Five Takes after FSU-Alabama: Worst Fears Realized

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Florida State has experienced its share of special teams gaffes over the years. We all remember the heart-breaking wide rights, a blocked kick return for a touchdown (Georgia Tech 2015) and the numerous muffed returns, shanked punts, poor coverage plays and frustrating penalties all associated with the Seminoles’ kicking game. But I’m not sure there have ever been as many blunders in a single game, or at least not of the magnitude of Saturday’s showdown against No. 1 Alabama.

Let’s run down the list of special teams mistakes from Saturday Night:

· Just over three minutes left in the first half: Logan Tyler had a 12-yard punt. IMPACT: Minimal. FSU was still able to force a three-and-out and get the ball back with time to score.

· Last play first half: Ricky Aguayo has a 37-yard field goal attempt blocked. IMPACT: Significant. Tying the score at the half would have given FSU momentum going into the locker room. (Alabama 10, FSU 7)

· Midway into the third quarter: Logan Tyler punt blocked. IMPACT: Moderate. The FSU defense held up nicely, limiting Alabama to just three points despite having a first-and-goal from the 6-yard line. (Alabama 13, FSU 7)

· Next play in the third quarter: Keith Gavin makes a poor decision fielding a kickoff that should have been let go and then fumbles trying to make something happen. IMPACT: Devastating. The Seminole defense couldn’t hold Alabama off a second straight time deep in its own territory. Damien Harris busted off an 11-yard touchdown run followed by a two-point conversion. Suddenly, FSU was down two touchdowns against one of the nation’s top defenses with just over a quarter left to play. That sudden momentum shift resulted in Deondre Francois trying too hard to make something happen. The ‘Noles’ starting quarterback would throw consecutive interceptions on FSU’s next two possessions, which put the game out of reach.

· Over nine minutes left in the game: Matthew Thomas hits the Alabama’s punt returner on a fair catch resulting in a personal foul. IMPACT: Minor. The game was effectively over at this stage, so this was just sour icing on the cake.

TAKE: Special teams were a major problem for Florida State last season. Poor field goal kicking probably cost FSU the North Carolina game, and there were numerous other miscues that could have been costly, including muffed returns against Florida and Michigan. As outlined above, poor special teams cost FSU a chance to unseat the nation's No. 1 team on Saturday. Don't be surprised if there is a change on kickoff returns this week. Also, the shortcomings in the kicking game might be enough for Jimbo Fisher to consider hiring a full-time special teams coach when schools are allowed to add a 10th coach next season.