Florida State's Fisher 'definitely concerned' with Francois' injury

Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher is among those in Seminoles Nation holding their breath while the team awaits word on the severity of quarterback Deondre Francois' leg injury.

"I'm definitely concerned," Fisher told ESPN's Marty Smith after Saturday night's season-opening loss to Alabama, which saw Francois escorted to the locker room on a cart in the fourth quarter. "I mean, that's your starting quarterback."

Francois got his left leg caught underneath him while being tackled from behind by a Crimson Tide defender in the final frame. He was seen praying while being carted off the field, and later emerged from the X-ray room sporting a brace over his left knee.

"Until we diagnose it and see, I don't know," Fisher said of Francois' status. "I've learned to wait. Unfortunately, he's hurt, though."

A serious injury to Francois would mark the second straight year in which the Seminoles have been rocked by the bug early in the season. Last year, star safety Derwin James tore his meniscus in the second game, forcing him to miss the rest of the campaign.

Francois went 19-of-33 for 210 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions against the Tide before exiting. It was a tough night for him and the third-ranked Seminoles, which fell 24-7 to the nation's top-ranked squad.

Fisher said Florida State will "most likely" turn to freshman pivot James Blackman if Francois is forced to miss time, according to Tim Linafelt of Seminoles.com. Blackman relieved Francois on Saturday, but didn't attempt a pass before the game ended.