Florida State’s Disappointing Loss and Georgia Tech’s Surprising Victory Define College Football Week 0
In a shocking turn of events, Florida State’s much-anticipated season opener ended in disappointment, as the Seminoles fell to Georgia Tech on a last-second field goal in Dublin, Ireland. This unexpected defeat highlighted the highs and lows of Week 0 in college football, offering a stark contrast between teams that capitalized on their opportunities and those that fell short.
Florida State’s Struggles
Florida State made a transatlantic trip to Ireland, but instead of celebrating a victory, they were left to ponder what went wrong during the long flight back to Tallahassee. Despite starting strong with an early touchdown and a two-point conversion to take an 8-0 lead, the Seminoles’ offense stalled. The team struggled to establish a consistent running game or find success with downfield passes, showing a lack of preparation and execution that was surprising given the eight months they had to ready themselves for the 2024 season.
The issues were evident on both sides of the ball. Offensively, new quarterback DJ Uiagalelei faced a chicken-or-egg dilemma: Was the passing game ineffective due to his discomfort with throwing beyond short distances, or was it the unproven receiving corps failing to get open? Defensively, Florida State was overpowered by Georgia Tech’s veteran offensive line, conceding nearly 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns. This defeat echoes the struggles from the early years of the Mike Norvell era, raising concerns about whether the Seminoles can meet their preseason expectations of contending for a national title and ACC dominance.
A Silver Lining for FSU
There is a glimmer of hope for Florida State, thanks to the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format. This change allows for more flexibility and could enable the Seminoles to recover from this early setback and still compete for a playoff spot. However, with tough games against Memphis, Clemson, Miami, North Carolina, and Notre Dame still on the schedule, Florida State must address its shortcomings quickly to remain in contention.
Georgia Tech Emerges Victorious
On the flip side, Georgia Tech capitalized on its opportunity, emerging as one of the biggest winners of Week 0. Despite being ranked ninth in the preseason ACC poll, the Yellow Jackets displayed resilience and strength, particularly in their running game, which has become a hallmark of the program under head coach Brent Key. This victory over Florida State not only boosts their standing in the ACC but also garners them national attention. Expect Georgia Tech to climb in the upcoming USA TODAY Sports US LBM Coaches Poll and gain more followers as excitement builds around their potential this season.
Brent Key’s Impact
Head coach Brent Key has made significant strides since being promoted from within Georgia Tech’s coaching staff. His influence was evident in the win against Florida State, showcasing his ability to build a strong, identity-driven program. With a solid offensive line and a balanced attack, Key has transformed Georgia Tech into a formidable opponent in the ACC. The win against Florida State marks a significant milestone, potentially signaling Georgia Tech’s return to prominence in college football.
Other Notable Winners and Losers
Winners:
- SMU: Managed to avoid an upset against Nevada, pulling off a comeback victory to win 29-24. The Mustangs leaned heavily on junior tight end RJ Maryland, who played a crucial role in the final quarter, securing the win with a go-ahead touchdown.
Losers:
- Nevada: Despite pushing SMU to the brink, Nevada missed a key opportunity to pull off an upset, which could have set a positive tone for their season. This narrow loss leaves the Wolf Pack pondering what could have been, as they aim to rebound under new coach Jeff Choate.
- New Mexico: The Lobos suffered a heart-wrenching defeat to Montana State, blowing a significant lead and conceding three fourth-quarter touchdowns. This loss spoiled the debut of coach Bronco Mendenhall and highlighted areas that need improvement.
As college football’s Week 0 fades into memory, teams like Florida State must regroup and refocus if they hope to achieve their lofty goals for the season. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech can savor their victory, using it as a springboard to further success. The 2024 college football season has just begun, and if Week 0 is any indication, fans can expect an unpredictable and thrilling ride.
