FSU football power running game blows past Duquesne

FSU football opened its 2022 season with a win for the first time since the 2016 season. The Noles pummeled the Duquesne Dukes 47-7 and led 26-0 at halftime.

The Noles didn’t punt in the entire first half and featured a power-running attack from a three-headed monster of Treshaun Ward, Lawrance Toafili, and Trey Benson. All three guys ran for 100+ yards, which is the first time in FSU history.

FSU had 200 rushing yards at halftime, but the passing game wasn’t bad behind Jordan Travis, who was 10 of 14 for 159 yards. FSU showed some vertical attacks through the air, with Johnny Wilson catching a 51-yard pass before exiting the game with what looked like an ankle injury.

Deuce Spann had two receptions, one a 20-yarder where he caught the ball naturally. Mycah Pittman did what we thought, catching several short passes and getting upfield for 44 yards.

Kentron Poiter has two nice catches for 30 yards in the first half. FSU was two of four on third downs and averaged 8.54 yards per play. The defense wasn’t flawless, but anytime you can hold a team scoreless for two quarters, it’s a good thing.

Defensive back Omarion Cooper didn’t play, which put Jarrion Jones on the field more than usual. Jones reportedly had a good camp, but he had a personal foul penalty and got beat on a play as soon as he got on the field.

FSU played a lot of players to get some game experience. They kept everything pretty vanilla, but I’m sure they’ll use this tape to make corrections.

Amari Gainer had a couple of missed assignments that I saw, and Dennis Briggs lost contain, which allowed a big run. Greedy Vance got beat deep once, but luckily, the receiver didn’t make the catch. Duquesne was 1 of 6 on third down in the first half.

FSU football had three penalties for 30 yards in the first half. The second half saw the FSU defense get a three and out before Jordan Travis hit Kentron Poitier for a 48-yard gain to set up Treshaun Ward’s second touchdown to make it 33-0.

Tate Rodemaker threw an interception that got returned 50 yards that set up a Duquesne passing touchdown to make it 33-7. However, Trey Benson broke loose for his first touchdown as a Nole on a 43-yard run to make it 40-7.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t impressed at all with Tate Rodemaker. He looked uncomfortable and unsure of himself most of the night. Rodney Hill looked impressive as a freshman and got his first touchdown as a Nole to seal the deal at 47-7.