Thoughts From the Morning After: FSU 31 Notre Dame 27

Oct 18, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Rashad Greene (80) celebrates his touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third quarter at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State defeated Notre Dame 31-27. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

This and That

• Travis Rudolph — who had six receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown — is fast becoming one of Jameis Winston’s favorite targets. There’s a lot to like about the freshman receiver. He likely would have played a bigger role earlier were it not for an injury he suffered at the start of the season, but he’s coming on strong now when it matters most. The most noticeable thing about Rudolph is how smooth he is. He reminds me a lot of Rashad Greene in that regard, Rudolph may actually be a better athlete, but both make the motion look easy– almost effortless.
• Speaking of Greene, he turned in another big performance on Saturday, catching eight passes for 108 yards and a score. After the game, Jimbo Fisher probably said it best when he stated matter-of-factly,” ‘Shad had another 100 yard day.” What else is new?
• Terrance Smith and Nate Andrews led the way for the Florida State defense with 21 tackles between the two of them. Smith finished with 11 and also had a big sack late in the fourth quarter. Andrews had 10, all of which were solo tackles.
• In addition to Rudolph, true freshman Dalvin Cook got the start at running back and Lorenzo Featherston started at defensive end. Jacob Pugh — who has been a key reserve — picked up his first career interception.
• Matthew Thomas — making his first appearance of the season — had six tackles, all in the first half.
• Rick Trickett — who missed the game with health problems — was on the mind of his players all night. The offensive line wrote Trickett’s initials on its wrists and dedicated the win to their coach. David Spurlock — a grad assistant — coached the line with help from Randy Sanders and Jimbo Fisher.