3 things learned from undefeated FSU’s battering of Wake Forest as Seminoles await playoff rankings
A year ago, Florida State lost three straight games — including to Wake Forest — as injuries mounted and depth on the defensive line was stretched. On Saturday, the Seminoles played without three receivers but were in control for the majority of the game.
FSU (8-0, 6-0 ACC) extended its winning streak to 14 games with a 41-16 rout at Wake Forest. The Seminoles also have scored 30 or more points in 14 consecutive games, achieving the total by halftime and doing so against a Wake defense that had allowed a season-high 30 points twice.
Here are three things learned from FSU in the victory:
FSU manages pressure with undefeated regular season in reach | Analysis
Coleman impresses but so did others
FSU was without star receiver Johnny Wilson, Hykeem Williams and Destyn Hill (undisclosed injuries). Jordan Travis still threw for a season-best 359 yards, distributing the ball to eight pass-catchers — going beyond connections with receivers Keon Coleman, Kentron Poitier and Ja’Khi Douglas and extending to tight ends Jaheim Bell and Kyle Morlock and running backs Trey Benson, Rodney Hill and Lawrance Toafili.
It’s easy to say the combination of Wilson, Williams and Hill were missed. But the Seminoles didn’t miss out on a win. Part of the credit goes to Travis, who adapted to the personnel. But he also found Bell (four catches for 51 yards) and Morlock (two catches for 45 yards). A screen pass to Benson turned into a big play as he weaved through a few would-be tacklers and went 80 yards for a touchdown.
The Seminoles also were able to get Poitier (33-yard grab) and Douglas (two catches for 36 yards) their first receptions in 2023. If not for a holding penalty, Poitier would have had a long touchdown grab. And it helps when the Seminoles have Coleman and his two touchdowns (he now has nine to lead the ACC).
“A lot of different guys had to rise up,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. “Kentron coming up big. Kyle Morlock has a big play there on the vertical shot. Darion [Williamson], Ja’Khi. Keon was special and he needs to be.”
Defense cuts up Wake’s slow-mesh offense
FSU held Wake Forest to just 128 rushing yards, stuffing the slow-mesh scheme. It’s also is the second game in a row that the Seminoles held an opponent to fewer than 100 passing yards (Duke had 76; Wake 82).
Wake turned it over on downs in the third quarter, a necessary attempt when trailing big. The Seminoles also forced nine punts, including seven three-and-outs.
A three-game second-half shutout streak ended as Wake got nine points in the third quarter. But FSU also secured a first-quarter shutout and a fourth-quarter shutout, not a bad 30 minutes of football even if it wasn’t a true half.
FSU manages pressure with undefeated regular season in reach | Analysis
A final statement for first CFP standings
The focus now shifts to the initial College Football Playoff standings that will be revealed on Tuesday. There are five unbeaten Power 5 teams after Oklahoma’s loss at Kansas, meaning for the moment Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, FSU and Washington are fighting for four chairs (a Buckeyes-Wolverines matchup on Nov. 25 should clarify the picture).
FSU’s argument: Wins over LSU, Duke and Clemson. The last two aren’t ranked but all three are in the top 30 of ESPN’s Football Power Index. While FSU’s resume doesn’t look quite as good as Clemson’s losses mount, the Seminoles have made an emphatic statement they belong among the top four — and perhaps could be ranked higher than No. 4.