Florida State Continues Charge After 66-13 Win Over Southern Miss
The No. 4 Florida State Seminoles kicked off their home opener against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in a packed Doak Campbell Stadium. The 'Noles didn't miss a beat from their remarkable season-opening 45-24 win over LSU.
The Seminoles absolutely ran over the Golden Eagles, 66-13. Florida State outgained Southern Miss 554-228 while scoring a defensive touchdown and recovering an onside kick.
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FSU started fast with multiple runs featuring running back Trey Benson before quarterback Jordan Travis could connect with wide receiver Duece Spann for a huge 23-yard gain. Wide receiver Darion Williamson finished the first drive with a score, which would be one of his first times seeing action after having a breakout game over Boston College in 2022.
The Seminoles' second drive proved less fruitful as Travis took his first sack of the season by defensive tackle Jalen Williams and defensive end Kristin Booth, forcing a 53-yard punt that pinned the Golden Eagles.
Linebacker Kalen DeLoach made his presence known on the defensive side of the ball with a major hit on quarterback Billy Wiles, which stalled Southern Miss' drive, and the Eagles could not convert on 4th down.
Florida State backed up after two drops by wide receiver Duece Spann, managed to convert a fourth and ten on the back of Travis and an 11-yard run. On the 'Noles' second fourth-down attempt for the drive, running back Trey Benson punched it in off a 19-yard scamper, marking the second score of the night.
Sep 9, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Trey Benson (3) runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium - Melina Myers - USA TODAY Sports
FSU fielded an onside kick, giving them the ball at the 49-yard line, and a penalty after a 27-yard attempt by Wilson put the 'Noles in scoring position again. After dropped balls by Wilson and wide receiver Keon Coleman, the Seminoles turned the ball over on 4th down.
Southern Miss ripped off its largest play of the night with a 33 pass to Tiaquelin Mims and after runs by running back Frank Gore, Jr., the Eagles were able to put three on the board making the score 14-3.
Running back Lawrance Toafili responded with his largest play of the night on a 34-yard rush to put the Seminoles in scoring position, and Spann rattled off another for 15, setting the offense up at the three-yard line. Benson followed suit, punching another in, marking his second score for the night.
There was little room for daylight for the Golden Eagle offense, with a sack coming from defensive tackle Dennis Briggs, Jr., followed by a tackle for loss by defensive tackle Malcolm Ray and DeLoach.
Coleman added another series to his highlight reel after a 34-yard catch and hurdle before putting six on the scoreboard, and the Seminoles would add another off a clutch 4th down conversion by wide receiver Hykeem Williams and a 29-yard reception by tight end Kyle Morlock. Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald finished the half with a 35-yard field goal. FSU 31, USM 3
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The Florida State Seminoles lead the Southern Miss Golden Eagles 31-3 at the half on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. © Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Eagles came out flat to start the second half and after a quick three and out, FSU took over at midfield. Benson added his third score of the night on a 42-yard run to make the score 38-3 after the extra point by Fitzgerald.
Defensive back Jarrian Jones added more points to the scoreboard after jumping a route on an errant pass, returning it for 30 yards and a score.
Quarterback Tate Rodemaker entered the game with 10 minutes left in the third quarter and immediately found tight end Markeston Douglas for a 42-yard touchdown.
With the game out of reach, Florida State was able to get newcomers and guys buried on the depth chart reps ahead of a long season. Defensive backs Quindarrius Jones, Conrad Hussey, Edwin Joseph, KJ Kirkland, and Ashlynd Barker all saw playing time on the night.
Southern Miss' first touchdown came off a 12-yard rush by Rodrigues Clark, making the score 45-10, but FSU responded with big runs by Rodney Hill and CJ Campbell. Freshman Vandrevious Jacobs scored FSU's eighth touchdown on the night to start the fourth.
Quarterback Brock Glenn saw his first action as a Seminole and made the most of it with a 34-yard run, setting the offense up for success. Holmes added another 40 on the ground and a score.
The Seminoles ended their home debut with a final score of 66-13 and will now prepare to head to Boston for a road game against the Boston College War Eagles.
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