FSU welcomes California to ACC with an L, Fans react to first win in 2024

It took way longer than FSU fans expected, but the Noles notched their first victory in 2024 with a 14-9 win over California. Yes, 14 total points. Massive credit goes to the FSU defense, who didn't allow a touchdown and kept the California Bears out of the end zone on their final drive.

The FSU offense went three-and-out on its first possession but found some rhythm on its second possession, going 60 yards on eight plays, capped by a two-yard touchdown run by Lawrance Toalfili. The rhythm continued on their next possession, going 62 yards on 12 plays before DJ Uiagalalei threw an interception. FSU had a big play wiped away by a bogus holding penalty on the play before that.

Fan Reaction

The offense seemed to disappear after that drive, with four punts and a turnover on downs on their next five possessions. California mounted some drives, but could never punch it into the end zone, settling for five field goals, missing two. FSU dealt the eventual final nail in the coffin with DJ Uiagalelei hit Ja'Khi Douglas on a perfect throw for a 36-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. It wasn't pretty, but the Noles found a way, and hopefully, this will spark something with this team.

Toafili had 80 rushing yards on 17 carries. Freshman Kam Davis ran hard, finishing with seven carries for 25 yards after leaving the game in the first quarter and returning. Douglas led all FSU receivers with four receptions for 86 yards and the touchdown. He had some monster third-down receptions. Joshua Farmer played out of his mind, finishing with four tackles, and 3.5 tackles for a loss. Patrick Payton had three sacks, and Marvin Jones Jr. had two important sacks late in the game. Freshman Edwin Joseph had a big interception and the sack to end the final California threat. The FSU defense has seven sacks and 12 tackles for a loss in the game.