Florida State’s opening matchup against Virginia Tech was supposed to be an offensive shootout.
Instead, it turned into a defensive battle, with the Seminoles and Hokies battling for field position the entire game. In the end, FSU’s great defensive performance could not overcome the issues that plagued the Seminoles’ offense.
Florida State’s defense came out of the gates slow, surrendering a touchdown and a field goal on Virginia Tech’s first two offensive drives. On those two drives, Virginia Tech averaged 6.1 yards per play.
However, from there Harlon Barnett’s unit kicked into overdrive. Virginia Tech would not score on their next nine possessions, which included eight punts and a fantastic goal line stand from FSU on fourth and goal.