Florida State's flop and Georgia Tech's big win lead college football Week 0 winners and losers

Florida State traveled all the way to Ireland only to fall to Georgia Tech on a last-second field goal. The Seminoles could have experienced this heartbreak closer to home in Atlanta! The long flight back to Tallahassee will be a tough one.

Season-opening trips to exotic destinations often come with the downside of an actual football game at the end—something the Seminoles seemed to forget to prepare for. Despite having eight months to gear up for the 2024 season, FSU looked ill-prepared against a Georgia Tech team projected to finish ninth in the preseason ACC poll.

After starting strong with an early touchdown and a successful two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead, the Seminoles struggled to maintain momentum. Their offense couldn't establish a running game or effectively pass downfield, a problem that could linger throughout the season.

The Seminoles' issues raise a chicken-or-egg question about new quarterback DJ Uiagalelei: Is FSU’s inability to stretch the field due to the unproven receiver corps struggling to gain separation, or is Uiagalelei simply uncomfortable throwing beyond five yards? On the defensive side, FSU had trouble against a seasoned offensive line, allowing nearly 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

The introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff provides some hope, as it offers more flexibility than previous formats. FSU might still make the playoffs as an at-large bid if the ACC season turns in their favor.

However, the team that faltered against Georgia Tech doesn’t inspire confidence for a deep playoff run. Upcoming games against Memphis, Clemson, Miami, North Carolina, and Notre Dame could further test their playoff aspirations. After narrowly missing the top four last year, the Seminoles' 2024 playoff hopes might already be in jeopardy.

**Winners and Losers from Week 0:**

**Winners**

**Georgia Tech**

Though picked ninth in the preseason conference poll, Tech received a first-place vote, signaling some belief in their potential. The Yellow Jackets have now scored multiple touchdowns in eight of their last nine games, a testament to their solid offensive line play under coach Brent Key. This win could boost Tech into the top third of the conference and into the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

**SMU**

SMU avoided a potential disaster with a comeback win over Nevada, showing resilience after trailing 24-13 entering the fourth quarter. Junior tight end RJ Maryland was pivotal in the 29-24 victory, scoring the go-ahead touchdown and finishing with 162 yards. The Mustangs’ performance suggests that Nevada’s last-place preseason projection may be off.

**Losers**

**Florida State**

This loss echoes the early struggles of Mike Norvell’s tenure. Despite expectations for a national title run and a strong ACC presence, the Seminoles’ poor performance in Dublin might lower their projected win total from ten to eight.

**DJ Uiagalelei**

Uiagalelei’s performance was cautious and serviceable but lacked the spark needed for a potential ACC title run. While he protects the football well, his limited effectiveness could be a major concern for FSU’s title hopes.

**Nevada**

Although Nevada showed progress by pushing SMU to the wire, the missed opportunity for an upset might impact their bowl prospects. Coach Jeff Choate’s team, coming off a rough two seasons, needs to build on this performance in the Mountain West.

**New Mexico**

In coach Bronco Mendenhall’s debut, New Mexico looked poised for a win against Montana State but faltered in the fourth quarter, losing 35-31. Despite a promising start with defensive touchdowns, the Lobos allowed three late scoring drives and a game-winning touchdown with just ten seconds remaining. Mendenhall, a proven winner, will need time to turn things around.