Seminoles have plenty in reserve

Backup QB Rodemaker enters for injured Travis, throws 2 late TDs as FSU wins again

Florida State backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker came in for an injured Jordan Travis to throw two fourth-quarter touchdowns, rallying the Seminoles to a 35-31 win over host Louisville on Friday night.

The win improved FSU to 3-0 for the first time since 2015 and snapped a six-game losing streak in Atlantic Coast Conference openers dating to 2016.

Travis opened the game by completing his first 11 passes, two of which went for touchdowns, but the redshirt junior left the game after suffering a lower-body injury late in the second quarter. He left the field on his own power, went straight to the locker room and was later seen on the sidelines on crutches with a protective boot on his foot.

Rodemaker finished 6 of 10 for a career-high 109 yards with touchdown throws of 10 and 2 yards to Johnny Wilson. Wilson, who transferred to FSU from Arizona State in the offseason, had a career night with seven catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

“It’s an incredible example of what this team is built on,” said FSU coach Mike Norvell. “It was a special night, one that I will remember forever because it was an incredible atmosphere that you’re having to play in.

“I knew we could win with Tate. For him to go in the second half, being down on the road in a hostile environment, and he just kept playing.”

The Seminoles needed an interception by defensive back Kevin Knowles II at the last minute to seal the win.

Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham finished 21 of 34 for 243 passing yards and a touchdown. He also added 127 yards and two scores on the ground for the Cardinals (1-2, 0-2 ACC).

Travis wasn’t the only FSU player impacted by an injury.

Defensive end Jared Verse went down in the first half with an apparent lower-body injury and didn’t return. He was seen later on the sidelines in street clothes. Left tackle Robert Scott Jr. and nose tackle Malcolm Ray also found themselves missing time.

Travis finished 13 of 17 for 157 yards with TD throws to tight ends Preston Daniel and Camren McDonald in the first quarter.

Running back Treshaun Ward led the team with 126 yards rushing, including a pair of explosive runs of 46 and 28 yards.

Linebacker Kalen DeLoach had five tackles, including two for a loss, plus a sack, pass breakup and quarterback hit.

“I just believe in the character of this team,” said Norvell. “I love coaching this team and where that takes us. We’re going to continue to work.”

TIMOTHY D. EASLEY/AP Louisville defensive lineman YaYa Diaby brings down FSU quarterback Jordan Travis, who had to leave because of injury and didn’t return, during the first half of Friday’s game.