College Football

FSU Football: Top 3 Games 'Noles Have Won Without Star Players

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:45 p.m. ET

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Sep 10, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminole cheerleaders celebrate a first half score against Charleston Southern at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

FSU football has lost star starting safety Derwin James for at least a couple of weeks. We look at the top 3 games the ‘Noles have won without star players under Jimbo Fisher.

Make no mistake about it, it’s going to be difficult to replace one of the best safeties in the country in Derwin James. However, the ‘Noles secondary is deepand talented with a “next man up” mentality.

James has torn cartilage in the knee (his meniscus) he injured on Saturday making a tackle against Charleston Southern. It looks like he could be out anywhere from two to 10 weeks according to reports.

Of course FSU football has one of the biggest games on their schedule coming up against No. 10 Louisville who is on fire offensively. It’s a huge challenge with oddsmakers making this close to a pick’em game early on.

While it’s terrible to not be at full strength on defense, FSU football has won big games under Jimbo Fisher without star players.

Let’s look at the top three.

Jan 1, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback EJ Manuel (3) lines up across from the Northern Illinois Huskies defensive line in the second quarter of the game at the 2013 Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Christian Ponder Out in 2010 Against Clemson

FSU football is no stranger in winning big games without some of its star players. The 2010 game against Clemson comes to mind.

The ‘Noles were coming off back-to-back losses to North Carolina State and UNC when Clemson rolled to town. Starting quarterback Christian Ponder was out, and EJ Manuel had to step in and lead the charge.

This game was huge because it had potential ACC division titles on the line, and the ‘Noles were trying to avoid a three game skid.

EJ Manuel replaced the injured Ponder, and helped lead the ‘Noles to a 16-13 win off the foot of Dustin Hopkins who nailed a field goal from 55 yards as time expired.

Manuel didn’t set the world on fire, but went

Jan.1, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback EJ Manuel (3) runs against the Northern Illinois Huskies in the third quarter during the 2013 Orange Bowl game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Christian Ponder Out in 2010 Bowl Game Against South Carolina

Christian Ponder started the 2010 Chick Fil-A game against South Carolina, but ended up leaving with a concussion early in the second quarter.

FSU football was winning 6-0 when Manuel took over for Ponder, and lead the ‘Noles to a 26-17 win.

Manuel finished the game 11 of 15 for 84 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. He also rushed for seven times for 46 yards.

It was a huge game. It was against a SEC opponent and Steve Spurrier who the ‘Noles were really familiar with from his days at the Florida head coach.

The win, the ‘Noles 10th on the season announced they were on the way up as a program, and Manuel proved why he is one of the most underrated ‘Noles of all time.

January 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Jameis Winston Out In 2014 Clemson Game

The circumstances surrounding this particular game make it that much more difficult. FSU football star quarterback Jameis Winston was suspended for the Clemson game 24 hours before the actual game.

The best player on the team, the leader, is suspended going into a game against your biggest conference divisional rival.

His replacement? A player in Sean Maguire who had NEVER started a college football game.

It’s nothing, the ‘Noles found a way to win in overtime against one of the best teams in the country.

Of all the games, this game proves the FSU program is elite. Anytime you can lose the No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick and still win under those circumstances?

That takes total team buy-in and the will to not accept defeat.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Kermit Whitfield (8) celebrates with tight end Ryan Izzo (81) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against Mississippi Rebels at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Looking To The Louisville Game

As we said, Derwin James can’t really be replaced. However, players like AJ Westbrook, Marcus Lewis or any other combination in the FSU secondary will have to step up.

The great thing about this game is the FSU defense seems to matchup well with the Louisville defense. It looks like the original offensive line will finally start all together for once on Saturday.

The coaches have a week to dial in the game plan for whoever replaces James in the secondary.

The ‘Noles are familiar with what the Louisville offense will try to do under Bobby Petrino, and they faced Lamar Jackson last season.

Jackson has improved but by how much? How much more accurate will he be compared to last year against a very good defense? Will the Louisville offensive line be able to give him time to do his thing?

Derwin James will be there to help coach whoever replaces him in the lineup, just like Jameis Winston did for Sean Magure.

All in all, FSU football has been here before and won huge games without a impact player. We expect Saturday against Louisville to be no different.