Florida State Football: Grading the Seminoles vs. NC State

For the second time this season, the 'Noles pitched a shutout.

Hello, three-game winning streak. Please stay for awhile.

The Seminoles are starting to finally look (consistently) like the team most of America expected. As they were after the halfway point of last Fall, Florida State is poised to finish the season as loudly as thunder. With their 3-2 record in conference play, there is a chance (albeit one that is hanging from a thread) of playing in the ACC Championship Game. More on that later.

NC State provided much for the highlight reels and inspection. How can the Seminoles parlay Saturday's win into a strong finish?

Florida State Quarterbacks

E.J. Manuel is a constant barometer of 'Noles excellence. At every home game (and I can say this as a student), he always receives the greatest wave of applause.

He also—due to his shoulder injury, says coach Jimbo Fisher—puts up the most mediocre of stats: two touchdowns, one pick.

Not terrible stats, but the satisfactory performances he displays still leave a longing for more. Like southern counterpart Alabama, Jimbo Fisher and Florida State have an efficient game manager controlling the ball. Good for us, so thank you E.J. You're a fine wine that will get even better in time.

Manuel's grit when running, though, has continued perfectly. A team leader, he pitched the ball to Devonta Freeman as he got tackled on a run at the NC State five-yard line. That selflessness led to the game's first touchdown. The option play just seems to keep him growing.

Rest the shoulder for Thursday's frosty game at BC.

Grade: B+

Florida State Running Backs

Jermaine Thomas likes to run past Miami.

But if you ask him, he doesn't mind helping with NC State. Thomas only touched the ball 11 times, but the senior made the most of it. Averaging nearly 4.5 yards per run obviously helped propel Florida State to victory.

Pryor and Freeman scored touchdowns. From that alone, it's easy to see that the running game has progressed. It wasn't a 200-yard day, and Freeman didn't crush the Wolf Pack in 100-yard efforts. But it is enough to show that the running game, while weak, is reliable.

Grade: B+

Florida State Receivers

Mr. Thomas, meet Mr. Shaw.

Kenny's recovery from the OU experience validates his role as a team leader. He was Manuel's bull's eye, and gained yards against an underwhelming NCSU defense.

A loud shout out beckons to Greg Dent of Belle Glade. Dent caught three passes for 70 yards. The two touchdowns from the air, along with two touchdowns on the ground, prove the Seminoles' dual-threat abilities.

Grade: B+

Florida State Offensive Line

Stop standing around!

For my weekly critique of the offensive line, I'll be kind. After all, I shouldn't judge a player if he's the one taking the hits.

Still, some linemen forced E.J. to scramble too often. Best of luck, guys.

Grade: C

Florida State Defensive Line

Four sacks for 29 yards is a pedestrian day for the defensive line.

That's how talented Florida State is. Mike Glennon isn't that great of a quarterback.

N.C. State only had 108 yards. Seventy team tackles is the second fewest the 'Noles have this year. Guys were probably taking a break for Parents weekend.

Grade: B

Florida State Linebackers

The linebackers made their parents proud.

Grade: B

Florida State Secondary

The secondary helped limit Mike Glennon's passing. Glennon threw two picks. Keep it up.

Grade: B

Florida State Special Teams

Dustin Hopkins made the trifecta of FSU's balanced offense. Two rushing touchdowns, two passing touchdowns, two field goals made. Disturbingly, he missed a field goal for the second straight game. If the 'Noles have another close game against Miami, we wouldn't want such a great player to make Wide Left IV.

Grade: A-

Florida State Coaching

Per usual, everything except the offensive line hummed. Jimbo might need to think about a new offensive line coach to share time with current O-Line coach Rick Trickett.

Grade: A-

Florida State Intangibles

Florida State had a great performance that was just subpar statistically. Sure, they got the shutout, but they had fewer sacks and their running game regressed. It was Parents Weekend, so the players could have been a bit out of it, maybe feeling like they were back at home after the semester. Mom doesn't clean your cleats anymore, son!

This was a lazy, relaxed day for the 'Noles at large. Play an early game and go home for a nap. Sure sounds nice. Wonderful victory. Save the extra effort for Thursday.

Grade: B