Highest And Lowest Graded Players From Florida State's Top-25 Victory Against Duke
Florida State is 7-0 but the road hasn't come without its fair share of bumps. The Seminoles have had to overcome two double-digit deficits this season to remain undefeated, including on Saturday night after a rocky start in an eventual comeback win over Duke.
READ MORE: Florida State To "Probably" Be Without Veteran Defensive Lineman Against Wake Forest
Once again, FSU proved to be a second-half team as the offense figured out a tough defense down the stretch after a 96-yard drive to take the lead in the fourth quarter. On the other side of the ball, the 'Noles held the opposing offense scoreless for the third consecutive second half.
We're going to continue exploring this relatively new idea and dive into the highest and lowest-graded Seminoles on both sides of the ball from the win. All of the information below was gathered via Pro Football Focus.
*Players have to earn at least 15 snaps to qualify on the list
How Does PFF Grade Players?
PFF employs 600 full or part-time analysts who grade every single snap by every single player on offense, defense, and special teams during the game. The grades are calculated on a per-play basis where each play is broken down to grades of -2 to +2 in 0.5 increments. An average or expected play would result in a grade of zero, a game-ending turnover would bring in a grade of -2, and a perfect touchdown throw to win a game would be worth +2.
These apply to every single player on every play. For instance, a quarterback throwing a good pass that is dropped by a wide receiver would earn a positive grade. The wide receiver who dropped the ball would receive a negative grade while the offensive tackle protecting the blind side would get positive marks as well.
Obviously, PFF can't be certain on the assignments of every given player on a play but they grade on what the player is attempting to do. Plays in which there is a question mark can be deferred to as a zero. Hopefully, this provides a little bit of clarification on some of the details you'll view below.
Offense:
Highest Graded Players:
1. Jordan Travis (81.2) - 72 snaps
Travis responded from an early pick-six to finish 27/36 for 268 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed ten times for 62 yards and another score. His 27 completions marked a career-high as Travis also set the program record for total offense with his go-ahead rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
2. Markeston Douglas (77.1) - 23 snaps
Douglas caught both of his targets for 18 total yards while also helping out in the blocking game.
3. Jeremiah Byers (74.0) - 58 snaps
Byers has probably had his two most consistent performances in the last two weeks which come on the heels of a conversation with offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins during the win against Syracuse.
4. Maurice Smith (69.7) - 72 snaps
Smith has been pushing through injuries to give the Seminoles a solid performance in the middle. His toughness was on full display after being the only player outside of Jordan Travis to play all 72 snaps against Duke.
5. Johnny Wilson (69.1) - 42 snaps
Wilson caught five of his six targets for 58 yards prior to being injured in the third quarter. His status moving forward remains to be seen after exiting two of the last three games early.
Lowest Graded Players:
5. Jaheim Bell (57.3) - 36 snaps
Bell led the team with eight catches for 53 yards while leading Travis into the end zone on his go-ahead score. He did fail to hold onto a pass that was thrown high on Florida State's opening drive.
4. Kyle Morlock (54.9) - 31 snaps
Morlock caught one of two targets for 22 yards. The lone reception ended up coming on a 2nd and 20 on a drive where FSU eventually scored a touchdown.
3. Casey Roddick (54.6) - 22 snaps
Roddick started at left guard but ended up being replaced by redshirt junior Keiondre Jones for the majority of the contest.
2. Ja'Khi Douglas (53.4) - 28 snaps
Douglas failed to make a catch despite playing the fourth-most snaps (28) at wide receiver with Destyn Hill out of the lineup with an injury.
1. Kentron Poitier (44.1) - 25 snaps
Poitier's snaps decreased with Wilson back in the lineup. He has yet to make a catch this season in 112 snaps over the last three games.
Full Grades:
DEFENSE:
Highest Graded Players:
1. Shyheim Brown (82.8) - 43 snaps
Brown continues to develop into a rising star on Florida State's defense. He's become a crucial piece in the back end just like former All-ACC defender Jammie Robinson was. Brown recorded three tackles and one interception against the Blue Devils.
2. Patrick Payton (80.7) - 39 snaps
Payton has found his rhythm during the middle of the season after struggling at times in September. He totaled one tackle and three quarterback hurries but was constantly in the right position on Saturday night.
3. Fentrell Cypress (74.7) - 43 snaps
Cypress recorded four tackles and two pass breakups after bouncing back from some inconsistent performances.
4. Tatum Bethune (72.0) - 40 snaps
Bethune tied for a team-high six tackles and added 0.5 tackles for loss. He's been a key cog on the defense all year.
5. Fabien Lovett (71.8) - 25 snaps
Lovett had his best game of the season in the win over Duke and it was reflected on the stat sheet. He finished with a season-high four tackles and two tackles for loss.
Lowest Graded Players:
5. Gilber Edmond (60.3) - 22 snaps
Edmond didn't end up recording any statistics during his 22 snaps.
4. Joshua Farmer (54.9) - 34 snaps
Farmer was credited with one tackle and one quarterback hurry. FSU's defense struggled to stop the run in the first half, surrendering 197 total rushing yards.
3. Jared Verse (52.1) - 39 snaps
Verse finished with five tackles and one quarterback hurry.
2. Omar Graham Jr. (51.3) - 16 snaps
Graham finished with one tackle in 16 snaps, just meeting the mark to qualify for the list.
1. Malcolm Ray (44.5) - 25 snaps
Ray finished with one quarterback hurry but missed his lone tackle attempt. The Seminoles will be looking for him to step up with Dennis Briggs likely out of the lineup against Wake Forest.
Full Grades:
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