Florida State's third-down defense made New Mexico State too comfortable.
Context
New Mexico State converted 10 of 17 third downs, including a 10-of-13 passing line for 153 yards and two touchdowns on those plays. Florida State acknowledged coverage breakdowns and communication errors after the game, which is not a survivable pattern against the Seminoles' real schedule.
The late 17-point win earns some credit, but Florida State remained in a close game deep into the third quarter and needed New Mexico State to miss a potential touchdown. The third-down defense is the cleanest immediate warning before SMU, Alabama, Miami, and Virginia arrive.