Highest- and lowest-rated players from Florida State’s loss at North Carolina – Sports Illustrated

We’ll continue to explore this relatively new idea we started last season and dive into the highest- and lowest-ranked Seminoles on both sides of the ball since the loss. All information below was compiled via Pro Football Focus.

PFF employs 600 full- and part-time analysts who evaluate every single snap from every single player on offense, defense and special teams during the game. Ratings are calculated on a per-game basis, with each game broken down into ratings from -2 to +2 in 0.5 increments. An average or expected play would result in a score of zero, a turnover late in the game would bring a score of -2, and a perfect game-winning touchdown throw would be worth +2.

They apply to each individual player in each game. For example, a quarterback throwing a good pass that was 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 also receive positive grades.

Obviously, PFF can’t be certain about any given player’s assignments in a game, but they grade based on what the player is trying to do. Plays with a question mark can be deferred as zero. Hopefully this sheds some light on some of the details you’ll see below.

Top Rated Players:

1. Brock Glenn (78.2) – 28 shots

Glenn made his fourth start of the season. He was replaced by Luke Cromenhoek, but later re-entered the game and ran the only touchdown. Glenn completed 6/11 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.

2. Keiza Holmes (67.9) – 10 clicks

Holmes only played ten snaps, but had the second-highest pass-blocking grade on the team (74.1), which probably doesn’t bode well for the offensive line. He rushed four times for 19 yards.

3. Malik Benson (66.5) – 25 snaps

Benson tied the longest catch of his career with a 50-yard reception in the second half. It was his only catch of the game.

4. Lawayne McCoy (64.7) – 16 snaps

McCoy continues to be included in the lineup. He had his second career catch for seven yards. It also successfully converted a two-point conversion on a reverse jet.

5. Jaylen Early (64.1) – 15 snaps

Started early but only played 15 snaps before being replaced by Keiondre Jones and TJ Ferguson. He could be dealing with an injury after it appeared he was hurt in the loss to Miami.

Lowest rated players:

5. Samuel Singleton Jr. (52.4) – 6 clicks

Singleton Jr. played just six snaps. He rushed twice for -2 yards and was the team’s lowest-rated (53.9).

4. Keiondre Jones (52.1) – 5 snaps

Jones came off the bench to replace Jalen Early. He was quickly pulled in favor of TJ Ferguson after being assigned a 32.7 pass blocking grade.

3. Luke Kromenhoek (51.6) – 20 clicks

Cromenhoek played for the third game in a row but had perhaps their worst performance. He had a hard time seeing the field and obviously didn’t get much help from the offensive line. He completed 2/7 passes for 36 yards with two interceptions. Cromenhoek was sacked several times.

2. Jeremiah Byers (50.9) – 48 shots

Byers played the entire game and was rated as the worst blocker on the team (47.7).

1. Andre Otto (49.5) – 48 photos

Otto played the entire game and was the only offensive lineman to grade below 50.0 in pass blocking (43.1) and run blocking (48.1). Otto was one of four offensive linemen to post a 45.0 or worse pass blocking grade. FSU surrendered seven sacks.

Full marks:

Top Rated Players:

1. Sean Murphy (76.7) – 9 shots

Murphy made his first appearance of the season late in the game. He was credited with one tackle.

2. Blake Nickelson (74.3) – 42 snaps

Nickelson started while working his way back from a hand injury. He recorded seven tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.

3. Scheiheim Brown (70.4) – 58 clicks

Brown led the team with nine tackles, but his tackling and effort were in question as the game wore on.

4. Donnie Hibbert (69.4) – 9 shots

Spinning defensive back Donnie Hibbert entered late in the game. He recorded two fights.

5. Azareus Thomas (69.1) – 66 snaps

To no surprise, Thomas led the team at times. He finished with five tackles and was the top-rated defender (77.6).

Lowest rated players:

5. Justin Cryer (54.0) – 28 shots

Cryer appeared to suffer a serious injury in the second half and was carted off. He recorded three fights.

4. Tomiwa Durojaiye (52.4) – 4 clicks

Durojaiye played briefly at the end of the game and was not credited with any stats.

3. Daniel Lyons (52.3) – 34 snaps

Lyons saw significant action on the interior. He recorded five fights.

2. Cam Riley (51.6) – 44 shots

Riley is back in the bottom five this week after playing a significant number of snaps. He was the lowest-rated defender on the team (44.9). Riley finished with five tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.

1. Fentrell Cypress II (45.5) – 11 clicks

Cypress II didn’t see much playing time in this game and is believed to be dealing with a nagging injury. He was credited with one tackle.

Full marks:

READ MORE: Tom Brady names former FSU quarterback Star of the Week

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