Despite a roaring comeback capitalizing on multiple Florida State miscues, it was LSU that made the final mistake Sunday night in a 24-23 Seminoles victory at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Trailing 24-10 in the fourth quarter, the Tigers scored the final 13 points of the game, but a blocked extra point out of time cost them a potential comeback opportunity in overtime.
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels hit Jaray Jenkins for a 2-yard touchdown with 1 second left for what appeared to be the tying score to end a 99-yard drive that started with a FSU goal. But Damian Ramos’ extra point was blocked by Shyheim Brown with no time on the clock to give the ‘Noles the win.
The only reason LSU had a chance to tie it late was because Brian Thomas Jr. was initially ruled out of bounds with a second left at the 1-yard line. Replay showed it was in bounds, but LSU punted the ball to get the final play in regulation.
It was a wild end to a stellar unit that probably never should have happened. LSU had a chance to tie it late because of a rare mistake by the ‘Noles’ rushing attack. Treshaun Ward stole an ill-advised punt at the goal line to give it back to LSU with 1:20 to play. That was the only reason Daniels even had a chance to lead his team down the field for what appeared to be the touchdown that would have sent the game into overtime.
It was a remarkable turn of events because it looked like Florida State had won the game when LSU’s Malik Nabers fumbled a punt at the 8-yard line with 2:05 left. Ward had two carries for 8 yards to reach the goal and force LSU to burn its first timeout. The fumble occurred on the first play out of the timeout.
The dramatic fourth quarter was the story of the night, but Florida State QB Jordan Travis was the star of the night. The second-year starter hit Ontaria Wilson with a double reverse flea pass for a 39-yard score early in the second quarter to put the ‘Noles up 7-3, a lead they would never relinquish. Travis connected with Wilson again in the third quarter with a beautiful over-the-shoulder dime near the right pylon to make it a 17-3 ball game and put the pressure on a Tigers team even more who just couldn’t get it going offensively. Travis finished the night 20-for-32 for 260 yards with two touchdowns, eight carries and 31 yards rushing.
Daniels started under center for coach Brian Kelly, who was making his debut in the purple and gold after a successful 12-year stint at Notre Dame. He went 26 of 35 for 209 yards and two touchdowns, adding 114 yards on the ground. Part of the reason Daniels was essentially the only effective piece of the offense was an offensive line that simply couldn’t contain Florida State’s defensive front. LSU gave up six tackles for loss, which included four sacks.
What are the main conclusions of the thriller in New Orleans?
Travis is the real deal
The ‘Noles shortstop looked like a different player Saturday in a hostile environment on one of the biggest stages of his career. Ontaria Wilson’s over-the-shoulder pass for FSU’s third-quarter touchdown couldn’t have been better placed, and the fourth-quarter drive that made it 24-10 went including a tremendous 15-yard touchdown reception. the 6-foot-7 middle to big target Johnny Wilson.
This is a great sign to move forward. The ACC is loaded with quarterbacks, and Travis was not included in the group that included Devin Leary, Tyler Van Dyke, Kedon Slovis and others. Add Travis to that group because he looked like a bona fide star against a fast and physical Tigers defense.
Special teams told the story
The missed extra point with no time on the clock will be what everyone remembers, but it was a blocked field goal attempt early in the game that led to Brown making the game-clinching play.
Ramos’ first field goal attempt of the night was a 30-yarder that was blocked by Jared Verse, who came in on the left side of the Tiger offensive line. Kelly told reporters after the game that the pressure that happened was enough for the Tigers to change personnel. Clearly, that didn’t work and opened the door for Brown to make history.
Kelly said after the game that Nabers, who drained two points on the night, was rock solid in practice and was surprised when the two fumbles occurred during the game. It is clear that he will also re-evaluate his lineup after the game, because these mistakes simply cannot happen.
Third downs were huge
Third-down conversion percentage is one of the most important stats in college football, and Florida State was money when it mattered most against LSU. The Seminoles converted 11 of 17 attempts, including 5 of 8 in the second half. Travis was a big reason. He was 8 of 12 for 92 yards and a touchdown on third downs, and the eight completions moved the chains. That helped the ‘Noles gain time in the possession battle and demoralized a Tigers defense that had no answer for most of the game. It also worked both ways. LSU’s offense finally got going in the fourth quarter, but went just 3-for-7 through the first three quarters. LSU has a lot of issues to address, and their third down issues on both sides of the ball should be at the top of the list.
LSU’s offensive line needs work
It’s a big concern heading into the season, and it’s still a problem. Daniels never looked comfortable and was relegated to a “read and bail” quarterback for most of the night. This led to massive frustration, especially with star receiver Kayshon Boutte; the two were caught on air having clearly intense conversations.
This is also not something that can be easily addressed. The most important part of any offensive line’s progression is continuity, and the fact that there are four new starters up front clearly shows that. Fortunately for LSU, Daniels is mobile enough to escape and make some plays with those legs when needed. However, this is not sustainable for a full season. Especially in an SEC West that is loaded with studs in the front seven.