The Daily Nole

FSU-Louisville: Game Balls

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It was another home game and another loss for Florida State on Saturday. This time, it was the Louisville Cardinals handing FSU the gut-wrenching blow as kicker Blanton Creque connected from 34 yards out with five seconds remaining to lift Louisville to a 31-28 victory.

As always, it’s our duty to recognize the FSU players who stood out in the performance. Handing out game balls this week are editor Mike Ferguson, lead writer Clint Eiland, staff writer Josh Mixon and recruiting analyst Jay Brading:

Offense

Unanimous Game Ball: Nyqwan Murray, WR
After a slow start to the season, junior wide receiver Nyqwan Murray was solid for a second straight week. Murray finished with four catches for a game-high 95 yards receiving and a touchdown. Murray scored another touchdown by falling on a fumble after running back Jacques Patrick coughed it up just shy of the goal line.

Defense

Mike, Clint: Matthew Thomas, LB
Florida State redshirt senior linebacker Matthew Thomas continued to play well for the Seminoles on Saturday. Thomas finished with a team-high tying 10 tackles, including 0.5 for loss and became the first FSU player to score a defensive touchdown since Jalen Ramsey against Boston College in 2015. Thomas returned a Lamar Jackson fumble 34 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter to give FSU a 14-7 lead.

Josh: Derwin James, S
After missing last season’s contest against Louisville, redshirt sophomore safety Derwin James made his presence felt on Saturday. James made eight tackles, including a couple of the touchdown-saving variety.

Jay: Josh Sweat, DE
Florida State junior Josh Sweat continues to live in opposing backfields. In Saturday’s loss, Sweat recorded nine tackles, including a game-high two for loss and a sack.

Special Teams

Unanimous Game Ball: Logan Tyler, P
It wasn’t a great special teams day for Florida State, but punter Logan Tyler probably had the best day. On three punts, Tyler averaged better than 42 yards per boot with a long of 48. Three of his five kickoffs went for touchbacks.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson

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