FSU Seminoles: austin barron
Each season brings with it new expectations, and a handful of Seminoles will bear the brunt of the pressure to perform in 2013. We're counting down the top 10 FSU players being counted on the most to help the Seminoles live up to expectations.
No. 3: RT Bobby Hart
2012 performance: Hart's sophomore season was a huge step back in terms of productivity, but it may have been the most important step of his career. A starter at age 17 in 2011, Hart quickly adopted a lackadaisical attitude toward practice and found himself in line coach Rick Trickett's doghouse. He lost his job to transfer Menelik Watson, didn't start a game in 2012 and saw only limited playing time. The time spent on the sideline may have been a setback on his career path, but it also opened Hart's eyes to the fact that he hadn't accomplished anything yet.
Pressure point: With Hart out and Watson in, the offensive line improved markedly in 2012. That's certainly not all due to Hart's limited role. There were big changes all over the line. Still, a new standard was set, particularly from the veteran Watson, who went from football novice to second-round selection in the NFL draft in the span of just nine months at FSU. Those are huge shoes for Hart to fill in his junior season, and with a first-year starter at QB, the Seminoles can't afford more struggles on the O-line.
If he succeeds: An offensive line that was solid if unspectacular in 2012 could make the leap forward to become one of the top units in the country in 2013. Hart's the swing vote in that potential growth. The other four starters from last year return, all expecting to improve after a year in the trenches. But Watson was, in many ways, the glue that held last year's line together, and its struggles when he was hurt underscored that notion. If Hart can become a viable replacement -- on the field and, perhaps as importantly, in terms of maturity off it -- the rest of the group should coalesce nicely, and the star-crossed tackle's career could once again be on an upward climb toward an NFL future.
If he fails: All that experience and growth from 2012 could fall by the wayside if Hart proves incapable of handling the job. If Trickett pulls the plug and sends Hart to the sidelines once again, there are few easy alternatives. Bryan Stork, a steadying force at center last season, would likely slide out to replace Hart on the right side, and Austin Barron would step in at center. FSU already has depth concerns on the O-line, and that makes any major shakeup a concern. But after a year of building continuity for a group that struggled badly in 2011, another major renovation is the last thing the Seminoles need.
Projection: There will be obvious comparisons between Hart and Watson this season, but that's a bit unfair. Watson was 23, and while his football experience was limited, he was a veteran of the ups and downs of life. He was as mature a leader as FSU had on offense, and he had the skill set to develop quickly. Hart is another story. He arrived on campus at 16, and he had a ton of learning still to do -- not just on the field. The trials and tribulations of the past year have taught some valuable lessons, but replacing Watson won't be an easy task. NFL-level tackles don't grow on trees. Hart's ceiling might be nearly as high as Watson's, but he's got farther to go to reach it. FSU will likely be satisfied with marked progress from 2012, and as long as Hart keeps heading in the right direction, he might reach Watson's level by season's end.
No. 3: RT Bobby Hart
2012 performance: Hart's sophomore season was a huge step back in terms of productivity, but it may have been the most important step of his career. A starter at age 17 in 2011, Hart quickly adopted a lackadaisical attitude toward practice and found himself in line coach Rick Trickett's doghouse. He lost his job to transfer Menelik Watson, didn't start a game in 2012 and saw only limited playing time. The time spent on the sideline may have been a setback on his career path, but it also opened Hart's eyes to the fact that he hadn't accomplished anything yet.
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Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesBobby Hart is looking to replace Menelik Watson at right tackle and return to Florida State's starting lineup in 2013.
Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesBobby Hart is looking to replace Menelik Watson at right tackle and return to Florida State's starting lineup in 2013.If he succeeds: An offensive line that was solid if unspectacular in 2012 could make the leap forward to become one of the top units in the country in 2013. Hart's the swing vote in that potential growth. The other four starters from last year return, all expecting to improve after a year in the trenches. But Watson was, in many ways, the glue that held last year's line together, and its struggles when he was hurt underscored that notion. If Hart can become a viable replacement -- on the field and, perhaps as importantly, in terms of maturity off it -- the rest of the group should coalesce nicely, and the star-crossed tackle's career could once again be on an upward climb toward an NFL future.
