Somebody pinch me, because I’m not sure I believe what I just saw.  How often does the weight of the hype surrounding promising athletes come crushing down when the lights are actually turned on for the first time?

Jameis Winston impressed in his debut against Pittsburgh. (Photo: Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports)

Jameis Winston had, easily, the most anticipated Florida State debut in the last decade and a half on Monday night against Pittsburgh.  It was quite possibly the most anticipated debut in Florida State history.  Having never stepped on the field during a college game, he had already gained internet fame, made viral videos, had nicknames like “Black Jesus” and “Famous Jameis”, and wowed fans during the Spring Game.  None of that completes passes once the game starts and the lights are on, though.  Expectations should be tempered, he’s just a redshirt freshman.  Expectations should be tempered, he’s starting his career on the road under the spotlight of a Labor Day primetime matchup against a decent Pitt team.

Not only did he meet the hype and match the expectations, he exceeded them.  How was that possible?

25-27, 356 yds, 4 TDs passing.  8 rushes 25 yards and 1 TD rushing.

Go back and read that stat line again.  It actually should be a little better as Kenny Shaw looked like he dragged a toe in bounds on one of Winston’s two incompletions.  Pitt’s defense isn’t Alabama’s defense, it’s not the best defense Winston will face this year, but it’s not exactly the sieve that Winston and Florida State made it look like on Monday night.   No quarterback has ever had that sort of debut, at least statistically, in Florida State history.   Danny Kanell had held that distinction before tonight with a 28-38, 341 yard, 5 touchdown performance in his starting debut, but he was a redshirt sophomore who had seen college action in a handful of games already that season.  Winston was truly making his debut.

It started promising as Winston hit his first couple passes.  The next thing you know he’s led two straight touchdown drives and is 8 for 8.  The thought creeps into your mind that this is a better start than you could have hoped for. Suddenly it’s halftime and Winston is 17-18 for 240 yards and your rubbing your eyes to make sure you’re not just dreaming this.  The rest is almost a blur and you’re basically chuckling to yourself in disbelief.   Now, one thing I need to point out real quick while heaping all this praise on Winston – not one single solitary drop by a wide receiver, tight end, or running back.

I keep telling myself that the kid is just a freshman, he’s going to have a freshman moment.  Honestly, I’m about to start ignoring myself.