Taggart declines to name starter at QB
FSU coach Willie Taggart won’t name a starting quarterback for Saturday’s game against Syracuse or the remainder of the season.
All signs, however, point to James Blackman getting the nod once again over Wisconsin grad transfer Alex Hornibrook when the Seminoles (3-4, 2-3 ACC) host the Orange (3-4, 0-3). The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. and air on ESPN2.
Taggart reiterated Monday he thought Blackman played well enough to give the Seminoles a chance to win during a 22-20 loss to Wake Forest. Offensive coordinator Kendal Briles echoed that sentiment before Tuesday’s practice. Blackman finished the contest 27-of-43 passing for 280 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The redshirt sophomore struggled with his accuracy on short and medium throws. He also fumbled twice at the end of the game as the Seminoles looked to get in position for a potential game-winning field goal or touchdown.
Blackman seems to have done enough in Taggart’s and Briles’ minds to keep the starting job.
“James played well,” Briles said. “He had one turnover, which you can’t do that, especially on the road in back-toback weeks. … I think, for the most part, he executed the offense really well. There’s a couple of throws he’d like to have back. That’s always going to be in a game, but he graded out well. He did a good job.”
Briles added Blackman has done a better job of moving up in the pocket, something he’s been working with him on, and keeping his eyes down the field, pointing out Blackman’s touchdown pass to running back Cam Akers in the second quarter.
Hornibrook was seen on the sideline getting loose when FSU’s defense was on the field against the Demon Deacons. Briles said Hornibrook is a professional and stays warm on the sideline just in case he’s called upon.
Taggart’s role: Against Wake Forest, it appeared Taggart was more hands-on with the playcalling than in previous weeks. Citing anonymous sources, 247Sports.com reported Taggart took on a bigger role calling plays and developing the game plan in the week leading to the Wake Forest loss.
Taggart, however, denied anything had changed when asked about his role Monday.
“No, it hasn’t been different than any other thing I’ve done all year long,” Taggart said. “I’m always involved on both sides of the ball. I thought Kendal called a good game.”
The Seminoles gained 449 yards during the loss, their most since earning 522 yards in a 35-24 win over Louisville.
Briles, 36, was hired in December after resigning from Houston after one season. He was brought in with a reputation of being one of the top young offensive minds in the country.
Briles is the Seminoles’ highest-paid assistant, making $1 million annually with a $200,000 base salary and another $800,000 in total compensation.
Briles’ offense has been inconsistent, with the Seminoles ranking eighth in the ACC in total offense, averaging 407 yards per game.
Aguayo’s struggles: The placekicking job appears to be open after Ricky Aguayo missed a 50-yard field goal with 2:13 remaining in the rain against Wake Forest, according to Taggart.
Aguayo’s attempt came after Taggart called a timeout as the play clock was winding down and in the rain. Taggart said the team will evaluate the kickers during the week of practice.
Aguayo has struggled this season. He is 4 of 9 on his kicks and has made one of his last six attempts, a 37-yard kick against NC State on Sept. 28.
Parker Grothaus has made both of his extra-point attempts this season.
Wilson out: FSU’s depth at wide receiver took another hit during the loss to Wake Forest.
Redshirt sophomore Ontaria Wilson sustained a shoulder during the second half and did not return. Taggart said Wilson “is going to be out for a while” and provided no timetable for his return.
Wilson has 20 receptions for 227 yards and one touchdown. The Seminoles lost Keyshawn Helton for the season with a knee injury following the 45-14 loss to Clemson.
Offensive linemen Baveon Johnson and Brady Scott are day to day after also sustaining injuries against Wake Forest.