Florida State kicked off their season with a 34-17 win, but don’t let that final score fool you. Despite being favored by a massive 31.5 points, the Seminoles had to outlast a scrappy, upset-minded New Mexico State team. They showed some concerning lapses in execution right out of the gate. This wasn’t the dominant statement win we expected.
The Offense Showed Flashes, But Stalled Too Often
Quarterback Ashton Daniels had a rollercoaster night, going 17-of-27 for 202 yards, one touchdown passing, and one interception. He added a crucial rushing touchdown too, showing off his dual-threat potential. Samuel Singleton Jr. was an absolute beast! He snagged a touchdown through the air and another on the ground, ending up as FSU’s leading receiver with four catches for 54 yards. Talk about versatility! We saw flashes of brilliance, like Ousmane Kromah’s impressive 52-yard rush and that incredible 8-play, 90-yard drive Daniels led. He converted a clutch third down with a 13-yard rush, then hit Jayvan Boggs after a sweet pump fake to get them down to the one-yard line, setting up Kromah for a crucial score. Still, stalling in the red zone after Kromah’s big run, settling for a field goal, shows there’s work to do.
Defensive Lapses Kept New Mexico State In The Game
The biggest red flag of the night had to be FSU’s pass defense. It felt like they were constantly giving up multiple third downs, letting New Mexico State quarterback Trey Hedden carve them up for 10-for-13 and 158 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown that pulled the Aggies within ten points late. Remember that early 75-yard NMSU drive, capped by a 33-yard touchdown completion that cut the lead to three? Or how they nearly got within three again on a wild trick play, only for the receiver to thankfully drop the ball? Even worse, the Seminoles committed the cardinal sin of too many men on the field during a punt, gifting the Aggies a fourth-and-short conversion. This FSU defense, particularly the secondary, has to tighten up if they want to dominate.
So, FSU starts the season 1-0, which is the bottom line, right? But when a 31.5-point favorite barely beats a team by 17, it screams less like a dominant statement and more like a loud wake-up call. Yes, they showed grit converting two fourth downs and putting together a couple of truly impressive drives. But the sloppiness, the defensive lapses, and the overall lack of execution kept New Mexico State in it way too long. The talent is absolutely there, but the overall team execution needs a serious, immediate tune-up. What kind of response will we see from this team next week? Can they clean up the defensive issues and play like the dominant, cohesive unit they’re built to be?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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