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FSU Football Report Card: Seminoles vs. Cal Rating

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FSU Football Report Card: Seminoles vs. Cal Rating

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It was an ugly but satisfying win for the Florida State football team.

On Saturday night, FSU finally ended its four-game losing streak dating back to last year's loss to Georgia in the Capital One Orange Bowl, defeating Cal 14-9.

FSU improved to 1-3 on the season (1-2 in the ACC). Coach Mike Norvell stressed after the game how important the ACC win was, as Norvell avoided an 0-4 start for the second time in four seasons.

“First of all, I'm so proud of my team,” Norvell said. “We needed everything that the game showed, everything that the game had to offer. We needed to experience it.”

Here are the grades for FSU's conference win.

Offense: C-

FSU's offense wasn't explosive, but it was just enough to score two points. The Seminoles totaled 284 yards of offense, which is slightly above their season average.

However, they achieved their best performance of the season with 107 yards.

Senior running back Lawrance Toafili was electric on the ground after carrying the load with Roydell Williams unavailable and Kam Davis injured earlier in the game. Toafili finished the game with 80 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown.

“I was really happy for him and his performance,” Norvell said.

“Kam Davis was a little injured early on, but he was able to get back into the game. I thought he did some good things. Yes, LT, we needed him to be a workhorse tonight and I thought he definitely did his job.”

FSU quarterback DJ Uiagalelei was also in top form, hitting his targets and setting up FSU's first drive, which led to a touchdown by Toafili.

Then FSU's offense went cold and fell back into its old inconsistent patterns, eventually getting Cal back in the game. Uiagalelei threw his first and only interception of the night, leading to a field goal attempt for the Golden Bears.

The best play of the night was Uiagalelei's 36-yard touchdown pass to Ja'Khi Dougals 11 minutes into the fourth quarter after already trailing by two points.

“Ja'Khi caught a great touchdown late in the game to put us ahead,” Norvell said. “And then the guys really stepped up to make sure we put our stamp on the game and finished it off at the end.”

Despite having enough rushing yards, FSU has still not been consistent in converting scoring opportunities after the defense makes a key stop. FSU is still averaging 2.6 yards per carry. The offense still needs to figure out how to capitalize on possession.

Defense: B +

FSU's defense threw a sack party, and Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza was invited. The second-year quarterback was sacked seven times, and one of those was a game-winning one in the final minutes by cornerback Edwin Joseph.

“Our defense was able to keep them out of the end zone,” Norvell said. “I think two of five were in the red zone overall. You know, that was really a special performance. Very impactful.”

The defense led the game and kept Cal out of the end zone. The defensive line generated enough pressure and Patrick Payton led with three sacks. Joshua Farmer increased the lead even further with two tackles for loss.

“It was just a collective defense effort,” Norvell said.

“But it definitely started with the spark from those guys up front. We need them to keep building on that. Hopefully that can build confidence and skills. That's what we expect, but it's great to see it show.”

The secondary was on the go all night. Joseph had an interception late in the second quarter. Quindarrius Jones picked off a couple of long passes.

“You saw some young guys just keep coming in,” Norvell said of his young secondary. “I like the development I'm seeing. Of course, it's just one game, but we needed that game.”

Special Teams: A

The most significant special teams play was the 56-yard punt by veteran punter Alex Mastromanno, which put the Golden Bears at their 1-yard line and in an uncomfortable position.

Cal kicker Ryan Coe made 3 of 5 field goal attempts. Ryan Fitzgerald did not attempt a field goal, although there were a few opportunities within 50 yards, where he remains perfect.

Coach: C

Norvell and his coaching staff managed to handle the game well enough to take the win.

FSU's OC Alex Atkins returned to the bench for the first time after a three-game suspension. Norvell's impact went unnoticed.

“I think Alex has done a remarkable job. He has a great presence, just everything he does as the leader of our offensive group,” Norvell said.

“I mean, he's just a really special coach. I loved having him back on the sidelines with the rest of the offensive staff.”

Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and the defensive staff also planned the game against Cal well, especially the plays in the red zone.

“Coach Fuller and the defensive team responded,” Norvell said. “Even though the situation was difficult, it was great to hear the encouragement from each other.”

However, some questionable decisions caused confusion among fans at Doak Campbell Stadium.

The most questionable decision was going for it on fourth-and-7 with less than 30 seconds left in the game. The Seminoles were at Cal's 38-yard line, which, had Norvell opted for a field goal attempt, would have been 55 yards for Fitzgerald.

Fitzergald has completed 6 of 6 carries this season, including three over 50 yards. His career-high is 59 yards in Week 0 against Georgia Tech.

It may not have been an easy task, but given Fitzgerald's reach, it was at least worth a try.

FSU Football Schedule 2024: TV Channels, Dates and Start Times

  • Saturday, August 24th: vs. Georgia Tech* (Aer Lingus College Football Classic) lost 24-21
  • Monday, September 2nd: vs. Boston College* | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo) lost 28-13
  • Saturday, September 7: Bye
  • Saturday, September 14th: vs. Memphis | 12:00 pm | ESPN (Fubo) lost 20-12
  • Saturday, September 21st: against Cal, 14-9
  • Saturday, September 28th: at SMU*
  • Saturday, October 5: against No. 14 Clemson*
  • Saturday, October 12th: Bye
  • Friday, October 18: at Duke* | 7pm | ESPN2 (Fubo)
  • Saturday, October 26: at No. 19 Miami*
  • Saturday, November 2nd: against North Carolina*
  • Saturday, November 9th: at No. 7 Notre Dame | 7:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo, Peacock)
  • Saturday, November 23rd: against Charleston Southern
  • Saturday, November 30th: against Florida
  • Saturday, December 6: ACC Championship Game (Charlotte, NC)

All times Eastern

CLEARLY = ACC

* = Neutral location

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Reach him via email at [email protected] or at X @_Da_pistol.

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