Florida State's worst fears were realized Sunday. The injury to quarterback Deondre Francois will cost him the full 2017 season.

Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher confirmed to reporters that Francois would miss the season and that freshman James Blackman will start Saturday's game against Louisiana-Monroe. Jim Henry of the Tallahassee Democrat reported on Sunday that Francois suffered a patella tendon injury and will undergo surgery on Tuesday.

He was injured in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 24-7 loss to Alabama.

Francois suffered a sack at the hands of Ronnie Harrison and was carted off the field. He had an up-and-down game prior to the injury, throwing for 210 yards and a touchdown to go with two interceptions.

Florida State entered the year as the No. 3 team in the country and the quarterback play was a big reason why. The ACC Rookie of the Year finished last season with 3,350 passing yards and 20 passing touchdowns, plus five scores on the ground.

However, the team will now have to figure out how to survive without its top offensive player.

Blackman was a 3-star player and was considered the No. 15 passer in the 2017 class by Scout.com, although he possesses plenty of upside.

Bryan Fisher of College Football Talk believes Blackman is the best option to lead the team:

The Seminoles' next game is Saturday against Louisiana Monroe.