FSU football: Defense dominates Syracuse, offense sloppy in win

No. 4 FSU football didn’t perform like a top offense in its 41-3 win over the Syracuse Orange on Saturday afternoon. However, the FSU defense was lights out, holding Syracuse to 141 total yards midway through the third quarter.

FSU scored on three of its first four possessions but went into the dreaded lulls where they stall and waste opportunities. FSU had multiple opportunities to score over the 30-point mark in the second quarter, but poor execution, poor decision-making, and dropped passes cost them several opportunities.

Joshua Farmer had a huge strip sack Jared Verse recovered and returned to the Syracuse five-yard line, and the FSU offense failed to score. The Syracuse offense could never get going against the FSU defense, who kept Syracuse QB Garrett Shrader under pressure most of the game.

Jordan Travis had a great game stats-wise but missed several open throws. He finished the game 22 of 35 for 264 yards and one touchdown. He also had two rushing touchdowns.

Keon Coleman put on the show in the first half, including this ridiculous one-handed catch over the middle of the field.

He finished the game with nine receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown. He also had a highlight reel 72-yard punt return.

Jaheim Bell had four receptions for 87 yards, and Destyn Hill had a career-high of three receptions. Trey Benson finished the game with 14 carries for 74 rushing yards.

Lawrance Toafili had seven carries for 93 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the Noles up 34-3. Hykeem Williams scored his first career touchdown taking a short pass 44-yards to the end zone to make it 41-3 with 5:57 remaining.

Parting Thoughts

It’s impressive to score 40+ with so many wasted opportunities. The offense seemed to get it together somewhat towards the end of the game, but it could have been the Syracuse defense getting gassed from staying on the field for most of the game.

The FSU defense was lights out and dominated Syracuse for the second consecutive year(they only scored three points last year).

The FSU offense has to clean up a lot of things if they want to take this team where they have the potential to go. They’ll host Duke next week in prime time.