Florida State dropped its first game of the 2024 season in embarrassing fashion 24-21 in Dublin, Ireland last weekend against fellow ACC foe Georgia Tech. Entering the season, many expected the Noles to continue the success from the 2023 season. Bringing in former Oregon State and Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei was supposed to give the offense a major boost. But last weekend, the offense looked sluggish and failed to effectively move the ball down the field. What exactly went wrong for Florida State?
The Seminoles entered week 0 ranked #10 in the first AP Poll of 2024. Numerous additions through the transfer portal and a solid recruiting class had many high on the Seminoles for this season. Georgia Tech wanted to prove that FSU can take a step back this year. They did just that, as the Yellow Jackets held the Seminoles to only 291 yards on offense. Florida State totaled just 98 rushing yards, with former Alabama transfer Roydell Williams finishing with just 38 yards on 12 attempts.
FSU’s inability to push the ball down the field via the passing game made the offense look like the unit was not 100% ready for this season. In the game, FSU only totaled three plays of over 20 yards. Lawrence Toafili had a 28 yard run, and DJU only had two passes over 20 yards.
Credit to the Georgia Tech defense, a unit that constantly pressured Uiagalelei in the pocket and had one sack and seven tackles for a loss. On defense, Florida State star Patrick Payton was a non-existent factor, as he only contributed one tackle. The Noles had no sacks and just three tackles for loss.
Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King was 11-of-16 for 146 yards, but running back Jamal Haynes ran the ball 11 times for 75 yards with two touchdowns. Heading into next week’s game on Labor Day against Boston College, the Seminoles have a ton of work to do in order to get a much-needed win. The offense has to find a way to push the ball down the field effectively, and the defense has to improve, especially up front.