FSU football: Noles defeat Florida Gators for first time since 2017

FSU football is the 2022 state champions of Florida (and Louisiana). The Noles overcame a poor first half and a 24-21 deficit to defeat the Florida Gators 45-38.

FSU fumbled on their first possession, but the FSU defense got a fourth down stop which allowed FSU to take a 7-0 lead behind some explosive running by Trey Benson. However, the FSU defense that had been dominant over the past few weeks had some communication issues in the first half.

The Florida Gators answered quickly with a touchdown pass on a blown coverage. FSU had a turnover on downs before Florida took a 14-7 lead on another touchdown pass.

The FSU offense had a critical answer on their next possession, tying the game 14-14 on a 29-yard touchdown run by Jordan Travis.

The FSU offense missed a key opportunity to capitalize on a Florida interception, missing a 37-yard field goal.

The Florida Gators wasted no time taking advantage of the miscue, with another FSU defensive back getting beat deep on a 43-yard pass. Jordan Travis and the FSU offense wouldn’t be denied, answering with a nine-play 75-yard touchdown drive to tie it 21-21.

However, Florida answered with a field goal before the half for a 24-21 lead. The FSU defense locked down the Gators in the third quarter, only allowing 55 total yards, while the FSU offense scored 17 unanswered points to take a 38-24 lead.

It looked like Florida might fold at that point, but they were gifted a touchdown by the SEC referees when the Florida running back jumped for the end zone and never crossed the goal line.

The refs missed two blatant delay-of-game penalties on that drive too. FSU’s offense went non-existent on their next possession and punted, with Florida starting their drive near midfield. They scored three plays later to tie the game 38-38 with 7:41 remaining.

However, the FSU offense finally found life after Florida sent the kickoff out of bounds. A 17-yard Trey Benson run put the Noles up 45-38 with 4:06 remaining.

The FSU defense had Florida 4th and 18 and got called for a bogus pass interference penalty that gave the Gators new life.

Florida QB Anthony Richardson guided the Gators downfield, hitting quick passes near the sidelines. However, the Noles finally got pressure on him as they got to the FSU 21-yard line. Jammie Robinson pressured Anthony Richardson on 4th and 12, forcing an errant throw to effectively end the game with 39 seconds remaining.

Jordan Travis passed for 270 yards, and one touchdown and rushed for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Trey Benson rushed for 111 yards on 20 rushes and three touchdowns. Kentron Poitier led all FSU receivers with three receptions and had 37 yards and a touchdown.

The Noles had at least eight drops by their receivers in the game and probably should have scored 50+ points.

It wasn’t pretty and was stressful, but the Noles have won nine games for the first time since 2016. What a turnaround for Mike Norvell and this coaching staff.