It was a scary scene in No. 3 Florida State’s 24-7 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game loss to No. 1 Alabama on Saturday at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
With 6:25 remaining in the game, quarterback Deondre Francois exited with leg injury, after he was sacked from behind by Crimson Tide defensive back Ronnie Harrison.
Francois went down clutching his left knee and had to be helped off the field by two trainers.
Coach Jimbo Fisher was able to briefly talk to Francois after the game was over.
“I saw him and I hugged him and told him I'm sorry he's hurt, we'll get the diagnosis and I love him and we'll figure out what we've got to do from here,” Fisher said.
Senior center Alec Eberle was also able to say a quick word to Francois.
“I told him I was here for him and whatever he needs I am there,” Eberle said. “Everyone has got his back where he knows he is going to be OK and he’s going to push through whatever it is.”
Eberle continued to say that letting his quarterback hit the ground was “unacceptable.” Francois was sacked three times, which was disappointing to Eberle and the rest of the offensive line because keeping Francois upright was an area of emphasis after he took a beating all too often last year.
One player who is familiar with early season exits is James. He suffered a season-ending knee injury seven quarters into the 2016 season. James, who hasn’t had a chance to speak with Francois yet said injuries like his - and maybe Francois’ - are just part of the game.
“That is why we love football so much,” James said. “It’s just one of those things, like I always said when I was going through my process, any play anybody can be hurt. So, it is one of those things. We are not just looking to quit or lay down because one person is hurt. It is the next man up.”
That next man up, Fisher said, is most likely freshman James Blackmon.
About the Author
