FSU football: Noles destroy Syracuse for third straight win

FSU football went on the road and dominated Syracuse football 38-3. The game was never close as the FSU defense forced a three-and-out on Syracuse’s first offensive possession and promptly scored a touchdown on their first offensive possession to make it 7-0.

The Noles pushed the lead to 14-0 in the first quarter. The second touchdown was a quick pass to Malik McClain, who stiff-armed the Syracuse defensive back in a one-on-one situation to get the easy score.

The Orange managed a field goal on their next possession, aided by a third-down facemask penalty.

FSU’s Jordan Travis fumbled on the next possession, giving the Orange great field position, but the FSU defense forced them backward, and they missed the 53-yard field goal.

FSU’s third touchdown was more of FSU’s larger wide receivers treating the Cuse defensive backs like their little brothers as Johnny Wilson scored on a 21-yard pass.

The FSU defense forced another punt, and the FSU offense marched down the field and managed a Ryan Fitzgerald 40-yard field goal to close the half 24-3. FSU’s defense held Syracuse to 61 total yards and 2.34 ypp.

FSU’s offense ran 18 passes, and 18 rush plays to average 6.55 ypp. Syracuse attempted an onsides kick, and FSU recovered it before marching 42 yards on seven plays as Jordan Travis hit Kentron Poitier for a five-yard touchdown pass on third down to make it 31-3 with 11:37 remaining.

FSU enjoyed great field position, and the defense swarmed Syracuse all night. Folks need to start giving Adam Fuller his due as a defensive coordinator and understand the Noles had to deal with key injuries on that side of the ball most of the year.

FSU had chances to put Syracuse away earlier, but wasted some good field position and had the one turnover. Nevertheless, it was a great road win a week after they destroyed an arch-rival.

Trey Benson finished the game with 18 carries and 163 yards, and the FSU defense held Cuse running back Sean Tucker to 34 yards mid-way through the third quarter. The Orange had 78 total yards when the fourth quarter began. Complete domination.