If he fails: All that experience and growth from 2012 could fall by the wayside if Hart proves incapable of handling the job. If Trickett pulls the plug and sends Hart to the sidelines once again, there are few easy alternatives. Bryan Stork, a steadying force at center last season, would likely slide out to replace Hart on the right side, and Austin Barron would step in at center. FSU already has depth concerns on the O-line, and that makes any major shakeup a concern. But after a year of building continuity for a group that struggled badly in 2011, another major renovation is the last thing the Seminoles need.
Projection: There will be obvious comparisons between Hart and Watson this season, but that's a bit unfair. Watson was 23, and while his football experience was limited, he was a veteran of the ups and downs of life. He was as mature a leader as FSU had on offense, and he had the skill set to develop quickly. Hart is another story. He arrived on campus at 16, and he had a ton of learning still to do -- not just on the field. The trials and tribulations of the past year have taught some valuable lessons, but replacing Watson won't be an easy task. NFL-level tackles don't grow on trees. Hart's ceiling might be nearly as high as Watson's, but he's got farther to go to reach it. FSU will likely be satisfied with marked progress from 2012, and as long as Hart keeps heading in the right direction, he might reach Watson's level by season's end.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Spring practice arrived with some significant questions, and it ended with at least a slightly clearer indication of some answers. This week, we'll take a look at five of the biggest question marks of the spring and decipher what we learned and how much further the Seminoles have to go before the season kicks off.
Next up: The offensive line
The question: With starting right tackle Menelik Watson leaving for the NFL draft, can FSU find a suitable replacement and improve on a solid season by a young offensive line?
The possibilities: The simplest solution would be for junior Bobby Hart to seize the right tackle job -- a position he owned for eight games in 2011. But Hart has struggled with maturity and consistency, which opened the door for a potential reshuffling of the line, with Bryan Stork moving out to tackle and Austin Barron taking over at center.
What we learned this spring: Hart has grown up -- at least a bit. Now in his third season at Florida State, it's hard to believe, but Hart is still just 18 years old, so some of those maturity issues early in his career are understandable. But with age and experience comes wisdom, and Hart insists he's learned from his struggles.
"Once you sit back and understand why you're in that predicament, you mature and you learn from it, and that can be a good thing," Hart said.
At times this spring, that maturity showed. Hart and Cameron Erving were Florida State's two most consistent linemen this spring according to coaches, and when the spring game ended Hart was still the nominal starter at right tackle.
Next up: The offensive line
The question: With starting right tackle Menelik Watson leaving for the NFL draft, can FSU find a suitable replacement and improve on a solid season by a young offensive line?
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Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesNow in his third season, Bobby Hart is still very young at 18, but he's showing more maturity.
Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesNow in his third season, Bobby Hart is still very young at 18, but he's showing more maturity.What we learned this spring: Hart has grown up -- at least a bit. Now in his third season at Florida State, it's hard to believe, but Hart is still just 18 years old, so some of those maturity issues early in his career are understandable. But with age and experience comes wisdom, and Hart insists he's learned from his struggles.
"Once you sit back and understand why you're in that predicament, you mature and you learn from it, and that can be a good thing," Hart said.
At times this spring, that maturity showed. Hart and Cameron Erving were Florida State's two most consistent linemen this spring according to coaches, and when the spring game ended Hart was still the nominal starter at right tackle.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- While Jimbo Fisher won't be etching anything into stone after Saturday's spring game, there were clearly a few players who took big leaps forward during the past month and a few more who saw significant opportunities slip away.
WINNERS
Jameis Winston, QB
The performance: Winston entered the spring third on the depth chart, but tops in potential. He didn't disappoint. By spring's end, he was splitting first-team reps with Clint Trickett and dominated FSU's spring game, solidifying his place as the fan's choice for the starting job even if Fisher hasn't made anything official.
What comes next: Heisman? National championship? The Hall of Fame? With Winston, there doesn't appear to be such a thing as setting the bar too high. Fisher might be trying to temper expectations, but that's likely a lost cause. Winston still has plenty of work to do before he reaches the vast heights predicted for him, but he's only burnished his resume during the past month. What comes next for him though? "It's baseball season," he said after Saturday's spring game.
WINNERS
Jameis Winston, QB
The performance: Winston entered the spring third on the depth chart, but tops in potential. He didn't disappoint. By spring's end, he was splitting first-team reps with Clint Trickett and dominated FSU's spring game, solidifying his place as the fan's choice for the starting job even if Fisher hasn't made anything official.
