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Grading Florida State football: It was a 'needed win' for Seminoles

peter holland jr., tallahassee democrat
·6 min read

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

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

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

"First off, I'm so proud of my team," Norvell said. "We needed every part of what that game showed, what the game had in it. We needed to experience."

Here are the grades for FSU's conference victory.

Offense: C-

Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Lawrance Toafili (9) runs the ball during the first half against the California Golden Bears at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Lawrance Toafili (9) runs the ball during the first half against the California Golden Bears at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

FSU's offense wasn't explosive, but it did just enough to put up two scores. The Seminoles recorded 284 yards of offense, slightly above their average in a season.

However, they rushed a season-best 107 yards.

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

"I was really happy for him and the performance he was able to put," Norvell said.

"Kam Davis got banged up a little bit early. He was able to come back in the game. I thought he did some good things. Yeah, LT, we needed him to be a workhorse tonight and I thought he definitely answered the call."

FSU quarterback DJ Uiagalelei was also in a groove. He hit his targets and set up FSU's first scoring drive, which led to a Toafili touchdown.

Then, FSU's offense went cold and returned to its old inconsistent ways, eventually putting 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 trailing by two.

"Big touchdown catch by Ja'Khi there late in the game to give us the lead," Norvell said. "And then just guys fought their tails off to make sure we put our stamp on it there to finish it at the end."

FSU was still inconsistent in taking advantage of scoring opportunities after the defense made a key stop despite putting in enough rushing yards. FSU is still averaging 2.6 yards a carry. The offense still needs to figure out how to capitalize on possessions.

Defense: B +

Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; California Golden Bears running back Jaivian Thomas (25) is tackled by Florida State Seminoles defensive back Shyheim Brown (1) during the second half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; California Golden Bears running back Jaivian Thomas (25) is tackled by Florida State Seminoles defensive back Shyheim Brown (1) during the second half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

FSU's defense threw a sack party, and Cal's quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, was invited. The sophomore quarterback was sacked seven times, and one of them was a game-clincher in the closing minutes by cornerback Edwin Joseph.

"Our defense being able to keep them out of the end zone," Norvell said. "I think there were two of five total in the red zone. You know, this was really just a special performance. Very impactful."

The defense carried the entire game, keeping Cal out of the end zone. The defensive line created enough pressure and Patrick Payton led with three sacks. Joshua Farmer added one more lead with two tackles for loss.

"It was just a collective defensive effort," Norvell said.

"But absolutely started with the spark of those guys up front. We need them to continue to build upon that. Hopefully, that can boost confidence and capability. Something that we expect, but great for that to show up."

The secondary was flying around all night. Joseph snagged an interception late in the second quarter. Quindarrius Jones broke up a couple of deep-ball passes.

"You saw some young guys who just continued to get in," Norvell said about his young secondary. "I like the growth that I'm seeing. Obviously, it's one game, but we needed this game. "

Special Teams: A

Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles punter Alex Mastromanno (29) during the first half against the California Golden Bears at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles punter Alex Mastromanno (29) during the first half against the California Golden Bears at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

The biggest play on special teams was senior punter Alex Mastromanno's 56-yard punt, which put the Golden Bears at their 1-yard line and in an uncomfortable position.

Cal's placekicker Ryan Coe was 3 for 5 in field goal attempts. Ryan Fitzgerald didn't attempt any field goals even though there were some opportunities around the 50-yard range, which he remains perfect.

Coaches: C

Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell before a game against the California Golden Bears at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell before a game against the California Golden Bears at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

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

FSU's OC Alex Atkins made his first return on the sideline after serving a three-game suspension. For Norvell, his impact went unnoticed.

"I thought Alex did a remarkable job. He's had such a great presence, just all things he does as the leader of our offensive group," Norvell said.

"I mean, he is just really a special coach. I loved having him back on the sideline with the rest of the offense staff."

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

"Coach Fuller and the defensive staff, the response," Norvell said. "Even though there was a tough situation, just hearing the encouragement back and forth."

However, some questionable calls left fans baffled at Doak Campbell Stadium.

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

Fitzergald is a perfect 6 for 6 on the season, three of which were 50-plus yards. The career best is 59 yards in Week 0 against Georgia Tech.

It may not have been an easy attempt, but with Fitzgerald's range, it was at least worth giving it a shot.

FSU football schedule 2024: TV channels, dates and start times

All times Eastern

BOLD = ACC

* = Neutral Site

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football report card: Grading Seminoles vs. Cal