RECAP: No. 4 Florida State Weathers the Hurricanes, Moves to 10-0
The No. 4 Florida State Seminoles weathered the Hurricanes and remain undefeated in 2023. Miami came into Tallahassee with a purpose but left empty-handed when the seconds struck zero to end regulation as the Seminoles came out on top 27-20. It wasn't without struggle, the Seminole offense wavered at times but found a way to win. Jordan Travis finished 19/31 with 265 yards and one touchdown. Linebacker Kalen DeLoach led the defense with ten tackles and two sacks.
Miami won the toss and the Seminoles got the ball first to start the contest. Running back Trey Benson led the 'Noles to their first first down on a 17-yard reception by quarterback Jordan Travis. After an incompletion to tight end Jaheim Bell, Travis found wide receiver Johnny Wilson a couple of yards short of the first down marker forcing the Seminoles to kick it away.
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Freshman quarterback Emory Williams took the field for the Hurricanes backed up on their one-yard line. Florida State would force a quick three-and-out giving the ball back to the offense.
Florida State entered the Miami redzone off big runs by Benson and catches by tight end Markeston Douglas. Bell got into the mix again moving the offense to first and goal. Benson gave the 'Noles their first points of the night by muscling his way in for a five-yard score. An extra push by offensive lineman Bless Harris gave him the moment to get into the end zone.
Miami started its second drive on the ground with physical runs by Mark Fletcher, Jr. and had their first explosive on a 43-yard reception by Jacolby George. The Hurricane moment was quickly interrupted by a massive 10-yard sack by linebacker Kalen Deloach. Miami gave the ball back to FSU after failing to get points on a 51-yard attempt.
Big runs by Lawrance Toafili and Benson helped move Florida State and Wilson made his second catch of the night for 18 yards. Bell would move them into the red zone from a bullet thrown by Travis for another 16. Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald would give FSU their second score of the day on a 31-yard field goal.
The Hurricanes were able to provide a little spark to their offense with a 25-yard pass to George. Their momentum was quickly put out again by a batted-down pass from defensive tackle Joshua Farmer. Deloach was able to force the three and out with his second sack of the night.
Miami was able to get the run game going and moved the ball into FSU territory on a 26-yard rush from Don Chaney, Jr. A quick pass to Chaney and the 'Canes were knocking on Florida State's door. Miami's first points of the night came from a three-yard reception by George.
Continuing with the run game the Hurricanes were able to get to the FSU 15-yard line with 37 seconds left in the first half. Miami was able to tie the game at 10 on a 27-yard field goal from Andres Borregalas.
Florida State came out of the half with an onside kick recovered by Miami. A quick 20-yard rush by Fletcher put the Canes in scoring position early. The Seminole defense stood strong forcing a 51-yard field goal which gave Miami their first lead of the night.
Wide receiver Keon Coleman was quiet in the first half and made his first catch for eight yards in the 3rd quarter. The reception set up a massive 64-yard catch by Ja'Khi Douglas to put FSU on Miami's goal line. Florida State was unable to make it into the end zone and settled for three from Fitzgerald.
Travis was able to find Wilson for 26 yards moving the 'Noles mid-field. Benson was able to get his second touchdown of the night on a 38-yard run giving FSU the lead. Most of the yards in the second half came off of big plays as both teams struggled to get into a rhythm.
Coleman was able to ignite the Florida State offense on special teams. After making a guy miss, he was able to return a punt for 57 yards moving the Seminoles to the Miami 10. Travis was able to bounce around the Hurricane defense for seven yards and moved the 'Noles to the three-yard line. Coleman was able to reel in a six-yard catch allowing the 'Noles to slowly pull away.
Miami struck back with an 85-yard bomb to George making it a one-score game late into the fourth quarter. Jones would later leave the game with an injury.
Defensive back Jarrian Jones ended the game with an interception. Despite the late resurgence for Miami, the Seminole defense held on. Florida State looks to host the North Alabama Lions at home on Saturday, November 18.
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