What comes next: Heisman? National championship? The Hall of Fame? With Winston, there doesn't appear to be such a thing as setting the bar too high. Fisher might be trying to temper expectations, but that's likely a lost cause. Winston still has plenty of work to do before he reaches the vast heights predicted for him, but he's only burnished his resume during the past month. What comes next for him though? "It's baseball season," he said after Saturday's spring game.
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State opened the spring with more significant questions looming over the team than in any season since Jimbo Fisher took over as head coach. The past four weeks certainly haven't provided answers for them all -- including some of the most hotly debated -- but there have been some clues as to what the Seminoles will look like in the fall.
The defensive scheme: Fisher opened spring by assuring there would be few changes on defense despite three new coaches, including a new coordinator. It didn't take long to see he was bluffing. Jeremy Pruitt had players watching game film of his old Alabama teams during the offseason, and he's installed an aggressive new scheme that includes shifting players around, dropping linemen into coverage, bringing linebackers to the line of scrimmage, and blitzing early and often. "I love this defense," safety Terrence Brooks said. "It's amazing. A lot more blitzing, a lot more chances to make plays, moving guys around. Everybody's learning but we're picking it up every day and it's getting a lot better."
The right tackle job: Fisher might never offer Bobby Hart a full-fledged endorsement after the young lineman squandered his starting job with a lackadaisical approach last spring, but there was clear improvement for Hart this time around, and he managed to hold on to his spot atop the depth chart throughout. Moving Bryan Stork to right tackle and giving Austin Barron the starting job at center remains a possibility -- or a threat, depending on how much of the debate is based around motivating Hart -- but for now, Hart looks to be on solid ground.
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AP Photo/Don Juan MooreJeremy Pruitt has quickly put his aggressive scheme into use at FSU this spring.
AP Photo/Don Juan MooreJeremy Pruitt has quickly put his aggressive scheme into use at FSU this spring.The right tackle job: Fisher might never offer Bobby Hart a full-fledged endorsement after the young lineman squandered his starting job with a lackadaisical approach last spring, but there was clear improvement for Hart this time around, and he managed to hold on to his spot atop the depth chart throughout. Moving Bryan Stork to right tackle and giving Austin Barron the starting job at center remains a possibility -- or a threat, depending on how much of the debate is based around motivating Hart -- but for now, Hart looks to be on solid ground.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State wrapped up its first scrimmage of the spring Monday, but if Jimbo Fisher is any closer to picking a starting quarterback, he's playing his cards awfully close to his chest.
"Ain't even close," he said even before he could be pushed on the subject.
Still, Monday's practice gave the four men vying for the job a chance to test their knowledge without Fisher looking over their shoulders on each play, and for the most part, the coach said he's pleased with the results.
"Guys did some nice things, but we've got a long way to go," Fisher said.
Fisher insisted each of the four quarterbacks rotated with the first- and second-team offenses, though left tackle Cameron Erving said his starting line worked more with Jameis Winston and Clint Trickett than the others.
In any case, Fisher said he made a point to put each quarterback in adverse situations to see how they might react.
"We wanted to see pass blocking and we wanted to see the quarterbacks set in the pocket vs. a live blitz, making them stay in the pocket and making the line have to block," Fisher said. "We wanted to do that deliberately."
While most of this is old hat for Trickett, who is now in his fourth year of scrimmages in Fisher's offense, Winston, Sean Maguire and Jacob Coker all had moments of optimism Monday, which fit well with what Fisher was expecting.
He's still far from the finish line in deciding this competition, but the upside is that the four contenders aren't making it any easier.
"It kind of reaffirmed some things I'm seeing in practice, which is that I'm not unhappy at all," Fisher said. "They need to be more consistent, but I imagined that right now in terms of where we're at."
"Ain't even close," he said even before he could be pushed on the subject.
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AP Photo/Don Juan MooreJimbo Fisher liked what he saw from his QBs on Monday but insists the competition still is wide open.
AP Photo/Don Juan MooreJimbo Fisher liked what he saw from his QBs on Monday but insists the competition still is wide open."Guys did some nice things, but we've got a long way to go," Fisher said.
