The offensive line did not block well and Francois took a beating; the defensive line got no pass rush at all; Dalvin Cook fumbled near the goal line; and the penalties (11 for almost 100 yards in the first half alone). Francois carried the ball nine times for 59 yards, displaying a keen awareness of when to tuck and run.
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Last season, Cook had 244 yards receiving over 12 games.
This college football season has already been full of drama with an electrifying series of matchups. Now, he’ll be charged with protecting quarterback Chad Kelly’s blindside. The Rebels also had a mere 67 rushing yards and failed to manage the game on the ground after jumping out to the early lead.
Florida State began its first drive in the fourth quarter with – you guessed it – points. But the time we did have, it was really good and even in camp we were trying to click. The Rebelse continued to show their dominance on offense, however, as Kelly led the team down the field and found another true freshman, this time D.K. Metcalf, in the endzone on a tip drill from three yards out.
But Francois threw a 16-yard TD pass to Travis Rudolph with 28 seconds left in the first half, and from that point everything changed, the roles of the teams suddenly reversing.
The Rebels will have to keep this up in the second half to defeat the Seminoles.
Ole Miss’ season-opener followed the course of the Rebels’ offseason: It was a roller-coaster ride and one that ultimately was no fun. The likelihood of stopping Seminole All-American running back Dalvin Cook is unlikely, thus their ability to put pressure on Francois will be paramount in keeping the FSU offense at bay. Ole Miss has won quite a few games over the past several years because of the guys up front.
The Seminoles did not give up going into halftime, however. They converted on the golden opportunity, and Kermit Whitfield scored from three yards out.
Francois is going to be good.
Jordan Wilkins was expected to carry a large share of the load at running back for Ole Miss this season.
A native of nearby Mascotte, Fla., Aguayo was a ideal 6-for-6 on field goal attempts Monday night, with makes of 21, 25, 30, 40 (twice), and 44 yards.
That led to Ricky Aguayo, younger brother of star kicker Roberto Aguayo, coming on for his second field goal of the night. A dime from Kelly that has been his highlight of the game. Tallahassee is practically on the way to Orlando for Ole Miss fans. After registering 76 tackles, Demarquis Gates is returning to spearhead the defense of Ole Miss. After Wofford, Ole Miss will face a hungry Alabama team looking for revenge.
“We’re ready to showcase what we’ve been putting in the work for all year”, James said.
Florida State: The Seminoles will host Charleston Southern of the FCS on Saturday.
“What a blessing to play my first college game in my hometown”, Francois said.
Kelly was willing to take the blame after the loss, per Matt Murschel of the Orlando Sentinel: “This one is on me”.
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The first half of Florida State’s game against Ole Miss could have gone much better for the Seminoles. He made the throws. Deondre Francois is a young QB with a lot of talent and potential.
