1. What the heck is up with Jameis and all those INT's?
Wall St. Nole: Jameis had the worst day of his career as his turnovers, specifically in the first half continue to mount. I am of the thought that his performance is not due to the issues surrounding the hearing. He has handled that adversity well. As far as Saturday, we hadn't played a secondary that good since Louisville where he had similar results. That means unfortunately, we have to give some credit to the Gators. On top of that, the play calling hasn't helped him much as everything lately appears to be underneath or in tight windows. He HAS to start making better decisions on his reads. Throw in the ineffectiveness of Bobo Wilson, having a RB out wide on the first pick, O-line penalties digging him in a hole and you have your self a pretty rough day.
Roswell Nole: There's something physical going on with Jameis. Either he's not "compartmentalizing" the off-field stuff well and/or maybe the ankle is causing his mechanics to suffer. His decision-making seems to be okay, it's just the amazing throws he was making last year-often into very tight windows-are few and far between this season. He's even overthrowing open receivers some, and that never happened in 2013.
Teddy Hayduck: Jameis’ first half struggles this past week seem to be a combination of a few circumstances. First, let’s be clear that 2 of his 4 interceptions were spectacular defensive plays, not a misthrow or poor judgment on his part. UF’s secondary was head and shoulders above the rest that he has seen this season. Therefore fitting the ball into certain gaps becomes difficult when he is used to defenses that are slow to react or athletically inferior. That being said, his INT-spree this season has been a re-occurring issue, due mainly in part to a natural regression to the mean process. His level of average play probably lies somewhere between last season’s statistical representations and this season’s.
2. Does FSU's D have enough gas left in the tank to deal physically with Tech — AND mentally with the Jacket's tricky Triple Option?
Roswell Nole: Absolutely. The progress the defense has made this year is remarkable, and that side of the ball is relatively healthy so the depth should be adequate. As it has been stated, Kelly's familiarity with Tech's offense will help immensely. I'd look for the Nole D to start well.
Teddy Hayduk: The question of ‘enough gas left in the tank’ is an interesting one because FSU’s starters have probably played twice as much football this season as they did last season. That wears you down fast. It will be interesting to see what happens, but I think they dig deep and make the plays they need to. Mentally, preparing for the IIIO feels a lot like studying for the Verbal SAT. It’s tedious, boring, and repetitive. Jimbo will have to instill the importance of staying mentally tough for the final 60 minutes of the ACC season.
Wall St. Nole: Sadly they may not. Even when we play more physical we still appear to be lost quite frequently on assignments and eye discipline. The good news is the improvement from BC to the UF game. We seem to be doing well on controlling the edge but it's the smash plays I worry about this week. We will need to have stellar play from the LB core to have a chance at winning on Saturday.
3. Should FSU attack Tech's defense (70th ranked in run D, #57 in pass yds. allowed) primarily with Cook and a hopefully healthy Karlos, reducing the pressure on Jameis?
Teddy Hayduk: Yes, however I would bank on Cook more so than Los even if Los is healthy. Dalvin has proved to be so much more productive than Los this season, and Jameis needs to have a clean game. Cook is in a good position to make a strong push in the end of this season, as he has not been overworked thus far. What would REALLY reduce the pressure on Jameis is a good defensive standing. A pick or two would go a long way in reducing the Jacket’s ability to bleed clock time as well as give FSU some much needed extra possessions.
Wall St. Nole: I don't think so. In my opinion it puts more pressure on a QB when you try to baby him on the play calls. Next thing you know your in 3rd and long and you have to put your big boy pants on. I think we will come out pass heavy, looking to get Reshad involved more. If things go well, GT will have to adjust, and that's when we bring in the Iron Chef — Dalvin Cook. It's classic Jimbo Fisher game flow. If the Noles struggle on defense like some think they will, we will have to win in a shootout. Prediction: FSU 49 - GT 35
Roswell Nole: Run, run, run. FSU showed it could run effectively against a very good-excellent run defense last week, and it should be able to do even more versus Tech, which isn't nearly as stout defending the ground game. I wouldn't be shocked to see FSU out-rush GaTech, and of course have a big edge in passing yards.
Comments? Questions? Kudos?