Florida State vs. Jacksonville State: Offense breakdown, analysis

The Florida State Seminoles take the field at Doak Campbell Stadium to face off in their second primetime game of the season against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. Last week, the Noles fell to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a suspenseful overtime loss 41-38. Florida State looks to seal a comfortable win before heading to Winston-Salem for their first road game against the (2-0) Demon Deacons.

A short weather delay postponed the planned kick-off time from 8:05 pm to 8:10 pm.

Notable players out:

• Offensive lineman Maurice Smith.
• Wide receiver Ontaria Wilson.
• Defensive back Brendan Gant.

First-quarter:

Jacksonville State won the coin toss and elected to get the ball first at the half. Quarterback Mckenzie Milton starts the Noles off after a short kick return by defensive back Travis Jay. The running game is established early but had plenty of passes sprinkled in. Head coach Mike Norvell decides to go for it on fourth and short and Milton finds wide receiver Keyshawn Helton wide open heading towards the end-zone but could not connect. This is an offensive breakdown but the physicality of defensive back Sidney Willams is noticeable in practice and on the field. McKenzie Milton causes a fumble that is recovered by tight-end Camren McDonald. Quarterback Jordan Travis enters the game and scrambles for a first down. Travis has lined up at wide receiver, quarterback, and motioned out of the backfield. Having both playmaking quarterbacks in the game at the same time is unique but doesn't seem to fool the Gamecocks and the drive goes three and out.

What seemed to be an offense that was moving the ball well has quickly turned into back-to-back three-and-outs

• Florida State 0, Jacksonville State 0.

Second-quarter

Quarterback Jordan Travis leads them to another three and out after a stuffed run and back-to-back incompletions. Wide receiver Keyshawn Helton has been open twice for a chance at two very big plays but it seems he can't be hit in stride early on. Some turnover luck and what should’ve been a house call sees Milton start at about mid-field. Defensive penalties move them 15-yards closer to the endzone. Running back Treshaun ward and wide receiver Andrew Parchment get the ball rolling on a drive that ends in a touchdown run by running back Jashaun Corbin putting the Noles on the board with seven after a successful PAT.

Finally starting to see some life from the offense in the form of special teams. Wide receiver Keyshawn Helton gives the Noles excellent field position on a huge punt return starting them at the 45-yard line. McKenzie Milton’s first pass is complete for nine to Andrew Parchment. Another big run on 3rd and one by Jashaun Corbin puts the noles at the 20 and a defensive penalty moves them for 15-more. Milton finds Rector in the end-zone on a scramble.

• Florida State 14, Jacksonville State 7

Half-time stats:

• Passing yards, 58 for one touchdown. 18 YPC
• Rushing yards, 96 for one touchdown. 6 YPC
• Time of possession 11:37.
• Leading rusher, Jashaun Corbin.
• Leading receiver Andrew Parchment.

Third-quarter

FSU gets the ball at the 20 after a quick three and out by Jacksonville state and running back Jashaun Corbin gets them 15 on the first play for the Seminoles. Penalties haven't been as much of an issue this game but offensive lineman Devontay Love-Taylor negates a first down run by Milton with a holding penalty. Treshaun Ward gets in the mix showcasing his burst with two big 15-yard runs however, another penalty by offensive lineman Dillan Gibbons sets them back 15. The drive ends in a scramble by Milton for about 10.

Passes to Andrew Parchment and Darion Williamson put the Seminoles in field goal range and another penalty takes them nearly out of it at 53 yards. The kick by Ryan Fitzgerald is good extending the Noles lead to 10.

• The first turnover for the Seminoles comes in the form of an interception and a near-pick-six had wide receiver Andrew Parchment not saved it with a diving tackle.
• Florida State 17, Jacksonville State 7.

Fourth Quarter

Milton showcases his wheels on a nice run for a first down on 3rd and seven followed by another big run by Treshaun ward to put the Seminoles at midfield but an offensive pass interference takes them back on the next play.

• Jacksonville State’s Markail Benton gets disqualified for targeting and a completion to Darion Williamson moves the Seminoles back into the red zone.

Tight end Wyatt Rector gets his name called again after catching a pass at the one-yard line. At 4th and goal head coach Mike Norvell has a decision to make. He was criticized by some for going for it and missing last game. However, Norvell decides the odds were worth it and the drive ends with an upsetting incompletion to wide receiver Malik McClain in the back of the endzone.

Final stats

• Rushing, 202 yards 5.5 YPC one touchdown.
• Passing, 133 yards 7.4 YPC one touchdown.
• Leading rusher, Jashaun Corbin 109 yards 7.3 YPC one touchdown.
• Leading receiver, Darion Williamson 32 yards 10.7 YPC
• Jacksonville State 20, Florida State 17.