Previewing The Florida State Offensive Attack
by ccmachine on Sep 8, 2010 12:45 AM CDT
in Oklahoma Sooners Football
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Its hard to get a good read on the complete potential of the Florida State offense after their thrashing of the Samford Bulldogs on Saturday because the level of competition was very skeptical. However in passing the "eye test" we do see an offensive attack that is precise, accurate and fast. They will no doubt be capable of exploiting the weaknesses uncovered by Utah State Saturday night.
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2 receptions/ 40 Yards |
Andrew Datko | Rodney Hudson | Ryan McMahon | David Spurlock | Zebrie Sanders | Beau Reliford (TE) |
4 receptions/56 yards/1 TD |
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12/14/167 yards/4 TDs/1 INT |
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3 rec/ 23 yards/ 2 TDs |
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Jermaine Thomas 8 carries/ 31 yards/ 1 TD 1 rec/21 yards |
After leading 7-0 following the first quarter of play last week the Seminoles exploded for 35 second quarter points behind four Christian Ponder touchdown passes and a 73 yard punt return by Greg Reid. This allowed for the first team offense to take the rest of the afternoon off but didn't give us much in the way of scouting. Ponder is mature (5th year senior), fairly mobile and accurate. He did have one pick (that came on a tipped ball) but his passing performance, while outstanding, left a couple of questions to be answered.
1) How much did the FSU receivers get tested? Granted, I didn't see the game but it appears from the stats that Ponder and his receivers were going up against air. Ponder only had two incomplete passes and only needed twelve completions to throw for 167 yards and four touchdowns. That's nearly a 14 yards per completion average and a touchdown every four passes. Oklahoma's secondary played like junk last Saturday night but they didn't give up that kind of completion percentage or touchdowns.
2) How much did Christian Ponder get pressured? It wasn't just Ponder, it was also the backup EJ Manuel. FSU quarterbacks went a combined 22-27 with no sacks. That's 27 drop backs without placing a quarterback on the turf. No pressure with over-matched defensive backs usually leads to a solid day for a quarterbacks.
Here's what we did learn about the FSU passing game on Saturday though. Christian Ponder has a nice touch on the ball and his receivers have the speed to get separation. Unlike what we saw from the Sooners on Saturday night, there seems to be chemistry between Ponder and his receivers.
Florida State's offensive line averages 6-4/297 in size and is not just good at protecting the quarterback. They sprung Seminole running backs for an average yard per carry mark of 5.8 yards. Junior running back Tye Jones is listed as second on the depth chart but led the way for FSU rushers on Saturday. He got the same amount of carries (8) as the starter but where Jermaine Thomas ran for 31 yards, Jones averaged 13.4 yards per carry on his way to a 107 yard afternoon. The Seminoles also like to throw the ball to their backs out of the backfield and found success there last weekend as well.
We'll also see multiple sets from FSU that look nothing like the base set listed above. They'll switch from that to a double tight to a four receiver set.
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Ponder's numbers should drop off some against OU, but they are still likely to be pretty good.
Against UNC last year (which had a top 10 defense), he went 33-40 for 395 yds, 3 TD, 0 INTs and ave. 9.9 yds/att. And that was to pull off a come from behind win. UNC knew we were going to pass and still couldn’t stop it. They have a very talented D.
Against BYU, Ponder was 21-26, 195 yds, 2 TD, 0 INts, 7.5 yds/att.
Against Ga.Tech: 26-36, 359 yds, 5 TD, 0 INT, 10 yd/att. (FSU still lost)
Against Miami: 24-41, 294 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT, 7.2 yd/att (FSU lost) (1st game of season & against conference rival)
Against Boston College: 29-42, 340 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT, 8.1 yds/att. (FSU lost)
Against USF: 25-37, 269 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT, 7.3 yd/att (FSU lost — in both the BC and USF games, Ponder had a knee brace on as his knee was banged up against BYU).
In those 6 games, Ponder did pretty well yet FSU had a 2-4 record despite Ponder’s performances. Perhaps that’s why many people don’t know much about him.
Our offensive line only allowed 3 sacks per 100 att in conference play last year. The entire line is back this year and they are a little bigger than they were due to new S&C program under Fisher. I would attribute a good bit of that low ratio to Ponder’s ability to scramble and his ability to know when to just throw the ball away.
We should throw last weeks games out the window
Essentially they are televised, polled, and season counting practices.
I expect a hard hitting game with FSU’s QB playing extremely well, OU’s QB showing a big improvement. Good FSU defense and OU’s defense improved. Solid FSU O-line, the ever wondering if OU’s O-line will gel. Multiple FSU receivers having good a day, OU’s Broyles and Murray having good day.
In the end I see the kicking game and special teams making the difference.
