The FSU Seminoles had another disappointing performance, losing to the Alabama Crimson Tide 50-30 in Week 3.
FSU had a 21-6 lead with 9:42 left to play in the second quarter, but Alabama scored 20 points in the final 2:36 of the half to take the lead and control of the game. While the Seminoles did briefly retake the lead in the third quarter, the Crimson Tide scored the next 17 points to regain the momentum.
While the defense was unable to get stops and the offense turned the ball over three times, several players did have strong games. Samuel Singleton Jr. and Ousmane Kromah both showcased their playmaking ability, and Duce Robinson took over, a welcome sign for an FSU team that needs him to get going.
Here is our report card for FSU's Week 3
loss to Alabama.
Ashton Daniels: C
It is tough to grade Daniels' performance against Alabama. On one hand, he threw for 377 yards and was responsible for four total touchdowns, becoming just the third FSU quarterback since 1995 with two passing and rushing touchdowns in the same game. On the other hand, he threw three costly interceptions, which turned into nine Alabama points.
While he made some good plays, the interceptions doomed FSU, and the veteran can not be turning the ball over three times.
Running Backs: B
FSU knew it was going to be tough to run the ball on Alabama and did not try to do a ton with their running backs, with Ousmane Kromah, Samuel Singleton Jr., and Quintrevion Wisner combining for just 21 carries. Kromah once again had a good performance, going for 80 yards and a touchdown.
Singleton made his biggest impact as a receiver, catching two passes for 68 yards, including an impressive 65-yard catch-and-run on 3rd down that set up the touchdown that gave FSU a 28-26 lead in the third quarter. The group was once again solid and showcased its versatility.
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends: B+
Duce Robinson finally had the game that FSU needed, finishing with six receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown. touchdown. Micahi Danzy gained 89 yards on three catches and Jayvan Boggs caught two passes for 69 yards. The group made their presence felt with explosive plays when FSU needed them and will look to build on the performance.
At tight end, Chase Loftin made the first catch of his career for eight yards, and Landen Thomas caught a crucial touchdown. While that was a positive step forward, the group still struggled to block.
Offensive Line: C
They shook up the starting rotation, moving Nate Pabst from right guard to right tackle and putting Paul Bowling in at right guard. The moves did not pay off, with the Seminoles unable to effectively run the ball, averaging just 2.7 yards per carry on 35 attempts. While Daniels did have a clean pocket at times, Alabama was able to get to him as the game progressed and finished with 24 pressures and 3.0 sacks, according to PFF.
Defensive Line: D
FSU's defensive line was unable to generate pressure, which forced Tony White to blitz to try and affect the quarterback. That has caused quarterbacks to punish the Seminoles through the air. Rylan Kennedy did generate three pressures before leaving the game. Kevyn Wynn also had a solid performance and looks like a building block at the interior of the line.
The group started strong against the run, but was worn down during the game, and Alabama ended up gashing them in the second half. FSU ponied up to retain Mandrell and Darryll Desir, and the twins have not taken the step they needed to lead the group.
Linebackers: D
Chris Jones once again set the tone for the defense with several physical hits and led the team with 1.5 tackles for loss, but the lack of depth at the position after several injuries showed. Just like the defensive line, Alabama was able to lean on them in the run game in the second half.
Defensive Backs: D
FSU's secondary once again struggled in coverage, partially due to them having to send extra bodies to try and pressure Keelon Russell. CJ Richards Jr. led the Seminoles with 12 tackles, and Ja'Bril Ralws had their only sack, but it was another disappointing performance from the group. Twelve of FSU's 18 missed tackles were from defensive backs, with Richards and Ashlynd Barker both missing three.
Special Teams: B
FSU's special teams unit was fine, they didn't allow any game-changing plays or make any. Samuel Singleton Jr. had a solid 31-yard return on a kickoff, and Gabe Panikowsi made all four of his extra points. Daniel Hughes averaged 38.5 yards on his two punts.
Coaching: D
FSU came out strong, and that is a testament to Mike Norvell and his coaching staff, but the Seminoles were once again unable to respond when things got tough. The offense cooled off, and the defense allowed Alabama to score on their final nine drives of the game, with White unable to come up with a plan to stop them.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU football report card for Alabama game
