Florida State Upsets LSU Tigers in Beatdown Fashion, 45-24
Over 65,000 fans packed the house when the Florida State Seminoles and the LSU Tigers kicked off the season with a bang at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. It was a tale of two haves as both teams stayed neck and neck early on. The Seminoles were unable to pull away until the second half and never looked back.
As one of the top-rated transfers coming into 2023, Keon Coleman proved his worth on the night. Making big plays when the 'Noles needed them, he finished with 122 yards and three scores.
The 'Noles won the toss and deferred to the Tigers for the second half and the ball flew through the air to a packed stadium. The Tigers started the game with a 55-yard pass from quarterback Jayden Daniels to running back Tre Bradford. Florida State's defense stepped up on the goal line, ending the Tigers' opening drive with a sack by linebacker DJ Lundy.
Tight end Jaheim Bell caught the first pass of the season for the Florida State Seminoles, and wide receiver Johnny Wilson got the ball moving with two 12-yard receptions and converting a third and long. It didn't take long for FSU to put seven on the board with a 40-yard reception by Michigan State transfer Keon Coleman to score his first touchdown in garnet and gold.
The Tigers responded with a nine-play, 75-yard drive of their own on a one-yard run by Bradford.
FSU would quickly go three and out and punt the ball back to the Tigers, who moved the ball into the red zone off of two costly penalties. FSU Linebacker Tatum Bethune and defensive tackle Malcolm Ray set the tone at the 20-yard line. The first quarter ended with two incomplete passes by Daniels. The Tigers found themselves on a fourth and short, which was stopped by a sack from defensive back Shyheim Brown.
Both teams traded turnovers as LSU's Aaron Anderson muffed a punt that FSU's Azareye'h Thomas recovered. Travis had an errant throw on the next play, which Duce Chestnut intercepted. The Tigers failed to convert and pinned FSU on their one-yard line.
VIDEO: LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels Takes Brutal Hit From FSU's Tatum Bethune
Daniels rattled off a 40-yard scamper to put LSU in scoring position. Their second score would come after a one-yard rush by Noah Cane, putting the Tigers up 14-7.
Getting the ball moving down the field again was Wilson on a 22-yard reception and wide receiver Winston Wright, Jr. followed suit with an 18-yard catch, which would be his first catch as a Seminole. Coleman hauled in the second score for the 'Noles on a 21-yard reception, tying the game FSU 14, LSU 14.
With the seconds dwindling in the first half, the Tigers made a final push to take the lead. Good defense by linebacker Kalen DeLoach and defensive back Fentrell Cypress thwarted their chances of a touchdown and LSU settled for a 36-yard field goal. LSU 17, FSU 14.
Kicking off the second half, the 'Noles were able to get the ball going on the ground before a wild trick play by wide receiver Duece Spann to Wilson put them in the red zone. After stalling the drive, kicker Ryan Fitzgerald tied the game on a 33-yard field goal. FSU 17, LSU 17.
Florida State's defensive backs came on strong halfway through the third quarter, with cornerback Jarrion Jones and Fentrell Cypress stopping the Tiger attack. Later on in the fourth quarter, defensive back Renardo Green would give the offense a chance to pull away.
On a critical 4th and two, FSU went to running back Lawrance Toafili on a huge 41-yard pass. Jordan Travis would rush in for the score, putting FSU ahead 17-24. Travis finished the game with 342 yards with three scores through the air, adding another on the ground.
Coleman again showed his worth by reeling in a seven-yard touchdown reception from Travis, giving Florida State its largest game lead, and It was up to the defense to keep the Tigers at bay. Back-to-back tackles for loss by Joshua Farmer and DJ Lundy forced a punt by the Tigers, giving the 'Noles good field position. FSU 31, LSU 17.
The final nail in the coffin came at the hands of tight end Jaheim Bell with a 44-yard touchdown reception thrown by Travis, putting FSU up 38-17. Bell would go on to rush for another touchdown, making the score 45-17 and a late score by the Tigers padded the scoreboard.
FSU 45, LSU 24
If there wasn't enough hype surrounding the Seminoles, there will be after Sunday. The win marked the first top-10 victory for FSU since 2016.
The 'Noles will return to Tallahassee for a short week as they prepare for Southern Miss.
READ MORE: Brian Kelly Sends Bold Statement Ahead Of Season-Opener Against Florida State
Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 season
