FSU football: ‘Noles rushing attack dominates Louisiana-lafayette

FSU football faced an overmatched opponent Saturday afternoon and wasted no time dispatching Louisiana-lafayette 49-17.

The Noles used a punishing rushing attack behind Trey Benson and Treshaun Ward in the first half to carry a 35-3 lead into halftime.

The Noles were 9 of 10 on third down and averaged 7.35 yards per play in the first half. The FSU rushing attack had 206 yards in the first half. The FSU defense continued its domination, only allowing a field goal and 3.5 yards per play.

Louisiana was only 1 of 7 on third downs in the first half. The FSU passing attack got off to a slower start but had several explosive plays.

Malik McClain had an amazing touchdown catch on a pass thrown behind him. AJ Duffy got in the game in the third quarter and linked up with Markeston Douglas for a 16-yard one-handed touchdown grab. The touchdown was the first career touchdown for both guys.

Jordan Travis finished the game 9 of 14 for 112 passing yards, one touchdown, and five rushes for 38 yards and two touchdowns. Trey Benson finished the game with 16 carries for 80 yards and one touchdown. Treshaun Ward had four carries for 37 yards and two touchdowns.

The FSU defense saw its string of 10 quarters without a touchdown allowed get snapped in the fourth quarter with backups in the game.

Louisiana went for it on fourth down and goal, and the receiver made an outstanding effort to catch the ball while covered and get a knee down in the corner of the end zone.

The Noles have met my preseason goal of eight wins in the regular season with a chance to win nine if they can defeat the rival Florida Gators next week. Florida lost against Vanderbilt on the road.

If they beat the Gators, the 10th win in a bowl game would be on the table.