The Florida State Seminoles played their second game of the season on Monday, losing to the SMU Mustangs 27-24 and leaving their fans frustrated.
Mike Norvell has decided not to release a depth chart until right before the game, citing how unimportant they are and how much they can change during the week leading up to a game. While that is all true, the snap counts from a game tell us the true story and can reveal how much the coaching staff believes in a player.
It has been just two games, but it is starting to become apparent that the coaching staff likes the depth at certain positions, but not others. While FSU largely leaned on the same group of players in both games, they did tighten their rotation at running back and linebacker, with several
players emerging in each group.
The Seminoles ran 69 plays on offense, and the defense was on the field for 69 plays. Here is a look at which players were on the field for them all.
Quarterback
Snap Counts:
- Ashton Daniels: 69
Analysis: Despite his struggles, Ashton Daniels was the only FSU quarterback to see the field in FSU's loss against SMU. While he had a solid day running the ball, FSU's passing attack was nonexistent and needs to improve during the bye.
Running Back
Snap Counts:
- Ousmane Kromah: 50
- Samuel Singleton Jr.: 21
Analysis: FSU leaned on its top two running backs, with Ousmane Kromah leading the way. He once again showcased his talents, rushing for over 100 yards for the second straight game and was the bright spot on offense. The biggest change was transfer Quintrevion Wisner not seeing the field after he played 17 snaps the week before.
Wide Receiver
Snap Counts:
- Duce Robinson: 68
- Micahi Danzy: 64
- Jayvan Boggs: 47
- Jasen Lopez: 4
Analysis: FSU's wide receivers failed to make an impact in the game, catching just seven passes for 67 yards. While Daniels and the offensive line are also to blame, Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy are two of the top players on offense, and the Seminoles need to get them the ball more.
Tight End
Snap Counts:
- Landen Thomas: 42
- Desirrio Riles: 40
- Chase Loftin: 7
- Greyson Labiad: 1
Analysis: FSU's tight ends were once again on the field plenty, with minimal production. Desirrio Riles had the group's only two catches in the game, dropping one pass. The group also struggled with blocking and needs to be better.
Offensive Line
Snap Counts:
- Bradyn Welch-Joiner: 69
- André Otto: 69
- Xavier Chaplin: 69
- Nate Pabst: 69
- Chimdia Nwaiwu: 36
- Paul Bowling: 33
- Sean Poret: 1
Analysis: FSU's offense once again struggled, forcing FSU's coaching staff to make a change. They pulled right tackle Chimdia Nwaiwu and moved Nate Pabst from right guard to right tackle, with Paul Bowling taking over at right guard. Herb Hand will need to figure out his starting lineup moving forward.
Defensive Line
Snap Counts:
- Daniel Lyons: 43
- Mandrell Desir: 41
- Rylan Kennedy: 40
- Deamontae Diggs: 36
- Deante McCray: 32
- Jalen Anderson: 31
- Jordan Sanders: 18
- Kevin Wynn: 14
Analysis: FSU used eight defensive linemen, with the group of Lyons, Desir, Kennedy, Diggs, McCray, and Anderson playing the majority of the snaps. Sanders and Wynn both rotated in along the interior. FSU was without Darryll Desir, with him being ruled out ahead of the game.
Linebackers
Snap Counts:
- Chris Jones: 53
- Omar Graham Jr.: 47
- Mikai Gbayor: 30
- Caleb LaVallee: 26
Analysis: FSU tightened up its linebacker rotation and benefited, with the group playing well for the majority of the time. Graham and Jones both had nine tackles, and LaVallee had several impressive plays, taking over one series in the red zone to force an SMU field goal.
Defensive Backs
Snap Counts:
- Ja'Bril Rawls: 68
- Ma'Khi Jones: 65
- Ashlynd Barker: 62
- CJ Richard Jr: 60
- Quindarrius Jones: 47
- Nehemiah Chandler: 26
- Max Redmon: 10
- Ricky Knight III: 9
- Antonio Cromartie Jr.: 1
- Charles Lester III: 1
Analysis: Plenty of defensive backs once again saw the field for the Seminoles. Rawls missed just one snap as the top cornerback back Jones, saw the majority of the snaps opposite him, with Chandler serving as the third option. With K.J. Kirkland unavailable, Jones, Barker, and Richard all played nearly 90% of the snaps, with several youngsters seeing limited action.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Seminoles snap count takeaways from Week 1 vs. SMU
