Jameis Winston’s decision making this year has led to an increased amount of turnovers. Florida State has been fortunate enough to be able to escape with wins despite Winston’s elevated number of interceptions, but he acknowledges that they are hurting the team and that he has to do better.
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston has turned the ball over at the worst rate of his collegiate career during his past three games. The Heisman winner threw two more interceptions during the 34-20 win against Virginia on Saturday and now has six in the past three games.
Winston knows it has to stop.
“I’m hurting this team, I really am,” Winston said.
Winston’s turnovers have led directly to points by the opponent, and the Seminoles (9-0, 6-0 ACC, No. 2 CFP, No. 2 AP) have had to rally in their past three games.
Opponents have scored touchdowns off five of Winston’s past six interceptions for 35 points. Florida State has won those three games by 29 points combined.
“Make smarter decisions, stop always looking for the big play,” Winston said. “I stressed about checking the ball down and making smart decisions, and I’ve got to go back to that. I can’t be careless with the ball.”
Winston now has 11 interceptions in nine games after throwing just 10 in 14 games during Florida State’s national championship run last season.
Jameis Winston is going to have to get better with his decision making, because better teams are going to make Florida State pay when they turn the ball over multiple times. While some will say that Jameis has been unable to get on the same page with some of his young wideouts, to my eye it seems like he has been forcing the ball more this year. Only time will tell if Winston is able to get this wrinkle ironed out.