RECAP: No. 4 Florida State Advances to 11-0 After Bittersweet Victory Over North Alabama
The No. 4 Florida State Seminoles took to Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday night against the North Alabama Lions to mark their last home game of the 2023 Season. The 'Noles also honored their departing senior class and the 2013 BCS National Championship team. Former FSU star, and Heisman Trophy Winner, James Winston's jersey was also retired as a part of the celebrations.
The Seminoles would win the contest 58-13 but tragedy struck early for them as star quarterback Jordan Travis was carted off the field after suffering a horrifying leg injury in the first quarter.
The Seminole defense started strong with a sack by defensive tackle Joshua Farmer and the defensive pressure started early. On offense, running back Trey Benson and wideout Keon Coleman got the ball moving across mid-field but were stopped short as the Lion defense forced a three-and-out.
On a fourth and one, the Lions pulled off a 65-yard fake punt and moved into the Seminole red zone. North Alabama took an early lead with a 13-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Takairee Kenebrew.
The Lions brought their whole playbook out early and got into FSU territory again with a double pitch play to Kobe Warden for 28 yards and J.J. Evans hauled in their second score of the night. The Seminoles blocked the extra attempt recovered by defensive end Patrick Payton.
FSU quarterback Jordan Travis left the game with an apparent ankle injury after a 16-yard rush and would not return. Quarterback Tate Rodemaker took over for Florida State and after big runs by Hill and Rodemaker, FSU was in scoring range. Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald scored the first points for the Seminoles on a 23-yard field goal.
Defensive back Jarrian Jones has become a valuable asset to the Seminole defense. In last week's win over Miami, he ended the game with an interception and during Saturday's matchup against the Lions, he forced a fumble in North Alabama territory setting Florida State up for their second score of the game. Running back Trey Benson punched his way into the end zone on four-yard rush, closing the game to three points.
The team seemed to rally around Rodemaker and he proved his ability to reliably run the FSU offense in Travis' absence. After a big pass to running back Lawrance Toafili for 16 yards, two handoffs to running back Caziah Holmes gave the 'Noles the lead. Late into the second quarter, tight end Jaheim Bell moved FSU into scoring range using his power to blast through defenders on a 49-yard reception. Toafili etched his way into the end zone as the 'Noles started to pull away.
FSU got the ball to start the second half and the two teams traded punts and series. Neither team was able to move the ball for most of the third quarter. Wide receiver Kentron Poitier made an impressive sideline catch for 19 yards. Tight end Kyle Morlock got the 'Noles into the red zone and Holmes was able to walk in for a score off of a 26-yard reception.
Jarrian Jones got his second interception in as many games and wide receiver Keon Coleman scored on the next play. FSU broke the 40-point mark in style. Running back CJ Campbell outran the Lion defense and rushed for an impressive 70-yard score.
With the game getting out of hand FSU brought in some players who have had little to no playing time this season. Brock Glenn took over as quarterback and running back Sam Singleton got playing time as well. The two freshmen were stars late in the game, Glenn got his first career touchdown while Singleton pulled off a big run. Defensive back Quindarrius Jones sealed the game with a scoop and score after a blocked field goal attempt.
The Seminoles will travel to Gainesville, Florida next week to face the Florida Gators at 7:00 p.m. EST.
READ MORE: College Football World Reacts to FSU Star Jordan Travis' Shocking Injury
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