Posted by NoleCC

By Bill Kristoph

Major Applewhite looked to have the Rice Owls ready to play Florida State. The Offensive Coordinator for Rice, Applewhite watched as his team answered FSU’s opening 7 points with their own. However, the Owls resembled chicken after that, as the ‘Noles cooked Rice 55-7. What should FSU fans be pleased with and what should they still be concerned with?

Positives:

Yes, it was only Rice. Yes, they are horrible. Yes, they run a 3-3-5 most of the time. But, the ‘Noles ran well for the first time this season, with over 200 yards for the game. If anything is painfully obvious, it is that Antone Smith (pictured above) should see a heavy amount of playing time with Lorenzo Booker mixed in, not vice-versa. (PS… Marcus Sims looked solid with his couple of carries.)
Xavier Lee has some great touch on passes. He needs more repetions, and is useful for a spark in the offense. It wouldn’t hurt to have him in the mix each game. Plays could be designed for him, a la Peter Warrick, but Weatherford must remain the starter and leader of the Seminole offense.

Gary Cismesia. He missed an extra point, but he hit a 53-yard bomb of a field goal. His confidence should continue to improve with kicks like that.

Greg Carr. Finally #89 had some balls thrown his way. He is FSU’s best receiving weapon and should be in the game at all times.

Negatives:

The defense recovered from a horrible opening, but J.R. Bryant can’t cover anyone which doesn’t bode well for the ‘Noles. The only ray of light is that FSU’s safety are pretty good with help over the top, but when it’s man on man, good luck.

The ‘Noles don’t have much for a backup punter, nor is the third string kicker very good. Unless, of course, the kick-it-into-the-center and have Caz run it in for 2 is a designed play.

Coaching. The beatdown of Rice provides another escape for the coaching staff, who will now claim that nothing was wrong and the players just had to step up.

Fans. Maybe 60,000 showed up for the game and the student section was the worst in years. Yes, it is Rice, but the players need the support for every game, not just the big ones. What could be better on a Saturday afternoon? (And for those ‘Noles threatening to boycott the games based on the coaching staff… go ahead, there are plenty of us that would like to move towards the 50 yard line.)

For the ‘Noles, it was a feel-good win. For the fans, it was a bit of appeasement. Nobody can complain when FSU puts up 55 in Doak Campbell Stadium. But will the ‘Noles be ready for the Thursday night showdown at N.C. State after their upset of Boston College? Will a solid ACC defense bring FSU right back to square one? Can the coaches objectively look at talent, and pull a few of their loyalties that are hurting the team?

Stay tuned…