Discuss FSU quarter options: James Blackman & Alex Hornibrook

Welcome to the 2019 season in Florida State. When a hurricane can move a home game turned into a neutral site game, Louisiana-Monroe is made to look like the state of Louisiana and there is a real reason to believe in a Seminole quarterback with the number 12.

Graduate quarterback Alex Hornibrook made his Nole debut behind center on Saturday in FSU's win over Louisville. He was quick to get up to dozens of Florida admirers. Hornibrook received all the third offensive series to begin with his first try being the first quarter and FSU up 7-0 after a goal-scoring campaign led by starter James Blackman. His first pass attempt was a solid RPO ball for Keyshawn Helton for 44 yards.

In the second Hornibrook series, he ran the Noles, up 21-7 thanks to another Blackman TD record, moving from their 25th to the Cardinals, before Ricky Aguayo won a third of his turn hat. And then in the third quarter, when Blackman (who had played well) was injured, Hornibrook took over for the duration.

The USF will wait to see what Blackman's MRI will reveal, but now that we've seen every Florida QB in action, we can begin to discuss their strengths and weaknesses. But remember that we are working on about half of the football here as far as Hornibrook is concerned, so let's not be ahead of ourselves as it is obviously a small sample.

After losing a 21-point lead, let's start with the game that allowed Florida State to definitely get back on track:

Is it an easy game against a very open Tamorrion Terry, thanks to an exploded cover? Of course. It is also the pass that Blackman has reversed against Virginia, a trajectory that would have hit Charlottesville. Is it easier than this throw against the Cavs? Sure. But it's also easier because Hornibrook recognizes it very quickly.

Again, as we are not ready to call Blackman or Hornibrook after a game, we are certainly not about to do it on the basis of a throw. But perhaps this can serve as a microcosm for a possible distinction between the two QBs.

Blackman has his upper arm, and he's not even close. Hornibrook's success at Autumn Camp comes from its accuracy, though less quickly. Blackman has a higher throwing cap than Helton, who could have been caught by a goal and a 28-0 lead on FSU. It was an excellent Blackman laser with high difficulty that could have sent the UL packaging.

The fact is that this type of professional throws is not an absolute necessity in attacking offensive coordinator Kendal Briles. The focus is more on the correct readings and delivery of the ball precisely. Blackman had a hard time hitting all season hitting deep balls like Terry's, but against UVA, he also missed a series of shorter shots.

In addition, readings must be done quickly, otherwise you may end up with linemen in the opposite direction, as has been the case several times with Blackman in Charlottesville. Hornibrook may have a higher floor in this respect because he seems willing to accept what the defense allows him – and sooner. Blackman likes to go big game hunting, but he often presents himself as a prey to hungry defenders by keeping the ball in his pocket for too long. Call this a consequence of being high in Jimbo Fisher's offense.

Those behind the center will play with an offensive line of mediocre quality. Mobility – perhaps escape is a more appropriate term – is also important. Blackman played well against the Cavaliers, and Hornibrook showed beautiful shots against Louisville. A quartermate who knows when to run makes Briles' offense even harder to defend, and with this LO, it's an essential survival skill.

Hornibrook made a few late throws in the middle after extending the games, but they were open enough not to risk, at least this time. Again, this is essentially Hornibrook training in Wisconsin: do not fool yourself, just throw it safely and pass the ball. It worked for him with the Badgers and their overly cumbersome approach to the race – but does FSU need more than one explosive game maker? Or is a game manager enough?

And then, there is the quality of leadership more intangible. Blackman's teammates love him, which is great to hear. Players also love to win, which can also interest many fans, whatever their choice. This is one of those soft factors that you can not really quantify. But Blackman was named not only the starter, but also a captain, for a reason.

Again, let's not dwell too much on numbers, but here are the final pass statistics for Blackman and Hornibrook:

We all hope that Blackman's injury is not serious. Because if this is the case, FSU does not have a major team leader or player who was his first choice as a quarterback. But if it is not available, the Seminole seems to offer another viable option to QB.