Fisher insisted each of the four quarterbacks rotated with the first- and second-team offenses, though left tackle Cameron Erving said his starting line worked more with Jameis Winston and Clint Trickett than the others.
In any case, Fisher said he made a point to put each quarterback in adverse situations to see how they might react.
"We wanted to see pass blocking and we wanted to see the quarterbacks set in the pocket vs. a live blitz, making them stay in the pocket and making the line have to block," Fisher said. "We wanted to do that deliberately."
While most of this is old hat for Trickett, who is now in his fourth year of scrimmages in Fisher's offense, Winston, Sean Maguire and Jacob Coker all had moments of optimism Monday, which fit well with what Fisher was expecting.
He's still far from the finish line in deciding this competition, but the upside is that the four contenders aren't making it any easier.
"It kind of reaffirmed some things I'm seeing in practice, which is that I'm not unhappy at all," Fisher said. "They need to be more consistent, but I imagined that right now in terms of where we're at."
Editor’s note: Each day until the start of spring practice, we’ll pose a question facing Florida State's football team as it moves toward the 2013 season. Today’s question: Can FSU's offensive line continue to grow in 2013?
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The starting point was so low, it would've been nearly impossible for Florida State's offensive line to fall short of expectations last season.
In 2011, the line was horrendous -- allowing the most sacks in the conference, providing virtually no room to run, and forcing an injured EJ Manuel to be a one-man offense far too often. By season's end, Jimbo Fisher essentially went back to the drawing board and started from scratch, giving a starting nod in FSU's bowl game to four freshmen. It was a gesture that admitted there was nowhere to go but up.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The starting point was so low, it would've been nearly impossible for Florida State's offensive line to fall short of expectations last season.
In 2011, the line was horrendous -- allowing the most sacks in the conference, providing virtually no room to run, and forcing an injured EJ Manuel to be a one-man offense far too often. By season's end, Jimbo Fisher essentially went back to the drawing board and started from scratch, giving a starting nod in FSU's bowl game to four freshmen. It was a gesture that admitted there was nowhere to go but up.
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Can O-line pick up where Watson left off?
March, 11, 2013
Mar 11
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David M. Hale | ESPN.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The lure for Menelik Watson to return for his senior season was the potential of Florida State's offensive line. Had he played for the Seminoles again in 2013, all five starters from a solid unit would've been back, and Watson figured they could have been something special.
"They still are going to be one of the best in the country, but the camaraderie us five had was good," Watson said. "That was really the hardest thing for me."
The unit entered the 2012 season with just 16 combined starts -- 14 of which belonged to center Bryan Stork -- but quickly jelled.
The question now is whether that same camaraderie -- and more significantly, that same potential -- can exist without Watson.
The numbers suggest Watson was integral to the line's success a year ago. Watson missed two-and-a-half games in the 2012 season, and in those 10 quarters FSU allowed 10 sacks. In the 11-plus games he played, the Seminoles allowed just 16.
Part of those struggles without Watson could be pinned on Daniel Glauser, another juco transfer who stepped in as the primary backup at right tackle throughout most of 2012, but that also underscores just how far Bobby Hart had fallen.
"They still are going to be one of the best in the country, but the camaraderie us five had was good," Watson said. "That was really the hardest thing for me."
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Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesIf Bobby Hart can fulfill his potential, Florida State's offensive line might not miss a beat despite the loss of Menelik Watson to the NFL.
Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesIf Bobby Hart can fulfill his potential, Florida State's offensive line might not miss a beat despite the loss of Menelik Watson to the NFL.The question now is whether that same camaraderie -- and more significantly, that same potential -- can exist without Watson.
The numbers suggest Watson was integral to the line's success a year ago. Watson missed two-and-a-half games in the 2012 season, and in those 10 quarters FSU allowed 10 sacks. In the 11-plus games he played, the Seminoles allowed just 16.
Part of those struggles without Watson could be pinned on Daniel Glauser, another juco transfer who stepped in as the primary backup at right tackle throughout most of 2012, but that also underscores just how far Bobby Hart had fallen.
From the impending quarterback competition to finding replacements for departing juniors, Jimbo Fisher will have his work cut out for him during the next few months as he lays the groundwork for 2013.
With that in mind, we're going position by position looking at Florida State's strengths and weaknesses as the Seminoles prepare for the start of spring practice.
Previous entries can be found here.
