For the first time in the Jimbo Fisher era, Florida State is off to an 0-1 start. The third-ranked Seminoles fell to No. 1 Alabama on Saturday night in Atlanta in a contest that was more competitive than the 24-7 final score would indicate.
Despite the loss, there were a number of FSU players who stood out in each facet of the game — or at least two of them. The Daily Nole staff of editor Mike Ferguson, lead writer Clint Eiland, recruiting analyst Jay Brading and contributor Josh Mixon all hand out their game balls for Saturday night’s effort:
Offense
Unanimous Game Ball: Auden Tate, WR
Auden Tate only caught two passes for Florida State on Saturday night, but what big catches they were. On FSU’s second drive of the game, Tate hauled in a 38-yard pass to move the Seminoles into Alabama territory. Later on the drive, Tate scored Florida State’s only touchdown of the night on a 3-yard pass from quarterback Deondre Francois.
Defense
Mike, Clint, Jay: Derwin James, S
Florida State safety Derwin James was as good as advertised on Saturday night, finishing with six tackles and 0.5 sacks. James was all over the field and made a few big tackles out in space on key third downs. James also nearly came away with an interception on a pass that was batted back to Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Josh: Ermon Lane, S
Former wide receiver Ermon Lane continues to look like a natural at safety. Lane was tied for third on the team on Saturday night with six total tackles, including a beautiful tackle on a swing pass to Bo Scarbrough out in a space to thwart a third down conversion attempt in the first half.
Special Teams
Clint, Jay: Tarvarus McFadden, PR
Tarvarus McFadden didn’t get to return a punt for Florida State on Saturday night. Unlike the others to touch the ball on special teams however, he didn’t have any egregious mistakes.
Mike, Josh: Stephen Gabbard, LS
On a night where FSU’s special teams laid an enormous egg, long snapper Stephen Gabbard did his job. Each of Gabbard’s snaps were where they were supposed to be. The problem came with the kickers, punters and returners.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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