Instant Analysis: FSU capitalizes on Florida miscues for win in The Swamp
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Florida turned it over four times and Florida State managed to cash in every time. The four touchdowns off of turnovers helped FSU to an easy 38-22 win over UF. The Seminoles have now won five in a row over the Gators for the first time in series history. Jimbo Fisher's squad has also won the last four meetings in The Swamp.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: It felt over when Florida State made it 24-7 in the second quarter with a pick-six of Feleipe Franks. Florida’s offense has never looked capable of coming from behind in a three-score game. The Gators did rally for a touchdown before the half, making it 24-13 at the break.
The Seminoles sealed the deal with a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns. Since 2007, Florida has been unable to defeat any team that scores more than 28 points in regulation. That did not change on Saturday.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Junior defensive end Cece Jefferson may have played his last game in The Swamp. He was frequently in the FSU backfield, causing problems for Seminoles quarterback James Blackman. Jefferson led the way in tackles and tackles for loss.
THE STATS DON’T LIE: As mentioned above, points off turnovers was the defining stat of the day. Florida's starting running back, Lamical Perine, was below two yards per carry late in the fourth quarter.
Both teams struggled to move the ball and convert on third down, but FSU was able to capitalize on the turnovers, the key to the game.
WHAT A PLAY: Senior cornerback Duke Dawson made an unlikely interception off the foot of an FSU wide receiver. As the play was happening, freshman cornerback Marco Wilson assumed it was over and was taunting the Nole wideout about the pass breakup.
Known hard-hitters Chauncey Gardner Jr. and Vosean Joseph played with some extra juice on Saturday with the Seminoles in town.
THESE MATCH-UPS PROVED KEY: Florida’s patchwork offensive line struggled to properly pass-protect against FSU’s defensive line. The Gators have tried moving linemen around after injuries to multiple starters, but worked against UAB wasn’t working against FSU. Granted, with Franks’ lack of pocket presence and head-scratching play-action pass calls on third-and-10, the line wasn’t getting much help.
UP NEXT: Florida's season is over. Gator Nation anxiously awaits the announcement of the next head coach.
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