FSU QB James Blackman pointing. Photo Courtesy of Melina Vastola- USA Today
Few would have thought the Florida State Seminoles, ranked No. 3, would start the season with two losses and lose to an unranked team.
Due to his team falling out of the top 25 ranked teams, this seems to be one of Jimbo Fisher’s craziest seasons as a head coach.
During week one, the Seminoles lost quarterback Deondre Francois to a crucial knee injury he inquired while being sacked in the fourth quarter of the game against Alabama.
Then came Hurricane Irma, which led to Florida State going 21 days without playing a football game. Some days, they did not have the opportunity to host practice.
Saturday, Florida State University (FSU) lost to North Carolina State University (NCSU) 27-21. This loss to the Wolfpack, forced the Seminoles to open the season 0-2 in front of 73,541 fans for the first time since 1989. In 1989, the Seminoles were an independent team coached by Bobby Bowden.
The win would have made Jimbo Fisher (8-0) with home game openers, and would have brought the Seminoles its 300 home win in the Doak Campbell Stadium.
Even though the college playoffs are only three years old, no team has made it to the playoffs after starting the season with two losses. However, FSU experienced three losses throughout last season and still made the cut. So what’s next for the slow-starting Seminoles?
Jimbo Fisher said in his post-game remarks that North Carolina State was always “a play ahead.”
“This kind of start has been done before around here, we’re not going to hold our heads low now. We’re going get ready to go work and beat Wake Forest on the road.” Jimbo added.
Florida State quarterback James Blackman made his first career start as a true freshman and held his weight against NCSU's impressive defensive line. Wolfpack defensive end Bradley Chubb repeatedly
swarmed the pocket, which left Blackman little time to throw the ball. Still, Blackman finished 22 of 38, for 278 yards and a touchdown.
The Seminoles missed crucial opportunities in the red zone. Worsening the matter-receiver Auden Tate left the game during the third quarter and did not return to the game due to a shoulder injury.
“Auden played a great game while he was on the field," Fisher said. "He’s such an intelligent player both physically and mentally. He’ll be just fine."
Defensive back Derwin James also voiced his opinion on the game.
“We just have to bounce back. It’s more football to be played. It’s bigger than 0-2. We came to Florida State for the tradition. We just have to finish the season strong,” James said.
The Noles look for their first win of the season when they take on Wake Forest next week. Wake Forest will be looking to stay undefeated in the ACC conference.