TALLAHASSEE, FL- The sun was high in the sky and the excitement was even higher as fans gathered at the iconic Doak S. Campell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida for a riveting college football showdown. On this sunny Saturday afternoon, the fourth ranked Florida State Seminoles played host to the Syracuse Orange in a game that had all the components for an intense showdown.
Since the early morning, the stadium and parking lots were filled with buzz and anticipation. Doak Campell Stadium was sold out and the atmosphere was electrifying. Fans from both sides poured in dressed in their team colors ready to cheer for their beloved Orange and Seminoles in victory. The game kicked off with the Syracuse Orange and the Florida State Seminoles battling it out in the field. Fans were in for a treat.
Syracuse began their first drive at their own 25-yard line and faced a 1st and 10 on the FSU 25. Their drive was cut short when FSU’s punter, Jack Stonehouse, sent the ball 29 yards out of bounds resulting in a touchback. On their first offensive series, Syracuse quarterback, Garrett Shrader, was in the shotgun but faced a 3rd and 6. His pass to Isaiah Jones unfortunately was broken by Florida State’s Patrick Payton.
Florida State was favored in the beginning of the game, dominating 39-17 victory against Virginia Tech. FSU’s running back, Trey Benon set high expectations after his performance against Virgina Tech and was the star of the game as he rushed for an astonishing 200 yards and slammed in two touchdowns on just 11 carries. His 85-yard rush left opponents and fans amazed. Florida State quarterback, Jordan Travis also heavily contributed with two major touchdowns.
On the other hand, the Syracuse Orange found themselves in a tough situation early in the game. They were still recovering from a brutal loss to North Carolina last weekend with a 40-7 loss. That struggle continued against Florida State this weekend. The quarterback play was a significant point of concern with the Orange struggling to make progress through the air.
The Florida State Seminole’s defense proved to be a force to be reckoned with for Syracuse consistently pressuring the quarterback and interrupting the rhythm of the offensive. Despite a determined effort to bounce back, the Orange could not generate the points needed to make a comeback, being defeated 41-3.
Florida State’s victory marked their fifth consecutive home win this season, elevating their overall record to 6-0. The proficiency of the offense was the driving force behind their victory, averaging an impressive 42.4 points per game. Syracuse has stumbled for the third time now holding a 4-3 season record.
As the final whistle was blown, the Seminoles celebrated another victory in front of their passionate Seminole fans. It was a tough game that demonstrated determination and grit of these collegiate athletes. The college football season is full of defining moments and in this game, Florida State and Syracuse added to the exhilaration of the sport.