Photo courtesy of Florida State athletics
It was another disappointing weekend in Tallahassee.
Florida State got off to a disastrous start against Louisville on Saturday before coming up short in a comeback effort, 31-23. With the loss, FSU fell to 0-4 for the first time since 1974 and 0-2 in ACC play.
As bad as this season has been, Fifth Quarter continues to make a weekly effort to see the good. Handing out game balls to the top performing Seminoles this week will be editors Mike Ferguson and Cory Thorpe and FSU lead writer Jake Bunting:
Offense
Unanimous Game Ball: Jashuan Corbin, RB
For the third time in four games, Florida State running back Jashaun Corbin eclipsed the 100-yard mark rushing. Corbin finished with 159 yards rushing against the Cardinals on just 11 carries. His day was highlighted by a 75-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter. With 439 rushing yards for the season, Corbin ranks third in the ACC.
Defense
Mike’s Game Ball: Jermaine Johnson, DE
Georgia transfer Jermaine Johnson continues to be the gift that keeps on giving for the FSU defense. Johnson finished Saturday with three tackles and the lone sack for FSU. For the season, he leads the ACC with 7.5 tackles for loss and the nation with 5.5 sacks.
Cory and Jake’s Game Ball: Keir Thomas, DE
Jermaine Johnson wasn’t the only FSU defensive line transfer to shine on Saturday. Keir Thomas did not record a sack, but was a mainstay in the Louisville backfield. Thomas finished with five total tackles, one for loss, three quarterback hurries and a pass breakup in the defeat.
Special Teams
Unanimous Game Ball: Alex Mastromanno, P
For a season that has had few bright spots for FSU, Australian punter Alex Mastromanno has certainly been one of them. On Saturday, Mastomanno punted four times for an average of 45.5 yards per boot and a long of 53 yards. Louisville managed just one return for 10 yards.
Mike Ferguson is the managing editor for Fifth Quarter. Be sure to follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeWFerguson. Follow all of Mike’s work by liking his Facebook page.