Highest And Lowest Graded Players From Florida State's Victory Over Florida In The Swamp
The Seminoles have prospered in the face of adversity throughout the 2023 season. That was no different over the weekend as Florida State climbed out of a double-digit deficit with a strong performance in the second half to knock off the Florida Gators in Gainesville. The victory moved the team to 12-0 while ending their bitter rivals season in the process.
Running back Trey Benson powered the offense with 19 rushes for 95 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning scamper in the final minutes. On the other side of the ball, safety Akeem Dent had arguably the best performance of his career, finishing with seven tackles and one forced fumble.
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. Trey Benson (74.9) - 42 snaps
Benson carried Florida State's offense for the majority of the game as Rodemaker settled in. He tied a career-high with three rushing touchdowns while adding 95 yards on 19 carries.
2. Darius Washington (72.1) - 60 snaps
Washington was one of four Seminoles to play all 60 snaps against the Gators. He graded out as the top pass blocker (85.1) on the team.
3. Casey Roddick (67.3) - 15 snaps
Roddick was limited for most of the game as Keiondre Jones started in his place. He still got on the field in a couple of crucial scenarios, just hitting the qualifier to make this list.
4. Jaheim Bell (64.8) - 24 snaps
Bell caught all three of his targets for 38 yards, the second-most on the team. He had struggles as a run blocker, grading out at 45.4
5. D'Mitri Emmanuel (64.3) - 60 snaps
Emmanuel played every offensive snap despite fighting through an injury. He was key in setting up Benson's second touchdown run with a block that took out multiple defenders.
Lowest Graded Players:
5. Ja'Khi Douglas (60.0) - 32 snaps
Douglas only had one catch against the Gators but it was a massive reception on fourth down that ended up resulting in the go-ahead field goal. He's made an underrated impact on the wide receivers unit throughout the season.
4. Jeremiah Byers (58.4) - 60 snaps
Byers held down the right tackle spot throughout the contest. Like the majority of the offensive line, he had some struggles against Florida's front at times.
3. Keon Coleman (55.7) - 59 snaps
Coleman only caught one of his six targets for 24 yards. He had a touchdown bounce off his hands on a pass that was slightly high. Coleman did make a big play on special teams but that doesn't factor into this grade.
2. Lawrance Toafili (54.9) - 18 snaps
The Seminoles relied on Benson to soak up the majority of time in the backfield. Toafili did end up rushing five times for 23 yards.
1. Kyle Morlock (49.5) - 40 snaps
Morlock ended up finishing as the lowest-graded player on offense and failed to make a catch.
Full Grades:
DEFENSE:
Highest Graded Players:
1. Akeem Dent (91.4) - 63 snaps
Dent had arguably the best game of his career, making multiple open-field tackles that prevented big plays. Despite a BS penalty, he finished with seven tackles, including six solo stops.
2. Shyheim Brown (79.5) - 61 snaps
Brown dropped an interception but led the team with eight tackles, one pass breakup, and one quarterback hurry.
3. Jarrian Jones (74.7) - 39 snaps
Jones locked down Ricky Pearsall in the slot as the star wide receiver only finished with one reception. He had the highest coverage grade (75.7) on the defense.
4. Fabien Lovett (74.2) - 26 snaps
Lovett recorded three tackles and one tackle for loss while making a sizable impact in the middle of the defense.
5. Jared Verse (73.0) - 52 snaps
Verse had his top game of the season, finishing with six tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and two quarterback hurries. He was all over the field.
Lowest Graded Players:
5. Renardo Green (66.8) - 49 snaps
Green surrendered two catches for 15 yards while finishing with four total tackles.
4. Fentrell Cypress II (66.4) - 56 snaps
Cypress gave up one catch for 13 yards and missed one of his three tackle attempts.
3. Joshua Farmer (64.1) - 40 snaps
Farmer finished with five tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks.
2. Azareye'h Thomas (60.6) - 27 snaps
Thomas allowed one catch on two targets for 17 yards. He recorded two tackles in the victory.
1. Malcolm Ray (59.6) - 16 snaps
Ray finished with one tackle on the evening.
Full Grades:
READ MORE: Former Florida State Running Back Plans To Enter Transfer Portal For Second Time
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