College football: NC State 20-FSU 15

'Noles throw game away near end zone

By D.C. REEVES
Published November 6, 2005

TALLAHASSEE - An inefficient running game and freshmen playing like freshmen turned two red zone scoring opportunities pale for Florida State.

While the offense showed few signs of life, the special teams unit played catalyst late in the fourth quarter, blocking its second punt in four minutes and giving the Seminoles a chance to erase their 20-13 deficit with 2:44 to go.

Taking over on the N.C. State 5, quarterback Drew Weatherford tripped on an offensive lineman's foot for a loss of 7, then threw an ill-advised pass to freshman Rod Owens that was picked off by cornerback A.J. Davis on second down.

"I would have rather run it down there," tackle David Overmyer said. "I think the offensive line would have been able to push it in from 5 yards just like we did in the Maryland game."

FSU was seventh in the ACC in red zone efficiency going into Saturday's game, cashing in 25 touchdowns on 39 visits inside the 20-yard line.

Designed runs became rare long before FSU's final red zone chance. There were three runs called in the second half. Weatherford and Xavier Lee combined for 52 passes against 16 rushes overall.

"Every time you run it, and it's second and 10, you learn not to run it," coach Bobby Bowden said.

Tailback Leon Washington's absence due to a sprained ankle may have played a role in the play selection, as freshman Antone Smith was pushed into extended playing duty behind Lorenzo Booker.

"They really did a good job stopping our running game," Weatherford said. "We really haven't got going yet this season running the ball."

Florida State squandered a golden opportunity and a second chance early in the second quarter.

Taking over on the Wolfpack 29, the Seminoles needed five plays to earn first and goal on the 3. The offense then moved backward, having to settle for Gary Cismesia's 26-yard field goal by Gary Cismesia. On the kick, N.C. State corner Marcus Hudson was called for a personal foul as he tried springing off the back of a teammate to block the attempt, handing FSU first and goal again at the 4.

The break garnered three more plays, 1 more yard and a 25-yard kick.

"When you're in the red zone, you've got to punch it in, especially as close as we were," center David Castillo said. "We should've got six there. That just fuels defenses, when you have chances like that and then they hold you to three."

[Last modified November 6, 2005, 02:15:12]