State of play
Big 2nd-half boosts FSU
FLORIDA ST. 41 LOUISVILLE 21
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Early in the season, Jimbo Fisher could understand if his Florida State team was a little tentative and tight during the first half. But at halftime of Saturday’s game against Louisville with the Seminoles trailing 76, his patience was starting to wear thin.
With five touchdowns in six secondhalf drives, the message was received.
Behind 372 yards passing and three touchdowns from Everett Golson along with Dalvin Cook’s fourth 100yard game of the season, the No. 11 Seminoles broke it open in the third quarter en route to a 4121 win over the Cardinals at Doak Campbell Stadium.
“I think you saw what a team can do in the first half when it’s not totally focused or it presses itself,” Fisher said. “In the second half, when the team relaxes, it played up to its capability and still have it. Just go play. I know that sounds crazy, but that’s our only goal right now.”
Golson gave the Seminoles the lead for good with 8:05 remaining in the third quarter as he connected with Kermit Whitfield for a 70yard touchdown up the right sideline. It is the eighth 300yard passing game of Golson’s career and his second since transferring to Florida State earlier this summer.
Cook finished with 163 yards on 22 carries and a pair of touchdowns.
Florida State is off to a 60 start for the third straight season, extended its ACC win streak to 28, including four this year, and remains the only team in the nation without an offensive turnover.
For the second straight season, the Seminoles are proving to be a strong secondhalf team. They have outscored opponents 12647, including 6214 in the third quarter.