Florida State has overcome injuries, more talented opponents and sometimes big early deficits at different points of this season.
But on Saturday, the Seminoles were at a disadvantage days before they even stepped on the field at Doak Campbell Stadium to face 19th-ranked NC State.
The strain of influenza that spread across FSU’s campus this week affected numerous players throughout the Seminoles’ week of preparation, and it showed during a poor first half which led to a 28-14 loss to the Wolfpack.
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FSU (3-6, 2-4 ACC) fell behind 14-0 as its offense struggled to move the ball without starting quarterback Jordan Travis, who was forced to sit after dealing with the flu, before pulling to within seven points heading into the fourth quarter.
In the end, mistakes down the stretch kept the Seminoles from completing their comeback.
FSU coach Mike Norvell refused to make excuses for the poor play, but said as many as 25 players missed at least one practice this week, affecting the team’s preparation for the game.
And key personnel who were among them such as Travis, left guard Dillan Gibbons, offensive lineman Baveon Johnson and cornerback Travis Jay, did not play.
“It was a challenging week for everybody,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. “There’s some sickness that spread and really just made it challenging. We struggled. You could see it show up in some lack of continuity and execution early, but that’s no excuse.”
Jordan Travis' absence meant McKenzie Milton got a start
Travis, who had started FSU’s past four games and led it to its three victories so far this season, could not suit up at all for the game.
It prompted McKenzie Milton to make his first start since Sept. 25th against Louisville.
Milton completed just 7 of 15 passes for 79 yards and threw an interception in the first half.
Travis completed 52 of his 77 passes for 575 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception while running for 308 yards on 58 carries and three touchdowns during his four recent starts. Without him in the first half, FSU’s offense sorely missed the explosiveness he has brought both in the running and passing game.
“Not a chance Jordan could have played today,” Norvell said. “He was doing everything he could, but it was tough. A lot of guys who pushed and did everything they could to be available. That added to the challenge, but we have to go out there and execute to a higher level.”
Gibbons dealt with severe symptoms throughout the week, but dressed out and even warmed up prior to the game with the hopes of playing. Redshirt junior Brady Scott started in his place.
Without Gibbons, one of FSU's best run blockers, or Johnson, one of FSU’s more versatile linemen for this season having taken snaps at guard and center, the Seminoles ran for just 10 yards on 12 attempts (not counting sack yardage) in the first half.
And while FSU’s defense made multiple key stops, it gave up big-chunk plays in the secondary, which was shorthanded without Jay. NC State repeatedly challenged FSU through the air early as quarterback Devin Leary threw four touchdown passes overall including a 62-yarder in the first quarter to C.J. Riley.
“It was emotional for all of us,” Norvell said. “I love these kids and when you see them sick and hurting and trying, I mean our athletic staff did a great job trying to help them practice to the best of their ability. During our first practice of the week, we were down four offensive linemen.”
Second-half jolt from onside kick didn't last
Norvell took a chance to open the second half to give his team a jolt when he elected to try an onside kick. It worked when kicker Parker Grothaus hit a slow roller that he recovered after it traveled more than 10 yards.
Milton was a different quarterback in the second half, leading a pair of touchdown drives and completing 15 of his final 29 passes for 154 yards and a spectacular 8-yard touchdown pass to Keyshawn Helton after evading pressure and finding him near the sideline in the end zone.
FSU’s running game was only slightly better in the second half though, gaining 61 yards on its final 12 rushing attempts collectively.
“We had new faces that had to step up,” Corbin said. “Guys had to step up and lead more. We just have to do a better job of that.”
FSU was held under 100 yards rushing for the second consecutive week and third time this season. The Seminoles also went 2 for 16 on third down conversions.
A second big gamble late when FSU went for it on 4th and 4 from its own 43-yard line and failed to convert led to a game-clinching touchdown pass from Leary to Ricky Person which put the game out of reach with 7:53 to go in the fourth.
Norvell said he hopes to have Travis back soon with the Seminoles set to host rival Miami next Saturday in their home finale. Gibbons and others could also be among those able to return.
“It was tough but the way our team handled it doesn’t surprise me the way we’ve handled adversity all year,” Milton said. “I’m just proud of the way our guys continued to fight. It’s not excuse though for our lack of execution not making third downs and things like that. I’m proud of the way our guys came to work whether it was having to get multiple IVs things like that. No excuse for the lack of execution, but we got to gameday and played our butts off.”
Reach Andre Fernandez at afernandez@tallahassee.com or follow him on Twitter @FernandezAndreC.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State's issues this week started before kickoff vs. NC State
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