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Florida State tied with Georgia Tech at halftime after uneven opening half
By Mark Kern
Published:
After the first drive, it felt like it was going to be a great day if you were a Florida State fan. The Seminoles went right down the field, going 75 yards on 7 plays capped off by a 28-yard run by Lawrance Toafili.
However, it has been tough sledding ever since, as the offense has struggled to get anything going, and the Seminoles are tied at 14 with Georgia Tech at halftime.
Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has completed 12 of 14 passes, but has thrown for only 96 yards. The longest pass for Florida State has been 21 yards, and there just haven’t been any open receivers down the field. The average air yards per attempt for Uiagalelei was -0.1 yards.
The big positive for Florida State is kicker Ryan Fitzgerald, who has made field goals from 52 and 59 yards.
Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King hasn’t done a ton for the Yellow Jackets, as he is only 3-of-5 for 53 yards passing, though he has 33 yards on the ground. For Georgia Tech, it has leaned on its experienced and talented offensive line to rush the ball 18 times for 101 yards in the first half.
The Yellow Jackets’ offense was good last year, but the defense couldn’t hold up its end. Through one half, Georgia Tech has been able to get after Uiagalelei and not let the Florida State offense get going.
The performance of Florida State has been a talking point on social media.
https://twitter.com/ADavidHaleJoint/status/1827393340796461560
Georgia Tech's last offensive drive. pic.twitter.com/OTn17eAfc6
— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) August 24, 2024
Adam Fuller mentioned tackling as a concern for the defense during the scrimmages. That drive was a tire fire of bad eyes, tackling, and getting blown off the ball. FSU must respond on offense as GT receives the ball to open the half.
— Jordan Silversmith (@jsilversmith24) August 24, 2024
I played against Georgia Tech a few times in CFB25 and it was a pain in the ass so I know how Florida State's defense feels right now.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) August 24, 2024
DJU might finish the year averaging negative air yards per attempt.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) August 24, 2024
This year's Florida State defense vs. last year's Florida State defense: pic.twitter.com/8EcXQcD0UK
— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) August 24, 2024
Florida State is almost halfway through this game and I don't think DJ Uiagalelei has thrown a pass that has gone further than five yards downfield?
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) August 24, 2024
https://twitter.com/ADavidHaleJoint/status/1827393340796461560
What will the second half bring? Tune in to ESPN to find out!
