Highest And Lowest Graded Players From Florida State’s Win Against Virginia Tech

Who had success and who struggled for the Seminoles against the Hokies?

The path to Florida State's 5-0 start hasn't been straight and narrow. It's featured a twisting curve with plenty of bumps in the road and that mantra was on full display in the win against Virginia Tech. The Seminoles got off to a 22-0 start in the opening quarter but had letdowns in the middle frames that allowed the Hokies to cut the deficit to a single possession.

READ MORE: Mike Norvell Comments On Winston Wright Jr. Departing From Florida State

In the end, head coach Mike Norvell got his team settled down as Florida State closed out the game 39-17. The effort was magnified by a productive running attack led by running back Trey Benson and a stifling effort from a defense that held Virginia Tech scoreless outside of the second quarter. 

We're going to try out something new this week 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

Offense:

Highest Graded Players:

1. Trey Benson (89.6)

Benson rushed 11 times for a career-high 200 yards and two touchdowns.

2. Johnny Wilson (81.3)

Wilson caught four catches for 54 yards and two touchdowns prior to going down in the third quarter with an injury. He led the team in receiving.

3. Jordan Travis (80.1)

Travis was in command of the offense throughout the game. He completed 18/24 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 10 times for 25 yards.

4. Kyle Morlock (76.8)

Morlock was tied for the team lead in receptions after hauling in four catches for 30 yards. He took on a big role with Jaheim Bell limited.

5. Darius Washington (76.7)

Washington started at left tackle and ended up playing multiple positions in the process of being named the ACC's Offensive Lineman of the Week.

Lowest Graded Players:

5. Markeston Douglas (52.5)

Douglas caught his lone target for nine yards.

4. Preston Daniel (50.2)

Daniel didn't record any stats during the game.

3. Maurice Smith (47.6)

Smith started at center and was tied with Jordan Travis and Casey Roddick for the most snaps on offense with 56.

2. Ja'Khi Douglas (45.6)

Douglas made his season debut and had one drop along with an attempted catch deep where he was interfered with but no flag was thrown.

1. Casey Roddick (41.6)

Roddick started at left guard and was tied with Jordan Travis and Maurice Smith for the most snaps on offense with 56.

Full Grades:

DEFENSE:

Highest Graded Players:

1. Conrad Hussey (85.2)

Hussey had arguably the best performance of his young career on Saturday, recording three total tackles, one pass breakup, and a forced fumble. He also had a massive hit on a perfectly timed play where he avoided a targeting call.

2. Joshua Farmer (82.1)

Farmer started and recorded three tackles and one tackle for loss.

3. Renardo Green (79.1)

Green continues to be one of FSU's most reliable defensive backs, finishing with two tackles and a pass breakup against Virginia Tech.

4. Shyheim Brown (71.6)

Brown totaled four tackles on the afternoon.

5. Malcolm Ray (70.5)

Ray made a noticeable impact in the middle, recording two tackles while batting down a pass at the line of scrimmage.

Lowest Graded Players:

5. Fentrell Cypress II (57.7)

It felt like Virginia Tech was targeting Cypress throughout the game as he finished with five tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. He was hurdled for a touchdown in the second quarter.

4. Byron Turner Jr. (51.5)

Turner was credited with one tackle and one quarterback hurry.

3. Dennis Briggs Jr. (50.0)

Briggs did not record any stats during the win.

2. Omar Graham Jr. (45.3)

Graham totaled one tackle while playing 33 snaps, earning more time with Tatum Bethune limited in the contest.

1. Kalen DeLoach (45.3)

DeLoach recorded a team-high nine tackles while being one of five defenders to play 45+ snaps in the victory.

Full Grades:

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