WARHAWKS WEREN'T READY FOR NOLES

WARHAWKS WEREN'T READY FOR BATTLE WITH NOLES

After the first week of the college football season, Florida State fans will be smiling from ear to ear.  Even though it was Louisiana-Monroe, the Seminoles impressed in front of an announced crowd of 72,226 fans.  A final score of 34-0 was FSU’s first shutout since defeating Wake Forest last September, 31-0.

Starting slower than expected at Doak Campbell Stadium, the Seminoles relied upon a stout defense and strong special teams play.  FSU held the Warhawks to 192 total yards while sacking ULM quarterback Kolton Browning four times. 

One name that college football fans will know for the sixth-ranked Noles is Greg Reid.  His four punt returns totaled 71 yards.  They seemed like much more than 71 with his east-to-west jukes.  His big-play ability will continue to scare teams from kicking in his general vicinity.

Of course, all off-season, the talk was the departure of Christian Ponder to the NFL and his replacement EJ Manuel.  Manuel, a redshirt junior, had a number of poor throws – both over- and underthrown.  However, it’s good to get the bad throws out over the first few games of the 2011 season.  Manuel was 22 for 34 with 252 passing yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

The Noles will rely upon a slew of wide receivers – Rodney Smith, Bert Reed, Kenny Shaw, Greg Dent, Jarred Haggins and Beau Reliford.  But, Smith and Reed will be the go-to guys whom opposing teams will have to plan to stop. 

Florida State starts the year with an anticipated victory.  The Noles (1-0) host Charleston Southern next Saturday, Sept. 10.

Player to Watch: True freshman running back Devonta Freeman. He had eight touches for 32 yards and a score.  The Miami product will, most likely, get the load of carries this season.