FSU ends losing streak by demolishing Wake Forest, A glance at the numbers

Florida State players finally answered the call for Mike Norvell on Saturday night in a 49-7 win over Wake Forest on Homecoming Weekend.

FSU easily covered the -10.5 betting spread that had many bettors baffled before the game. FSU led 14-0 at halftime and pulled away with 28 second-half points.

We wrote about how Wake Forest averaged eight penalties per game and how they have turned the ball over. Wake Forest had 11 penalties for 93 yards, with several penalties wiping away massive offensive plays that probably would have made a major impact on the game.

They also turned the ball over twice, which resulted in 14 FSU points. FSU finally played some complementary football, which was key to their second-half surge. They had opportunities in the first half, but couldn’t get much going on offense.

FSU averaged 7.03 yards per play in the first half and was 5 of 7 on third downs, but only had 14 points. FSU finished the game averaging 7.38 yards per play. Thomas Castellanos was 12 of 16 for 271 yards and a touchdown. He also had a rushing touchdown.

Duce Robinson had a monster game with five receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown. Micahi Danzy had two receptions for 67 yards, and Sam Singleton led all rushers with 91 yards on 14 attempts and a touchdown.

The FSU defense had four sacks and seven tackles for a loss. They allowed 3.47 yards per play, but again, Wake Forest had several explosive plays negated by penalties. The Demon Deacons were 6 of 16 on third down and 2 of 3 on fourth down.

Their lone score was set up by a Brock Glenn strip sack deep in FSU territory, otherwise, FSU had a good chance for its first shutout in years.

The players seemed to gain more confidence as the game progressed, and showed more emotion and want to than I've seen in weeks. The win gives Mike Norvell a little breathing room for now, because a loss would have likely been the nail in his coffin.