Seminoles’ special teams struggle

ATLANTA — To beat a team as talented and well coached as Alabama, Florida State had to play exceptionally in all three phases of the game.

The Seminoles’ special-teams unit, however, looked vastly inferior to Alabama. A remarkable pile of specialteams mistakes helped seal Alabama’s 24-7 win over Florida State Saturday.

“Very [surprised],” FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said of his reaction to the Seminoles’ repeated self-inflicted mistakes on special teams. “We work exclusively and we do over 30, 35, 40 minutes a day on special teams. We work it hard.”

With 10 seconds left on the clock before halftime, FSU K Ricky Aguayo attempted a 37-yard field goal, which would have tied the score at 10. However, an assignment bust got the field goal blocked and nearly returned for a touchdown.

The Seminoles’ special-teams early in the second half.

Junior CB Tarvarus McFadden misplayed a punt, letting it land and pinning FSU deep to start a drive that quickly stalled out. The ensuing punt was blocked by Alabama.

On the next kickoff after an Alabama field goal, sophomore Keith Gavin let the ball land and roll into the end zone before bringing it out and fumbling inside the FSU 20-yard line. The Crimson Tide scored on the first play of the drive that followed the fumble recovery.

Next game: No. 3 FSU vs. ULM, Saturday, 7 p.m., ACC Regional Network

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