TALLAHASSEE — Florida State appeared like Florida State once more in Saturday’s season-opening 47-7 rout of Duquesne.

Certain, the opponent was an overmatched group the Seminoles (1-0) ought to have destroyed. However that didn’t matter in 2018, when FSU trailed Samford halfway by way of the fourth quarter earlier than eking out a 10-point win. Or a 12 months later, when FSU squandered a 21-Zero result in Louisiana Monroe and solely escaped with a win as a result of the Warhawks missed an additional level in extra time.

Or final 12 months, when FSU blew the ultimate play to lose to Jacksonville State within the worst defeat of this system’s trendy period.

In comparison with these abominations, Saturday’s never-in-doubt rout at Doak Campbell Stadium wasn’t one thing to be missed. It was a efficiency to acknowledge.

It was progress.

The offensive line pushed round an inferior opponent and opened huge working lanes. That doesn’t imply the unit will dominate subsequent week towards LSU, nevertheless it was an encouraging signal for a place group that has struggled for years.

The working backs appear nearly as good as anticipated. Oregon switch Trey Benson (105 yards, one landing) broke deal with after deal with — no less than 4 on one first-half play. Lawrance Toafili (101 yards, one landing) lower nicely and appeared just like the blue-chip recruit he was popping out of Pinellas Park Excessive. Tampa Bay Tech alumnus Treshaun Ward (127 yards, two touchdowns) plowed by way of holes and spun out of hassle.

Final 12 months towards Jacksonville State, the Seminoles rushed for under 202 yards. On Saturday, that they had 207 by way of the primary 28 minutes.

Progress.

Coach Mike Norvell’s first-team offense excelled, scoring on all six of its drives. The Seminoles totaled greater than 200 speeding yards and 150 passing yards within the first half for the primary time over the past 15 years, based on ESPN.

The protection was stout, too, regardless of dropping the shutout within the third quarter. Defensive finish Jared Verse had a sack in his first recreation since transferring from Albany. All-ACC security Jammie Robinson broke up a pair of passes early.

Duquesne had just one play cowl greater than 20 yards within the first half; FSU allowed 5 of them within the first two quarters within the slender win over Samford 4 years in the past.

Progress.

If you wish to nitpick, FSU might have been sharper at instances. Quarterback Jordan Travis and 6-foot-7 receiver Johnny Wilson failed to attach on a red-zone move that might have been a landing. Norvell remains to be ready on his particular groups to interrupt out. Cornerback Jarrian Jones dedicated an early private foul.

The offensive line took one other hit when Darius Washington left with an damage. Washington began at heart as a result of Wisconsin switch Kayden Lyles is out for the season and 2021 starter Maurice Smith is was additionally sidelined. But when depth at heart is the Seminoles’ largest concern after this recreation, that qualifies as a welcome improvement for the place this program has been.

So give the Seminoles credit score for destroying the Dukes and beginning a season with a victory for the primary time since 2016. This isn’t 1992, when blowouts like this had been anticipated. It isn’t 2012, both, when you possibly can see a program on the verge of greatness.

In 2022, praising the Seminoles for overpowering an overmatched opponent isn’t patronizing. It’s honest, and it’s justified.

For 4 quarters Saturday evening, FSU lastly appeared like FSU once more. That’s progress.

• • •

By no means miss out on the most recent with the Bucs, Rays, Lightning, Florida school sports activities and extra. Observe our Tampa Bay Occasions sports activities group on Twitter and Fb.