WATCH: Deuce Spann Scores Florida State's First Kick Return Touchdown Of The 2023 Season

The Seminoles were on the brink of falling apart prior to a massive play on special teams by Deuce Spann.

Dustin Lewis | Oct 21, 2023

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The opening half of Florida State's top-25 matchup against the Duke Blue Devils has featured plenty of big plays on both sides. Following a sluggish start to the game that put the Seminoles in a 10-0 hole, the offense finally responded with quarterback Jordan Travis finding running back Caziah Holmes to cut into the deficit.

It looked like FSU was steadying itself after the defense forced Duke into a three-and-out and quick punt. However, disaster struck as Travis fired a pass into traffic to Keon Coleman that was picked off and taken the other distance for a pick-six.

Suddenly, Florida State trailed 17-7 in the opening minutes of the second frame. The game was on the brink of going off the rails in favor of Duke with the Seminoles needing something to go their way.

That's exactly what happened on the ensuing kickoff as redshirt junior wide receiver Deuce Spann fielded a kick return from just outside of the end zone. Spann ran up the middle of the field prior to cutting to the left side and turning on the jets, outrunning the Blue Devils for a 99-yard touchdown.

The touchdown marked Florida State's second kick return for a score over the past two seasons. Running back Trey Benson brought back the opening kickoff for a touchdown in a win over Boston College in 2022.

Deuces😈 @deucespann takes it to the HOUSE!!!#NoleFamily |#KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/VI7wQ9g19k
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) October 22, 2023

The play is even more impressive when you consider that Rodney Hill's kick return was stuffed at the 15-yard line on the previous attempt. The touchdown marked the first score of Spann's college career.

Florida State has since tied the game with a field goal. The Seminoles and Blue Devils are locked up at 17 apiece midway through the second quarter.

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 season.

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Published Oct 21, 2023

DUSTIN LEWIS

Lewis joined NoleGameday in 2016 and is currently in the role of Editor-In-Chief. A graduate of Florida State, Lewis contributes to football, recruiting, and basketball coverage. Connect with Dustin on Twitter at @DustinLewisNG.