BOOMER SOONER
If I were a Sooner
Id want last weeks games thrown out as well, however it doesn’t work that way. And if its Special teams that decide this I feel real comfortable.
class of 99
If I was a seminole
I would want as many national championships as OU.
by OUPest on Sep 8, 2010 11:57 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
not so fast my friend
if it came down to ST….id feel pretty scared…FSU having the top punt returner in the nation and a strong footed kicker and punter on your (ou) opponents roster.
g5 will destroy teams with the ball. he cuts up the field similiar to adrian peterson and has speed like devin hester
Special Teams
FSU kicked off for touchbacks over 50% of the time. They blocked a punt and returned another for a TD. The field goal kicker (the one that kicked off for touchbacks) can hit from 60 yards….
by 93noleman on Sep 8, 2010 8:59 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Nole fan here
Nice writeup for not having watched the game. It did seem that Ponder was playing against air, mostly because Samford played their safeties 15-20 yards off the line of scrimmage. Their Secondary combined for over 30 tackles in the game, so that should tell you how bad they were.
The beauty of Ponder’s game is that he doesn’t force anything, ever. He really does take what the defense gives him..
FSU will struggle on the D-Line, but I feel if we can put any pressure on Landry then we have a chance to be in the game.
Most FSU fans will be satisfied if we are in the game in the 4th quarter. I’m one of them.
Ponder is good...but
OU will come out with a chip on their shoulders after last weeks lacksadaisical performance. The defense will be pissed off and ready to make some noise. We will put pressure on Ponder and we will force him to make bad decisions. My prediction is at least 2 turnovers and my gut tells me one of them will be taken back to the house sprinkled with a little SOONER MAGIC!!!
So OU will play harder than FSU?
Good luck with argument.
This team will improve in '10... on its 16-16 conference record over the last 4 years.... after losing 20 games in the last 4 years... after having the 7th worst major-conference defense... after not even winning its own division in the ACC in the last 4.
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by Bud Elliott on Sep 8, 2010 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
He's by far the best QB OU will see this season.
This team will improve in '10... on its 16-16 conference record over the last 4 years.... after losing 20 games in the last 4 years... after having the 7th worst major-conference defense... after not even winning its own division in the ACC in the last 4.
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You might want to run that by
Some UT fans because they’re kind of excited about Gilbert (at least I think they are).
"Ronnell is a freak of nature. Anybody that big, powerful and fast shouldn't be allowed on the field. That's Ronnell. You saw in the Kansas game when he knocked that guy out, he changed the whole game."
Ponder was given the #1 draft grade (over Locker even) among returning QBs
But yes some Texas fans are quite nuts
This team will improve in '10... on its 16-16 conference record over the last 4 years.... after losing 20 games in the last 4 years... after having the 7th worst major-conference defense... after not even winning its own division in the ACC in the last 4.
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Interesting
I was not aware of that. I knew they were in love with Locker and his leading of his team to 4-8 records every year, but had not heard they bumped Ponder ahead of him.
"Ronnell is a freak of nature. Anybody that big, powerful and fast shouldn't be allowed on the field. That's Ronnell. You saw in the Kansas game when he knocked that guy out, he changed the whole game."
Just an fyi
Not that he is the end all be all in NFL prospects, but according to Kiper’s most recent big board Ponder is behind at least Locker, Luck, and Mallett (Ponder not in his top 25).
($)http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?id=5546352($)
"Ronnell is a freak of nature. Anybody that big, powerful and fast shouldn't be allowed on the field. That's Ronnell. You saw in the Kansas game when he knocked that guy out, he changed the whole game."
This was from National (a service teams pay for)
This team will improve in '10... on its 16-16 conference record over the last 4 years.... after losing 20 games in the last 4 years... after having the 7th worst major-conference defense... after not even winning its own division in the ACC in the last 4.
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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National Football Post
And draftinsider.net
Both had Ponder as the top rated QB.
Here’s the article from Bleacher Report
Sports Illustrated: Ponder #1 QB
To be fair, Locker and Ponder have been rated very close. Might as well flip a coin to see who goes first in the draft. I’ll wait til the season’s done.
Certainly both fair points
"Ronnell is a freak of nature. Anybody that big, powerful and fast shouldn't be allowed on the field. That's Ronnell. You saw in the Kansas game when he knocked that guy out, he changed the whole game."
hey we are excited about him
and theres more than a few people who are unrealistic with their expectations.
but i think the large majority dont expect him to turn into the next manning overnight.
Re: So OU will play harder than FSU?
Nobody said that “BUD”… I just happen to think that it benefits OU to have had a flat game because the coaches will be on them all week about how much better FSU is than USU and if we want to win we need to get much better and fast!!! It is my personal opinion that OU will outplay FSU on both sides of the ball come Saturday. No argument, just MY opinion!
No need to put Bud in quotes
that is just his name – maybe FSU plays ‘harder’ after seeing the OU performance last week and tastes blood in the water… just MY opinion
p.s. just busting your chops, buddy
by DownByTheRiverWalkinOnWater on Sep 8, 2010 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
don't you mean "bud"dy?
"Ronnell is a freak of nature. Anybody that big, powerful and fast shouldn't be allowed on the field. That's Ronnell. You saw in the Kansas game when he knocked that guy out, he changed the whole game."
Not gonna happen...
