Highest And Lowest Graded Players From Florida State's Smacking Of Wake Forest

A dominating performance in October has Florida State on the cusp of an undefeated season if the program can take care of business down the stretch. The Seminoles continued their climb with a shellacking of Wake Forest on the road. After winning by a combined score of 62-53 in its last two trips away from home, the team left no doubt with a 41-16 smacking of the Demon Deacons.

This game wasn't close as FSU put up over 500 yards of offense while limiting Wake Forest to a mere 210 yards. Quarterback Jordan Travis and defensive end Jared Verse were at their best against an opponent that gave the Seminoles their first loss last year.

We're going to continue exploring this relatively new idea and dive into the highest and lowest-graded Seminoles on both sides of the ball from the win. All of the information below was gathered via Pro Football Focus.

*Players have to earn at least 15 snaps to qualify on the list

How Does PFF Grade Players?

PFF employs 600 full or part-time analysts who grade every single snap by every single player on offense, defense, and special teams during the game. The grades are calculated on a per-play basis where each play is broken down to grades of -2 to +2 in 0.5 increments. An average or expected play would result in a grade of zero, a game-ending turnover would bring in a grade of -2, and a perfect touchdown throw to win a game would be worth +2.

These apply to every single player on every play. For instance, a quarterback throwing a good pass that is dropped by a wide receiver would earn a positive grade. The wide receiver who dropped the ball would receive a negative grade while the offensive tackle protecting the blind side would get positive marks as well.

Obviously, PFF can't be certain on the assignments of every given player on a play but they grade on what the player is attempting to do. Plays in which there is a question mark can be deferred to as a zero. Hopefully, this provides a little bit of clarification on some of the details you'll view below.

Offense:

Highest Graded Players:

1. Jordan Travis (81.2) - 62 snaps

Travis built on his success from the win over Duke to record a season-high 359 yards and three passing yards while adding a score on the ground. His legs have begun to unlock the full potential of Florida State's offense.

2. Trey Benson (73.1) - 30 snaps

Benson recorded 10 rushes for 55 yards and a touchdown while catching four passes for 100 yards and another score. His 80-yard touchdown in the second quarter and game-icing score in the fourth were crucial in the win.

3. Jeremiah Byers (71.9) - 62 snaps

Byers continues to become a consistent cog on the offensive line after struggling at times early in the season. He played every single snap with the starters.

4. Jaheim Bell (69.3) - 36 snaps

Bell hauled in four passes for 51 yards. He was the third-leading receiver and a threat to break out every week.

5. Keon Coleman (68.5) - 57 snaps

Coleman was one of the stars of the day, catching seven passes for 66 yards and two scores. He leads the ACC with nine touchdown catches on the season.

Lowest Graded Players:

5. Lawrance Toafili (58.3) - 27 snaps

Toafili didn't see as much usage as usual with Rodney Hill and Caziah Holmes getting more involved. He finished with one rush for nine yards and one catch for five yards.

4. D'Mitri Emmanuel (56.6) - 26 snaps

Emmanuel started the game but ended up being replaced by Keiondre Jones.

3. Keiondre Jones (53.7) - 36 snaps

Jones entered the game for D'Mitri Emmanuel and played 36 snaps. The Seminoles only gave up one sack but quarterback Jordan Travis was under pressure for a lot of the game.

2. Robert Scott (51.8) - 27 snaps

Scott played 27 snaps after being limited to nine plays last week. He continues to split time with Bless Harris at left tackle. Harris started the contest against the Demon Deacons.

1. Darion Williamson (50.7) - 24 snaps

Williamson caught one of his three targets for 23 yards. He earned more opportunities with Johnny Wilson, Destyn Hill, and Hykeem Williams out due to injuries.

Full Grades:

DEFENSE:

Highest Graded Players:

1. Jared Verse (90.9) - 37 snaps

Verse put together arguably his best performance of the season despite missing part of the game after having to receive stitches under his eye. He finished with four tackles, two tackles for loss, and two sacks that came within seven total plays of each other.

2. Tatum Bethune (84.5) - 42 snaps

Bethune continues to be a key piece on the defense, recording a team-high nine tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks.

3. Patrick Payton (76.8) - 41 snaps

Payton has come along strong in October after beginning to find his stride during Florida State's win at Clemson. He totaled four tackles, 0.5 sacks, and tied for a team-high with 2.5 tackles for loss.

4. Renardo Green (75.9) - 49 snaps

Green was tested throughout the day and came away with high remarks after being part of a defensive backfield that held Wake Forest 82 passing yards and a 38% completion percentage. He recorded three tackles and three of the six pass deflections by the defense.

5. Kalen DeLoach (75.5) - 39 snaps

DeLoach was active during the game, totaling eight tackles, one sack, and 2.5 tackles for loss.

Lowest Graded Players:

5. Kevin Knowles (58.7) - 29 snaps

Knowles was credited with one tackle while contributing behind Akeem Dent and Shyheim Brown.

4. Malcolm Ray (58.4) - 34 snaps

Ray stepped into a larger role with Dennis Briggs out, recording two tackles while also being injured in the second half. It doesn't seem like it was an ailment that should hinder him moving forward.

3. Azareye'h Thomas (55.4) - 31 snaps

Thomas was not credited with any stats during his 31 snaps. He gave up one catch for 19 yards in coverage.

2. DJ Lundy (51.8) - 37 snaps

Lundy totaled five tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. He surrendered one reception for 20 yards.

1. Shyheim Brown (42.9) - 45 snaps

It was an off-performance for Brown after playing some good football over the last couple of weeks. He totaled four tackles while giving up two catches for 26 yards during the win.

Full Grades:

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