Next up: Offensive Line
2012 recap: If success is determined as a matter of perspective, then 2012 was a tremendous accomplishment for the Florida State offensive line. It's not that the unit was dominant -- though at times, it was exceptional -- but rather that it came so far from the unmitigated disaster of 2011. Only center Bryan Stork was a holdover from the previous season's regular starters, while guards Tre Jackson and Josue Matias built on the foundation they laid in the 2011 bowl game. But it was the arrival of right tackle Menelik Watson and left tackle Cameron Erving that made the biggest impact. Overall, the line helped FSU to nearly double its rushing total from the previous season while trimming the number of sacks allowed from an ACC-worst 40 to a much more respectable 26.
With that in mind, we're going position by position looking at Florida State's strengths and weaknesses as the Seminoles prepare for the start of spring practice.
Previous entries can be found here.
Next up: Offensive Line
2012 recap: If success is determined as a matter of perspective, then 2012 was a tremendous accomplishment for the Florida State offensive line. It's not that the unit was dominant -- though at times, it was exceptional -- but rather that it came so far from the unmitigated disaster of 2011. Only center Bryan Stork was a holdover from the previous season's regular starters, while guards Tre Jackson and Josue Matias built on the foundation they laid in the 2011 bowl game. But it was the arrival of right tackle Menelik Watson and left tackle Cameron Erving that made the biggest impact. Overall, the line helped FSU to nearly double its rushing total from the previous season while trimming the number of sacks allowed from an ACC-worst 40 to a much more respectable 26.
State of the Noles: Guards and Centers 
February, 18, 2013
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By NoleNation Staff | ESPN.com
When it comes to recruiting, coaches are always thinking long-term. It's not just about which holes must be filled immediately, but rather where the needs might be in two or three more years.
With that in mind, NoleNation writers David Hale and Corey Dowlar are going through each position, looking at what FSU has on its roster now, and who might provide reinforcements down the line, projecting starters and evaluating the depth through 2015.
Up next, a look at the interior of FSU's offensive line: Guards and centers.
Current scholarship Guards/Centers (11): Tre Jackson (Jr.), Ruben Carter (RSSo.), Josue Matias (Jr.), Daniel Foose (RSJr.), Trey Pettis (RSSo.), Garrett Faircloth (RSSr.), Ira Denson (Fr.), Sterling Lovelady (Jr.), Bryan Stork (Sr.), Austin Barron (Jr.), Ryan Hoefeld (Fr.)
With that in mind, NoleNation writers David Hale and Corey Dowlar are going through each position, looking at what FSU has on its roster now, and who might provide reinforcements down the line, projecting starters and evaluating the depth through 2015.
Up next, a look at the interior of FSU's offensive line: Guards and centers.
Current scholarship Guards/Centers (11): Tre Jackson (Jr.), Ruben Carter (RSSo.), Josue Matias (Jr.), Daniel Foose (RSJr.), Trey Pettis (RSSo.), Garrett Faircloth (RSSr.), Ira Denson (Fr.), Sterling Lovelady (Jr.), Bryan Stork (Sr.), Austin Barron (Jr.), Ryan Hoefeld (Fr.)
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FSU's top recent freshman performances
February, 14, 2013
Feb 14
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By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
As Florida State fans begin to break down the incoming freshmen after national signing day, we took a look back at Jimbo Fisher's first three recruiting classes as head coach to find the true freshmen who made the biggest impact right off the bat.
Honorable mentions: Austin Barron and Bobby Hart both became regular starters on the offensive line in 2011, though that early success didn't last into 2012. Christian Jones showed some early promise, recording 18 tackles, 3 sacks and recovering a fumble as a freshman in 2010. Ronald Darby was the toughest cut from this list. He earned Freshman All-American honors last season after recording 22 tackles, eight pass break-ups and a forced fumble in a reserve role.
Honorable mentions: Austin Barron and Bobby Hart both became regular starters on the offensive line in 2011, though that early success didn't last into 2012. Christian Jones showed some early promise, recording 18 tackles, 3 sacks and recovering a fumble as a freshman in 2010. Ronald Darby was the toughest cut from this list. He earned Freshman All-American honors last season after recording 22 tackles, eight pass break-ups and a forced fumble in a reserve role.
