Florida State is 4-0 and ranked #5 in the AP poll. The season started with an impressive statement win over LSU, though they haven’t looked quite as sharp since then. The Seminoles are coming off a bye week after wins over BC and Clemson. FSU’s game against BC was a bit like Tech’s against Pitt. FSU controlled things for a stretch, before getting sloppy and giving up some easy scores; a banged-up Jordan Travis and his teammates held on for the win, though BC got a lot closer than Pitt did. The Noles were down two scores to Clemson twice during their game at Death Valley, but FSU again fought back and seemed to out-talent Clemson in the end.

This is a good team. In terms of measurables, FSU looks to have Tech beat at nearly every position on the field. They also have coaching continuity, as head coach Mike Norvell has kept a lot of Memphis guys around at the coordinator spots (and Odell Haggins has been with the team since the 90’s), and the newer arrivals have good resumes, e.g., Randy Shannon is the linebackers coach.

Offense

Jordan Travis (QB, #13) is hoping for a Heisman this year. He’s grown into a do-everything quarterback who can read the field, launch deep shots, stay alive in the pocket, and run and scramble for long gains. One sign that speaks to his presence in the pocket is just how many big end-of-the-progression throws I’ve seen him make to his backs and tight ends. One thing to note is that FSU throws a lot of screens, but they haven’t been great at them, and that’s dragging Travis’ grades down a little.

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