That they did, surprisingly, in rather dominating fashion, defeating Florida State 38-24.
Houston, behind versatile quarterback Greg Ward Jr, spread the field offensively and gave the Seminole defensive scheme issues all day. Yes, FSU appeared asleep for another non kickoff, but that is no excuse. I closed down the bar at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis the night prior, and was there to answer the bell.
The Cougars jumped out 7-0, with FSU looking somewhat confused defensively. On some plays, Houston was stopped cold, but they took advantage of QB runs and targeted lined throws to coverage gaps. It was obvious within the first pair of series the base FSU defense would be ineffective, as Houston got rid of the ball quickly and did not give the 'Noles rush ends time to pressure Ward, and on occasion, his backup.
Inexplicably, DC Charles Kelly failed to make adjustments. Florida State seemed reactive, rather than proactive and disruptive. Houston was throwing to targeted holes, which should have been plugged by FSU adding a rover and playing a zone. Never happened, and Houston put up 38 points, 13 more than the Seminoles had given up in any game this season. FSU played at #1 Clemson.
Demarcus Walker had some moments, but the line was ineffective, primarily due to the Cougars plan. Terrance Smith made some play, but the defense looked out of sync most of the game. Jalen Ramsey was not imposing, and LaMarcus Brutus, who had a stellar year, had a very poor game. Derwin James had a career high tackling effort, but he lost a few battles out there as well. Very disappointing day for the defense.
Offensively, the Seminoles scored a field goal on the opening drive, then missed a field goal of 53 yards. Before we got a beer from the concession stand, it was 14-3. After FSU got a stop deep, Dalvin Cook lost a fumble. Ward raced to the corner of the end zone and Houston led 21-3.
FSU looked at times like they would be able to outscore Houston if they just settled down and stuck to the normal business. But, Rick Trickett's offensive line performed very poorly, taking a huge step backward. Receivers were wide open, but Shawn Maguire most often was unable to locate them.
Maguire badly turned an ankle badly in the first half, and supposedly returned with an air cast. While Maguire was in the locker room, JJ Cosentino got a few series in, where the Seminoles lost overall yardage. Cosentino was not ready for this platform. Maguire, on one leg, gave it a go, but while he did hit some throws, he could not get it done.
Maguire tossed four interceptions; tough to win with that going on. Based on this performance, neither Maguire or Cosentino appear to be the long term answer for the Seminoles at quarterback.
With the OL ineffective, Cook was harnessed and FSU was offensively limited. Cook is a overwhelming part of the offense, and if he is stymied, so is FSU. Houston was a sure tackling outfit on this day, refusing to let Cook hurt them with yards after contact and by breaking tackles.
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| FSU RB Dalvin Cook smothered by Houston Cougar defenders Photo/FOXSports.com |
There appeared to be limited if any adjustments offensively; FSU only tried one misdirection reverse to attempt to slow the Cougar swarm, but it was only one feeble effort. It is noted WR Travis Rudolph continued his recent progress and had a good game.
Coach Tom Herman and his Houston Cougars were most impressive, and had a stellar game plan on both sides of the ball. FSU was frustrated on both sides of the ball, and appeared to do little in terms of adjustments to shift lanes and make something happen. For sure, Houston quarterback Greg Ward, Jr. is quite a player.
Rarely, particularly in a bowl game, would someone categorize a Jimbo Fisher coached FSU as being out-played and out-coached, but in front overwhelmingly heavy Seminole crowd, so it was. It was evident from the stands early on that the standard operations of the Seminoles would not work, and they would have to adjust tendencies.
The Seminoles did not, and therefore, got whipped.
On a good note, The Marching Chiefs were stellar at halftime, and congrats to FSU cheer for flat out representing!
Rarely, particularly in a bowl game, would someone categorize a Jimbo Fisher coached FSU as being out-played and out-coached, but in front overwhelmingly heavy Seminole crowd, so it was. It was evident from the stands early on that the standard operations of the Seminoles would not work, and they would have to adjust tendencies.
The Seminoles did not, and therefore, got whipped.
On a good note, The Marching Chiefs were stellar at halftime, and congrats to FSU cheer for flat out representing!
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