Florida State came up just short of pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the rivalry, falling 43-35 to Miami in double overtime, but the final score did not erase several strong individual performances from the Seminoles.
Pro Football Focus’ initial Week 7 grades reflected that, with Florida State producing three defenders above an 80.0 overall grade and six defensive players among its 10 highest-graded performers.
Quarterback Ashton Daniels also graded well after helping FSU push the Hurricanes deep into overtime, while Duce Robinson and Jasen Lopez gave the offense additional representation near the top of the list. The defensive showing is particularly notable, considering Miami still managed to put 43 points on the board, illustrating
the difference between several strong individual efforts and the unit’s overall result.
Here are Florida State’s 10 highest-graded players from the loss to Miami.
10. Duce Robinson — 70.1
Robinson rounded out the top 10 with a 70.1 overall offensive grade and a 70.0 receiving grade. He played 62 offensive snaps, giving his mark considerably more weight than some of the limited-snap performances elsewhere on the list.
9. Donny Hiebert — 70.7
Hiebert technically finished ninth among all Seminoles with a 70.7 defensive grade, although the context matters. He appeared for only two defensive snaps, both against the run, making this the smallest sample size among the players in the top 10.
8. Deante McCray — 71.5
McCray gave Florida State another productive performance on the defensive front. He earned a 71.5 overall grade and generated four total pressures, one quarterback hit and three hurries, on 21 pass-rush snaps.
7. Jasen Lopez — 73.7
Lopez made the most of a relatively limited offensive role. He played 16 snaps and finished with a 73.7 overall grade, second-best among Florida State’s offensive players, while earning a 71.9 receiving grade.
6. Darryll Desir — 75.9
Desir was another member of FSU’s defensive front to grade well despite Miami’s overall offensive production. His 75.9 grade included a 72.2 run-defense mark and a 75.1 tackling grade, while he also recorded two quarterback hurries.
5. Daniel Lyons — 76.4
Lyons continued a strong stretch in the middle of Florida State’s defensive line. He earned a 76.4 overall grade, including an 80.2 mark against the run, and recorded three hurries across 25 pass-rush snaps.
4. Ashton Daniels — 78.5
Daniels led Florida State’s offense with a 78.5 overall grade. PFF gave him a 74.0 passing grade and a 70.6 rushing grade, reflecting the dual-threat performance that helped the Seminoles stay within striking distance throughout the rivalry game.
T-2. Rylan Kennedy — 80.7
Kennedy matched Desir with an 80.7 overall grade while making an impact both against the run and as a pass rusher. His 82.6 run-defense grade was one of FSU’s best marks, and he generated six pressures, including one sack and five hurries.
T-2. Mandrell Desir — 80.7
Desir produced one of FSU’s best performances along the defensive front. He received an 80.7 overall grade and an 81.5 run-defense grade while generating three quarterback hurries on 21 pass-rush snaps.
1. Ashlynd Barker — 90.4
Barker earned the highest grade on the entire Florida State roster, finishing with a 90.4 overall defensive grade across 53 snaps. The safety was especially strong in coverage, where PFF gave him a 90.9 grade, along with a 78.0 tackling mark.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU’s 10 highest-graded players from rivalry loss to Miami