The Big Board: Few immediate impacts
January, 31, 2013
Jan 31
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By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
The final push to add to the incoming Class of 2013 is on, and Jimbo Fisher and his plethora of new assistant coaches have been hard at work trying to hold on to the commitments they already have while adding a few late surprises, too.
The final results should all be known Wednesday. But really, that's just the beginning.
Once national signing day is over, the focus again turns to the field. Since Fisher took the helm at FSU in 2010, there haven't been too many incoming freshmen to make a particularly big impact on game days.
The final results should all be known Wednesday. But really, that's just the beginning.
Once national signing day is over, the focus again turns to the field. Since Fisher took the helm at FSU in 2010, there haven't been too many incoming freshmen to make a particularly big impact on game days.
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Several Noles looking to rebound in '13
January, 17, 2013
Jan 17
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By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
Five assistant coaches and three juniors all left Florida State for greener pastures in the past six weeks, and a bevy of senior talent from the 2012 ACC champions departs as well. While the spring always brings hope for players to work their way up the depth chart, this year will offer a wealth of opportunities for some younger Seminoles to impress new coaches and win some vacant jobs.
That's good news for a handful of once promising talent on the Florida State roster, but it's hardly a guarantee that much will change. While last week, we looked at five rising stars for FSU, these six players have a much steeper hill to climb after seeing their stars dim during 2012.
Mario Pender (RFr./RB)
Background: Highly regarded on the recruiting trail, Pender's freshman season at Florida State never got started. A groin injury over the summer lingered into fall camp, and it was quickly determined he'd need season-ending surgery to repair it. He never ran a rep during practice but is expected to be ready to go this spring.
Possible 2013 status: On the one hand, Pender can still step in to a relatively uncertain running back situation and find a niche. James Wilder Jr.'s continued legal problems are a cause for concern, and Devonta Freeman was inconsistent down the stretch after Chris Thompson's injury. On the other hand, Florida State could be adding more talent with this year's recruiting class, and thanks to the injury, Pender won't be dramatically ahead of them in terms of preparation.
That's good news for a handful of once promising talent on the Florida State roster, but it's hardly a guarantee that much will change. While last week, we looked at five rising stars for FSU, these six players have a much steeper hill to climb after seeing their stars dim during 2012.
Mario Pender (RFr./RB)
Background: Highly regarded on the recruiting trail, Pender's freshman season at Florida State never got started. A groin injury over the summer lingered into fall camp, and it was quickly determined he'd need season-ending surgery to repair it. He never ran a rep during practice but is expected to be ready to go this spring.
Possible 2013 status: On the one hand, Pender can still step in to a relatively uncertain running back situation and find a niche. James Wilder Jr.'s continued legal problems are a cause for concern, and Devonta Freeman was inconsistent down the stretch after Chris Thompson's injury. On the other hand, Florida State could be adding more talent with this year's recruiting class, and thanks to the injury, Pender won't be dramatically ahead of them in terms of preparation.
Finding lessons in FSU's blowout wins
September, 10, 2012
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By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
EJ Manuel did his best to play politician.
He'd seen little more than three quarters of action through two weeks, and nothing he'd been tasked with doing on the field presented much of a challenge thanks to the limitations of FCS foes Murray State and Savannah State. But Manuel refused to call Florida State's first two games meaningless.
"I can't say we're better or worse," Manuel said. "Those were the two teams we had to face. If we had played West Virginia, I might have had a different answer."
But West Virginia backed out of its scheduled date with the Seminoles, and the early slate offered little insight into a team that could either mark a return to FSU's glory years or the latest -- and perhaps greatest -- disappointment in an increasingly long history of underachievers.
The real tests begin this week with the start of ACC play, but while Manuel couldn't find much insight in two easy wins over lower-tier opponents, we'll do our best to try to find a few items worth noting.
1. One injury is one too many.
Jimbo Fisher said his team enters ACC play relatively healthy, noting that tight end Nick O'Leary and center Bryan Stork are both expected to practice this week and be ready to start Saturday after missing the Savannah State game. The easy start also gave Fisher a chance to break in some freshmen and get defensive tackle Anthony McCloud healthy, which should add some depth for the long season ahead.
He'd seen little more than three quarters of action through two weeks, and nothing he'd been tasked with doing on the field presented much of a challenge thanks to the limitations of FCS foes Murray State and Savannah State. But Manuel refused to call Florida State's first two games meaningless.
