Ultimately, the lack of explosiveness hurt the new-look FSU offense in a surprise loss to Georgia Tech. Uiagalelei totaled 7.1 yards per throw and the running game averaged just 3.2 yards per carry – but 58 of the Seminoles’ 98 rushing yards came on the first drive.

There were bright spots, though. Aside from that first drive, Uiagalelei made a couple of key fourth-down passes in the fourth quarter to tie the game. Florida State has potential in its attack on the scoring machine.

But on that day in Dublin, the ‘Noles failed the first test.

– David Kenyon, BleacherReport.com

Yes, there were some critical moments for Florida State with opportunities gained and missed that ultimately led to them losing to Georgia Tech despite being a 10.5-point favorite before the game.

“At least the loss in Dublin recalibrated the hype around FSU and reset expectations to about eight wins instead of ten or more,” said Paul Myerberg of USA Today wrote.

Florida State knew what it was dealing with with transfer DJ Uiagalelei from Oregon State, and he completed 12 of 14 passes for 94 yards in the first half with no turnovers, so the blame shouldn’t rest solely on him. Several issues need to be addressed if the ‘Noles are to pursue another ACC title and a trip to the College Football Playoff.

The question for Norvell is whether the Seminoles need more to win another ACC title — and after one game, the answer is a resounding yes. But there are things you can do to build around Uiagalelei, like Oregon State and its former coach Jonathan Smith did last season. That he protects the football is a big advantage; that he can be a weapon on the ground is another, even though he was used little as a runner in the opening game.

– Paul Meyerberg, USAToday.com

While Georgia Tech stunned Florida State, there’s no rest for the ‘Noles anytime soon. Boston College comes to town on Sept. 2 and could also bring the same plague of problems the Yellow Jackets have on offense. They have Memphis and Cal before traveling to SMU, and then they’ll have to battle through the No. 14 Clemson Tigers if they want to keep a chance at the game.

READ MORE: ESPN’s Paul Finebaum hasn’t stopped laughing at FSU since the upset against Georgia Tech

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