Ward shows out amongst 'Noles loss

Following another disappointing result for the ’Noles on Saturday evening, the negativity surrounding the state of the program will be at an all-time high as FSU has officially started 0-3 for the first time since 1976.

However, second-year head coach Mike Norvell has a player who once again displayed flashes of brilliance that could help Florida State escape the hole they’ve dug themselves in.

Redshirt freshman running back Treshaun Ward took the backfield’s lead role against the Demon Deacons after redshirt sophomore running back Jashaun Corbin fumbled the ball on the offense’s opening drive.

With limited passing weapons and a shaky offensive line, the ground game has been where FSU has primarily looked to establish any offensive rhythm.

Rhythm is something the ’Noles signal-callers have mightily lacked so far this season. Mckenzie Milton’s arrival in Tallahassee came with several expectations of playing time, whilst Jordan Travis remains one of the most versatile players in the locker room.

Saturday provided an excellent formula for the deep running back room to continue to be called upon but the Seminoles failed to eclipse the 100-yard rushing total for the first time this season.

“It’s pretty frustrating because we know our potential and we know how good we can be,” Ward said. “We just keep getting in our own way. We just got to lock into the mental aspect and come together and really play as one when we go out onto the field.”

Perhaps FSU’s biggest Achilles heel remains their lack of discipline. However, the Garnet and Gold committed fewer penalties for fewer yards than their opponent for the first time this season. Most importantly, the offensive line played their cleanest game as they didn’t commit a single penalty.

“We have to stop all the stupid penalties,” Ward said. “I believe it’s just the mental aspect. We’re not really locked into the situation. As long as we get disciplined more and stay out of our own heads and our own ways, we’ll bounce back.”

Down 14-0 in the first quarter, the ’Noles found themselves behind once again this season. Ward’s longest run of the game (22 yards) helped FSU’s offense reach Wake Forest’s red zone before a face-mask penalty added onto the big gain. Jordan Travis finished the drive with a screen pass to Ward, whose blistering speed was too much for the Demon Deacons.

The second quarter saw teammates redshirt freshman Lawrence Toafili and Corbin get the limited opportunities instead. Only rushing five times, the ’Noles running attack dropped to 3.2 yards per carry in Ward’s absence.

Florida State opened up the second half with back-to-back carries from Ward, who gained a combined 17 yards. Travis was then sacked on third-and-2 to bring the punt team onto the field. The Demon Deacons proceeded 90 yards down the field to make the game 35-14 and put an end to the running game’s emphasis.

The Plant City, Fla. native finished the night with 82 total scrimmage yards on nine touches, averaging 9.1 yards each time. After the game, Ward was asked if he believed Norvell’s message to the team was well received in the locker room following a rough start. Ward’s faith in his coach remains patiently intact.

“I believe it’s getting across,” Ward said. “It’s just taking a little bit of more time and you got to have everyone be together, but it’s getting across.”