FSU easily beat the Citadel, but two key starters were injured in the process.
Injury Update
Eddie Goldman was wearing a large brace on his foot and lower leg after the game, and using a crutch. Mario Edwards, Jr., said that Goldman told him that it was a sprained ankle and that he should be fine.
Edwards, Jr. also said that Nile Lawrence-Stample told him he was fine (ankle), and that he observed Lawrence-Stample doing some "high knees" on the sideline and stretching out.
Neither player returned to the game, and I did not observe Lawrence-Stample on the sideline doing what Edwards, Jr. described.
Original
Florida State earned its 18th-consecutive win under coach Jimbo Fisher, blasting The Citadel. The rain and wet conditions over Tallahassee throughout the weekend failed to keep FSU fans away, as the Seminoles played in front of 81, 294 fans.
FSU's offense was perfect in the first half, with four touchdown drives in four attempts, spanning 291 yards over 36 plays.
Florida State's first-term offense only had the ball six times, scoring four touchdowns and two field goals.
Jameis Winston finished 22-27 for 256 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Receiver Jesus Wilson, returning from suspension, had 35 yards and a touchdown.
The defense, however, struggled for much of the game with the triple option of the Citadel, lacking discipline at times, not getting off blocks, and tackling poorly. The starters did not allow any points, but the second team did, breaking the shutout bid.
DT injuries
Eddie Goldman, Florida State's star defensive tackle, was injured on the first defensive series and left the field with assistance. He was favoring his leg. Goldman was carted to the locker room and did not return to the game. He was spotted with a boot on his foot on the sideline in the third quarter.
Goldman's backup, Justin Shanks, also went out with a leg injury. As did Nile Lawrence-Stample, the starter at the nose guard position.
Updates on the players will be made once available, but this is easily the most important development of the game, because FSU does not have much int he way of proven defensive tackle depth.
Young reserves get time
Florida State fans follow recruiting with a passion and those who showed up or tuned in were treated to a lot of snaps from members of recent classes.
Freshmen Derrick Nnadi, Demarcus Christmas, Roderick Johnson, Travis Rudolph, Pig Harrison, Jacob Pugh, Ermon Lane, Dalvin Cook and others were spotted as having earned time.
Did FSU cover?
Nope! Not even close. The Seminoles were favored by 57 points by kickoff.
Next
Florida State has a bye week before facing Clemson on September 20.