The weekly 2-4-7 takes a look at two key players, four significant plays and seven quick-hitters from Florida State's game. Here are the moments that stood out in the Seminoles' heart-breaking loss to NC State.
It was a frustrating night all around for Florida State.
TWO KEY PLAYERS
Chris Thompson
If there were a bright spot for FSU on this nightmarish night, it was once again the play of senior running back, Chris Thompson. Thompson hit the 100 yard mark for the sixth time in his career, amounting 141 yards on the ground. However, the senior’s inspiring performance wasn’t enough to spark the slumping Seminole offense in the second half.
Mike Glennon
Tonight, specifically in the second half, NC State quarterback Mike Glennon displayed why so many believe he will translate so well into the NFL. The Wolfpack signal caller picked apart the Seminole defense and ultimately led his team down the field with minutes left to come out with the upset victory. Glennon finished the night having completed 30-of-55 passes for 259 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
FOUR KEY PLAYS
1. Manuel picked off
EJ Manuel’s second interception of 2012 couldn’t have come at a worse time for FSU. Driving and at the Wolfpack 33 yard line late in the third quarter, a Manuel pass was intercepted off a slant route.
Instead of points on the board for the Seminoles, as the drive should have ended, it was the Wolfpack who ended up gaining seven extremely valuable points – as Glennon would complete a 24 yard pass to true freshman Shadrach Thornton for a touchdown to pull the Wolfpack within six.
2. Manuel sacked out of field goal range
Again, with FSU driving and having seemingly another opportunity to put points on the board, the Wolfpack defense made another big play – sacking Manuel for a loss of 15 yards, ultimately causing Fisher to choose to punt it away instead of attempt a field goal from 50-plus yards.
3. Beatty blocked
Cason Beatty had punted exceptionally well all night long and it looked as though the true freshman was going to give the Seminole defense one last chance to halt a Wolfpack comeback.
However, after spotty blocking, Beatty’s punt was blocked with just over two minutes remaining in the contest, setting up Glennon the Wolfpack at the FSU 43 yard line to begin what would be the game winning drive.
4. Glennon clutch on 4th and 10
It looked as though, for a moment, the FSU defense was going to pull through. Glennon and the Wolfpack faced a fourth and 10 from the FSU 15 yard line. If the Seminoles came up with the stop, that was the ball game.
But Glennon, cool as ice, found his man and converted – setting his team up inside the FSU five yard line. And he and the NC State offense weren't done yet, as they converted yet again on fourth down to win the game with under twenty seconds remaining.
SEVEN QUICK HITTERS
Tough times in Raleigh: Tonight marked the fifth time since FSU has lost to the Wolfpack in Raleigh since 1998.
Spreading the wealth: FSU completed passes to eight different receivers for the sixth straight game.
First in over 100: FSU quarterback EJ Manuel had over 100 completions since he last tossed an interception, until he threw his second pick of 2012 late in the third quarter.
Thompson’s total on the ground: Chris Thompson’s 141 yards on the ground ranks as the second most ever in this series.
Jones career night: FSU linebacker Christian Jones recorded a career-high 14 tackles against the Wolfpack.
Prolific Thompson: FSU running back Chris Thompson had 10 plays of 20 or more yards tonight against NC State.
Creating turnovers FSU now has 11 interceptions in its last eight games. The Seminoles had just nine in their previous 11 contests.
- Sean Grimm
- staff writer for Noles247 - Noles247