introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff. This new format provides teams like FSU with the opportunity for more margin of error than previous postseason systems. It is conceivable that the Seminoles could sustain another loss and still secure a playoff position as an at-large bid, depending on how the season unfolds in the ACC.

Nevertheless, the team that stumbled against Georgia Tech is unlikely to make a deep playoff run. Upcoming games against Memphis, Clemson, Miami, North Carolina, and Notre Dame raise concerns about whether FSU’s aspirations for a successful season have already hit a wall.

In the analysis of Week 0’s winners and losers, Georgia Tech and Florida State stood out prominently.

Georgia Tech enters this discussion as a surprising victor. While they might have been universally picked to finish ninth in the conference poll, one first-place vote hinted at the potential for an upset, which they delivered. Building off last season’s foundation, the Yellow Jackets have effectively run for multiple touchdowns in eight of their last nine games. This strong ground game has alleviated the pressure on quarterback Haynes King, solidifying the team’s identity under head coach Brent Key. This victory is expected to elevate Tech’s profile in the national rankings and rapidly increase interest in the program.

Brent Key’s leadership has transformed Georgia Tech. Having risen from the ranks of the previous coaching staff, Key has not only stabilized the program but also imbued it with a clear identity as an ACC contender. The improvement in the offensive line has been particularly notable, dictating terms against FSU’s revamped defense, positioning the Yellow Jackets for competitive conference play moving forward.

Meanwhile, SMU experienced a close call against Nevada but ultimately secured a 29-24 victory. Down 24-13 entering the fourth quarter, the Mustangs mounted a comeback fueled by junior tight end RJ Maryland, who was instrumental in turning the game around. This hard-fought triumph underscores SMU’s determination as new entrants to the ACC.

On the other hand, Florida State emerged among the losers of this week. Their performance echoed the early struggles of head coach Mike Norvell’s tenure, dispelling the notion that they were poised for a national title run. With preseason hype now deflated, expectations may need to shift toward a more modest goal of eight wins instead of a double-digit finish.

Uiagalelei’s performance was marked by cautious play, leaving many to wonder if FSU needs a more aggressive quarterback style to achieve their goals. Despite showing promise in protecting the football, his limited usage as a runner raises further questions about his fit within the ACC framework.

Additionally, Nevada’s effort against SMU indicates potential growth under their new coach, Jeff Choate, despite falling short. Their competitive showing provides hope for future success in the Mountain West.

Finally, New Mexico’s attempt to secure a win crumbled in the fourth quarter, highlighting the issues they need to address under new head coach Bronco Mendenhall. Though they were close to victory, they are still in a rebuilding phase and will look to improve moving forward.

Source: USA Today