The 2014 Florida State Game

Well, here it is: The National Championship Game.  Dad is in San Francisco, so I am blogging the game.  Before the game starts, I am noting my pre-game observations.

I turned on the television to watch the pre-game coverage, and the first sight is the Tiger Walk.  It looks as big and rambunctious as any I have seen.// Nick Saban is a commentator.  He says that the SEC Title Game can be more difficult than the BCS National Championship Game, citing last year as an example, in which playing Georgia was harder than playing Notre Dame, according to Saban.  I wish that playing Florida State will be easier than playing Missouri, but I doubt it.

The idea about our offense is that the plays are simple, but the misdirection and tempo can confuse defenses and get them out of a rhythm.  When we play fast, we may run the same play consecutively but can the defense get lined up to stop it?  The hope is that it doesn't.

AJ McCarron tweeted his support for Auburn before the game.

Malzahn is sporting a new sweater vest that he hasn't worn all year.  It has "AUBURN" across the front.  It reminds me of what Ditka wore with the Bears.

Surprisingly, Lou Holtz picks Auburn to win.

Heisman trophy winning quarterbacks are 2-5 in BCS games.

FIRST QUARTER

The Tigers receive.  On the first play, Mason gets a first down.  Then, on third down, Marshall throws deep to Louis, but the pass is low and Louis drops it.  It would have been a touchdown.

After a punt, Florida State starts by passing and gets two first downs.  Mincy has a chance to intercept, but drops it.  The Seminoles get inside our 20, but the defense keeps them to a FGA.  Our red zone defense rises again.  The FG is good.

Auburn punts again, but pins FSU inside the two.  FSU goes three and out.  On the FSU punt, Chris David returns inside the twenty-five, giving Auburn field position to strike.  The Tigers get a first down.  We score the touchdown on a third down swing pass to Mason.

Auburn 7 - FSU 3

Auburn forces another FSU three and out, but we give them the first down when we rough the kicker.  However, FSU still does not get a first down and punts.  Auburn runs Mason, then throws to Melvin Ray for a touchdown over fifty yards.

After FSU punts, Auburn drives.  Parkey misses a thirty-three yard field goal.  Two plays later, Winston fumbles.  Auburn recovers deep.  We run Mason and Marshall.  On third down inside the ten, Marshall walks into the end zone around left end.

Auburn 21 - FSU 3

Auburn stops FSU, but the Seminoles run a fake punt on fourth and four.  They keep the drive going, running the ball in for a touchdown.  Winston can be elusive.

Auburn 21 - FSU 10

HALFTIME

FSU gets the ball to start the third quarter.  The Seminoles go three and out.  Auburn drives, but is called for holding on a third down conversion.  The Tigers punt.  FSU drives but settles for a field goal.

Otherwise, both teams trade punts in the third quarter.  FSU slows Auburn's running game, especially between the tackles.  However, Mason is over 100 yards rushing heading into the fourth quarter.  Scarily, Auburn muffs three kicks, two punts and a kickoff after the field goal.  Thankfully, Auburn recovered them all.

FOURTH QUARTER

FSU puts together a drive and scores a touchdown.  An unsportsmanlike penalty pushes the subsequent coversion back to the eighteen.  The Seminoles would have gone for two, but with the penalty they kick the extra point.

Auburn 21 - FSU 20

Auburn pounds the rock on the next possession.  A big long pass play gets the offense going.  Mason and Marshall keep running.  On third down inside the FSU ten, Marshall misses an open Sammie Coates.  Auburn settles for the field goal.

On the kickoff, FSU runs it back for a touchdown, a 100 yard return.

Auburn 24 - FSU 27

Auburn drives down the field, with Mason and Marshall running as usual.  Finally, with the FSU defense tired, Mason breaks free for a touchdown.  He scores with 1:19 left.  Too much time to leave FSU.

FSU drives down the field, aided by a 49-yard completion.  On third down inside the Auburn ten, Chris Davis is called for pass interference.  That, by rule, puts the ball on the two.  On the next play, Winston throws high over the middle to a tall receiver for a touchdown.

FSU wins 34-31.

It was an exciting game.  Give credit to the FSU defense for slowing our running game in the second half.  Mason finished with over 190 yards rushing, but we were less effective running in the second half.  Our defense played its best game of the season, showing Winston different looks, blitzes, and fronts.  Winston was rattled and confused, but he played better in the second half.  Auburn was known this season for fourth quarter play, but FSU was the better fourth quarter team.