King’s change at head coach isn’t the only reason he’s a better quarterback in 2024 than from 2020-22, but anyone who watched the aimless Aggies over the past few seasons knows it certainly helped.
Winner: ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit
The longtime ESPN college football analyst spent all of “College GameDay” being drowned out by boos from Florida State fans angry over his support of 12-1 Alabama over 13-0 Florida State in last year’s contentious College Football Playoff debate.
If Herbstreit wants to campaign against the Seminoles making the 12-team playoff this season, he already has a stronger case.
Loser: Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei throwing downfield
The former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback showed why he’s on his third team in three years with an unimpressive first start for Florida State.
He took “dink-and-dunk” to a new level in the first half, finishing with negative-0.1 air yards per pass attempt on 12-of-14 passing.
It’s too early to bury the Seminoles, but they won’t live up to preseason expectations with Uiagalelei unable to push the ball downfield.
Winner: Clemson and Miami
Florida State’s main competition for the ACC crown should feel better about their prospects to win the conference and earn a crucial first-round CFP bye.
Clemson travels to Tallahassee to play Florida State on Oct. 5, and Miami hosts the Seminoles on Oct. 26. Of the two, the Hurricanes might have the most to celebrate.
While Clemson still has games against Associated Press preseason No. 1 Georgia and No. 24 NC State, Miami’s game against Florida State is its only against a preseason top-25 team — although that Nov. 9 road game at Georgia Tech just became a lot more challenging.
Loser: Florida State’s rush defense
Just as concerning as FSU’s lethargic passing attack was its porous rush defense. Georgia Tech averaged 5.3 yards per carry, gaining 190 yards on 36 rushing attempts.
Per data from Game On Paper, Georgia Tech gained at least four yards on 58 percent of their carries. The Seminoles held the Yellow Jackets to zero yards or less on only 14 percent of their rush attempts.
If others duplicate Georgia Tech’s production, Florida State will be an afterthought come playoff time.