FSU’s Willie Taggart on the team’s slow starts, poor defense, and failure to execute after blowout loss to Notre Dame

Florida State head coach Willie Taggart was disappointed and frustrated with his team following the 42-13 thrashing Notre Dame gave the Seminoles Saturday night.

Taggart specifically pointed to a slow start and a lack of execution across the board as factors that doomed FSU. He spoke about how the slow start, largely because of poor tackling on defense and a lack of execution on offense, gave Notre Dame an early lead. That lead meant FSU couldn’t make the Irish one-dimensional. Taggart was also asked about the seven trips into Notre Dame territory that only yielded 13 points.

Taggart also spoke about the quarterback situation. He addressed whether he thought James Blackman would have made a difference, and why he felt Deondre Francois should start. Taggart also deflected any blame on the weather but pointed out that uncharacteristic drops from receivers kept Francois and the offense out of rhythm.

It wasn’t all bad. Taggart did like how running backs Jacques Patrick and Cam Akers ran. He also spoke about defensive end Joshua Kaindoh and his development and rehab from injury.

Lastly, Taggart was also asked about preparing for a physical Boston College team with Florida State’s bowl streak on the line.