Georgia Tech Game 8

For years Florida State defense was like Indiana Jones in a knife fight. Yes, we were prepared, but if times got tough we just pulled out our gun (the sheer talent on the field) and shot the idiot. Well, for the first time in I don’t know how long, we had the gun but gawdalmighty were we unprepared.

As many of you know, I am a big fan of Mickey and his philosophies….play everybody so injuries and graduation are non-factors…put your corners on an island and coach them up…blitz just enough…yell at your guys in person on the sideline so that every DB carries portable eye-wipers to get your saliva removed after an inspirational message…but this was like the local High School Sumo team playing twister. No matter what your taste, it was not pretty. Our two inside defensive lineman were consistently lined up on the center and instantly on the ground. Our two ends were so wide that the Tech guards were able to parade upfield and maul our LB’s. This was not brain surgery, folks. Gardner-Webb held this offense to 10 points. Every defensive player hits a gap – maintains that gap – and the safeties and free LB’s play the pitch man. What we were doing is beyond me. How about after the game when Mickey says we had less missed tackles than any game this season. Holy Hand Grenades Batman! That means that you were in such bad position defensively that they rushed for 200 yards and you only had 9 missed tackles! Cue the dramatic music – the good looking DA just busted his man on the stand. Bad plan, Mr. Andrews. I hope if redemption comes later this year in Tampa, you have learned your lesson.

About the only positive thing that came from the abortion that was the defensive side of the ball on Saturday was the continued solid play of Patrick Robinson. Had a chance at two picks – dropped one at the goal line that would have turned away three points (nah – we did not need those) and then snared a beautiful pass late that set up the fateful heartbreaking drive.

I have to say that although this was like swallowing a horse pill after running a 10k, there was one huge encouraging takeway from this contest. FSU is a mentally tougher team than I can maybe ever recall. Even in our most dominant years, we needed to play ahead to win. If we fell behind at any point, we tended to wither like a male florist at a rodeo. Yes, I know we had that miraculous comeback against Georgia Tech in 1992, but name three more? Well, our heroes this season have been behind in almost every game. The composure, fortitude and desire shown in this fourth quarter drive was awesome. Tech has 3 D-lineman that are gonna play on Sundays, and our diaper dandies were kicking their rears in those last two drives – as we have in every 4th period this season. Yeah, I screamed like a baby descending from 38,000 feet when the ball exploded out of Sims’ hand like you did, but the big picture is not so grim. Our QB is a player. Christian is doing everything asked of him and dramatically improving every game. His footwork and shoulder turn on rollout passes are now terrific. He is not making more than a few truly bad throws every game (which is huge), and DeVo’s ability has allowed him to save his body from 15 runs a game. The vision and tackle-breaking toughness that Jermaine Thomas displayed gives us great hope that we may improve at this position next year. He apparently needs to get in better shape, cuz he removed himself from the game when we got to the 6 for fatigue. He only had 9 carries all game…

Speaking of mental toughness, this week will tell a lot about the nails in these boys guts. Clemson is a administrative wreck, but still possesses the best personnel (by far) in the conference. More kids from this team will be playing in the NFL than any other ACC squad. Do we let them show this talent, and get legendary Dabo Sweeny a permanent job prowling the Tiger sideline, or do we keep them searching for answers like Leonard Nimoy. One terrific matchup to watch is two true freshman – our sometimes overmatched OT Zebrie Sanders and their all-everything DE Da’Quan Bowers. Oh, and the other DE is five star Jr Ricky Sapp against true freshman Datko. Yikes.

Bottom line is that we need to outcoach em and make the home crowd a factor this week. Clemson has owned us recently, but a win here should propel us to two more coming into Florida. Mickey, put on your dancing shoes because the pretty girl is coming over from the other bleachers and she is looking right at you.

Go Noles!