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FSU Football Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald Shocks Country By Nailing 59-Yard Field Goal

Florida State kicker Ryan Fitzgerald scored an incredible field goal with the first half coming to a close.

Kade Kimble

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles place kicker Ryan Fitzgerald (88) lines up a field goal during the fourth quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles place kicker Ryan Fitzgerald (88) lines up a field goal during the fourth quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
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There wasn't much to be desired for Florida State's offense in the first half of the season opener against Georgia Tech. The Seminoles entered the break tied up at 14-all with the Yellow Jackets.

Florida State scored just one touchdown in the first half, though, with Ryan Fitzgerald punching home two field goals.

It was the first showing of DJ Uiagalelei in the Seminoles' offense as he completed 12 of his 14 passes for 96 yards, though Florida State was heavily running the ball and running sweeps rather than taking shots downfield or vertically stretching the field.

The first drive was incredible as Florida State ran over the Yellow Jackets while using a variety of personnel. The offense struggled from there, though, relying on Fitzgerald to cap off drives.

READ MORE: Florida State vs. Georgia Tech: Pregame Injury Updates For The Seminoles And Yellow Jackets

Fitzgerald's first field goal was an impressive one, nailing a 52-yarder. To close the half, trailing 14-11, the Seminoles kicker nailed an insane 59-yard field goal -- good for a career-high.

Sure, there's plenty to be desired on Florida State's offense, and a few chunk plays could get them in rhythm in the second half, but trailing 14-8 would have the team in a much worse position had Fitzgerald not converted both field goals.

Fitzgerald's second conversion was good for the second-longest field goal in school history, too. Social media was buzzing after he nailed the kick.

The Seminoles' offense needs to back up Fitzgerald and find a way to consistently move the ball downfield. So far, the team has used five different running backs, which is a great way to wear down a defense. The passing game has to follow suit, and Uiagalelei has primarily handed the ball off or attempted short targets.

READ MORE: ESPN's College GameDay Predicts Florida State vs. Georgia Tech

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Kade Kimble
KADE KIMBLE

Kade has been covering a wide variety of teams ranging from the NFL to the NBA and college athletics since joining Sports Illustrated's FanNation in 2022.

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