That’s your opinion but when FSU comes walking down the tunnel they will hear 85,000 + ready to send them home crying. The difference in the game is that OU is the team that has something to prove…you guys are the toast of town right now and for what… You beat Samford and Son???good job buddy, you should feel real proud about that. As far as the game, OU will put pressure on Ponder all day and he will make costly mistakes that leads to an OU win… consider your chops busted!!!
Wow.
I am laughing as I think of Clemson fans who rushed the field last year after beating FSU. FSU has had 7-6 records 3 out of the past 4 years. I never thought of us as being the toast of the town. Most Nole fans are still very apprehensive about our D because we are extremely young and have a drastically new scheme. There wasn’t a single moment when FSU fans thought we could stop anyone else in any game last year.
Ponder single-handedly kept FSU in each of the games last year (except UF where Ponder didn’t play. At Clemson, where Ponder was playing with broken ribs, we were actually winning in the 4th qtr.). If we had any kind of defense at all, we could’ve won 10+ games. By the same token, we could’ve easily been 3-9 as many of our wins were by very narrow margins. I think most FSU fans would be happy with an 8-win season and are not projecting a win in Norman. At the same time, FSU has had a pretty good history of traveling on the road and pulling out some wins in unexpected places (see BYU last year), so we have a little hope of keeping it competitive.
FSU is not the powerhouse it once was. We have a lot of new coaches and young talent and we’re in the process of rebuilding what once was — only under new leadership. Sadly, the game changed while Bowden didn’t and he let the dynasty crumble. We are just a mediocre team from another conference. If OU wins, please do not rush the field as if beating a 0.500 OOC team is a major accomplishment.
we try not to make "arguments" based on opinion
because there is no way to back them up, but i can tell you that the reasoning on which you are basing your opinion is flawed. I do agree that home field advantage exists, but your first “sentence” doesn’t actually make a point – regardless, we play in lots of big, rowdy stadiums so that’s not likely to be a game breaker.
As for something to prove, I would argue that FSU has just as much if not more (especially the Defense) – eh, see NoleLaw’s response for the rest of this part, he beat me to it while i was “working”. You can be sure that FSU is not the toast of any town in the south east.
Finally, it is unwise to assume that simply pressuring Ponder will force him to make mistakes. He can either burn you for 15 yds running or throw down field on the run. Oh yeah, and we have one of the best OL in the country so good luck getting that pressure without exposing yourselves downfield (not literally, please).
I hope you now have a better understanding of the proper use of sarcastic quotation. Here’s to this discussion being settled in less than 3 days…
by DownByTheRiverWalkinOnWater on Sep 8, 2010 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions
You understood the point. Home field advantage is huge in college football. I was saying that not only are you taking on a school/team that has a tradition of excellence but you are in our house and it will not be easy. I understand you have played in big stadiums before and of course home field and the crowd won’t be the deciding factor. However, it will be any extra benefit for us. Also, I have heard all week how badly FSU dismantled Samford and how OU struggled with Utah State and how that could paint a picture of how this Saturday will go. Well that is just stupid because last Saturday has nothing to do with this Saturday. You have to line up and play every single game, every single week no matter who you play.
Finally, it is unwise to assume that we wont put pressure on your QB. It is also unwise to assume we won’t put him on his back all day. He will get to know Jeremy Beal and Travis Lewis really well.
The last thing I have to say to you is that it is incredibly stupid to talk smack about spelling or quotations on these posts. This is not Honors English…You pointing that stuff out makes you look like a nerd who has probably never played a sport in his life. Here’s to you never hooking up with a girl and to you watching your team get beat this Saturday.
I think most FSU fans are picking OU to win
It is also unwise to assume we won’t put him on his back all day. He will get to know Jeremy Beal and Travis Lewis really well.
This is silly. FSU has faced much better pass rushers than beal and shut them down. Beal will probably get to Ponder once or twice, but on his back all day is laughable.
This team will improve in '10... on its 16-16 conference record over the last 4 years.... after losing 20 games in the last 4 years... after having the 7th worst major-conference defense... after not even winning its own division in the ACC in the last 4.
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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You must didn't watch ESPN with Mark May clearly letting it be known "Its was only Samford"
FEAR THE SPEAR!!!!!!!!!
Varsity Athlete at FSU
so no and don’t be such a cry baby – you have KellenRN to thank for the “friendly” smacktalk as he started it last week. you’ll note that we did not pout when he made a witty comment.
stick to jamming your opinion down everyone’s throat and let jtesooner handle the rest, he is funnier than you. (re-reading this post, it seems a little harsh. posting anyway bc i think it’s funny and bc its all in good fun)
-signed, virgin-dork-bow legged-computer programmer
by DownByTheRiverWalkinOnWater on Sep 8, 2010 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions
This is not Honors English
= this
You must didn’t watch ESPN with Mark May
"Ronnell is a freak of nature. Anybody that big, powerful and fast shouldn't be allowed on the field. That's Ronnell. You saw in the Kansas game when he knocked that guy out, he changed the whole game."
I try to be funny, but usually do not succeed ;)
"Ronnell is a freak of nature. Anybody that big, powerful and fast shouldn't be allowed on the field. That's Ronnell. You saw in the Kansas game when he knocked that guy out, he changed the whole game."
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