Nolecast: Instant reaction to FSU’s win over Syracuse

Florida State wasn’t very hospitable on homecoming, smoking Syracuse in a game that was nowhere near as close as the final 18-point margin might suggest. And our Bud Elliott is back to discuss the Seminoles’ victory.

Bud begins by touching on FSU’s quarterback play. Alex Hornibrook got the start tonight, and although the debate as to which QB should be taking snaps for the ’Noles has turned quite polarizing among the fanbase, there are unmistakably plusses and minuses of either Hornibrook or James Blackman playing.

But Florida State showed another option behind center as well: running back Cam Akers taking snaps in the “WildCam,” which was quite effective against the Orange. Akers had another massive game, etching his name into Seminole history again. The Seminoles’ 6.4 YPP prior to fourth-quarter garbage time easily exceeded the Nolecast goal of 5.25 YPP.

Defensively, FSU was quite stingy against ’Cuse. The key, as I discussed in my defensive observations, was in all but eliminating Syracuse’s explosiveness. The Nolecast goal was to hold the Orange to 4.25 YPP. Before the fourth, they were averaging 3.6.

Check out the full instant-reaction podcast by clicking below.