"I can't say we're better or worse," Manuel said. "Those were the two teams we had to face. If we had played West Virginia, I might have had a different answer."
But West Virginia backed out of its scheduled date with the Seminoles, and the early slate offered little insight into a team that could either mark a return to FSU's glory years or the latest -- and perhaps greatest -- disappointment in an increasingly long history of underachievers.
The real tests begin this week with the start of ACC play, but while Manuel couldn't find much insight in two easy wins over lower-tier opponents, we'll do our best to try to find a few items worth noting.
1. One injury is one too many.
Jimbo Fisher said his team enters ACC play relatively healthy, noting that tight end Nick O'Leary and center Bryan Stork are both expected to practice this week and be ready to start Saturday after missing the Savannah State game. The easy start also gave Fisher a chance to break in some freshmen and get defensive tackle Anthony McCloud healthy, which should add some depth for the long season ahead.
What can you take from a 55-0 game against a bad FCS team that was played with a running clock for 11 minutes then abruptly called for weather reasons with nine minutes to play in the third quarter?
The answer: Not very much. But Jimbo Fisher will watch film on it anyway, so we're pushing forward with this week's grades.
QUARTERBACK
Florida State scored 124 points in its first two games, so it's tough to offer much in the way of insightful criticisms of EJ Manuel's play, but we did note a few loose ends after the Murray State game that offered some minor cause for concern. It took just two plays for Manuel to provide a rebuttal Saturday.
Manuel connected with Rodney Smith for a 61-yard TD pass on the second play of the game, and it was all easy from there. His final numbers -- 11-of-13 for 161 yards and three TDs -- illustrate both how small an obstacle Savannah State was and how sharp Manuel looked in dismantling the Tigers. The only two incompletions of the day for Manuel were a drop by Rashad Greene and a ball he threw away while avoiding pressure.
What was most encouraging, Fisher said, was the fact that Manuel was in complete control of the game, looking off his first and second reads and finding an open man on all but one play.
The answer: Not very much. But Jimbo Fisher will watch film on it anyway, so we're pushing forward with this week's grades.
QUARTERBACK
Florida State scored 124 points in its first two games, so it's tough to offer much in the way of insightful criticisms of EJ Manuel's play, but we did note a few loose ends after the Murray State game that offered some minor cause for concern. It took just two plays for Manuel to provide a rebuttal Saturday.
Manuel connected with Rodney Smith for a 61-yard TD pass on the second play of the game, and it was all easy from there. His final numbers -- 11-of-13 for 161 yards and three TDs -- illustrate both how small an obstacle Savannah State was and how sharp Manuel looked in dismantling the Tigers. The only two incompletions of the day for Manuel were a drop by Rashad Greene and a ball he threw away while avoiding pressure.
What was most encouraging, Fisher said, was the fact that Manuel was in complete control of the game, looking off his first and second reads and finding an open man on all but one play.
3 Up, 3 Down: FSU 55, Savannah State 0
September, 9, 2012
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By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
It's hard to call anyone a hero in a 55-0 win, and there's certainly not much to criticize, but Florida State still managed to have a handful of players make strong impressions in limited time and a couple more than muffed a chance to pad their stats.
THREE UP
1. Manuel’s play: The Florida State quarterback connected on 11 of 13 passes for 161 yards and three touchdowns and looked incredibly sharp in thumping Savannah State for just one quarter of action before taking a seat.
THREE UP
1. Manuel’s play: The Florida State quarterback connected on 11 of 13 passes for 161 yards and three touchdowns and looked incredibly sharp in thumping Savannah State for just one quarter of action before taking a seat.
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ABOUT NOLE NATION
David Hale
David Hale joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering the Philadelphia Phillies for The News Journal in Wilmington, Del., and the University of Georgia for The Macon (Ga.) Telegraph. Hale has written about college and professional sports since 2004. He currently lives in Tallahassee, Fla., and can be reached at davidmhale@gmail.com.
Corey Dowlar
Corey Dowlar joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering Florida State and South Florida athletics for 247Sports.com and Rivals.com. Dowlar has written about Florida State sports and recruiting since 2007. He currently lives in Clearwater, Fla., and can be reached at cdowlar@gmail.com.