Florida State got back in the win column on Saturday as the Seminoles scored 31 unanswered points to erase an early deficit and defeat South Florida 55-35 at Raymond James Stadium.
The 55 points was the most scored by FSU since the 2015 season-opener against Texas State. The Seminoles also managed nearly 650 yards of offense. When that happens, there are a number of great individual performances. The Daily Nole staff of editor Mike Ferguson, lead writer Clint Eiland, recruiting analyst Jay Brading and contributors T.J. Pittinger and Robert Blackburn each handed out game balls.
Offense
Unanimous Game Ball: Dalvin Cook, RB
Just more than a year after rushing for a career-high 266 yards against South Florida, FSU junior running back Dalvin Cook bested that with 267 yards on the ground and two scores. Cook also added a team-high four catches for 62 yards to finish with 329 yards from scrimmage. That’s the most for a Power 5 player this season.
Defense
Mike, Clint: Brian Burns, DE
With starting defensive end Josh Sweat out, freshman Brian Burns filled in admirably to help fill the void. Burns recorded just two tackles and a sack, but was all over the field, especially as a pass-rusher on Saturday.
Jay: Fred Jones, DT
One of the pleasant surprises for Florida State on Saturday was the play of reserve defensive tackle Fred Jones. The redshirt sophomore finished second on the team with three total tackles, including one for loss.
T.J., Robert: DeMarcus Walker, DE
Senior defensive end DeMarcus Walker is the unquestioned leader of the FSU defense and on Saturday, he played like it. Walker recorded two tackles and a sack, but was constantly in the opposing backfield.
Special Teams
Mike: Kermit Whitfield, KR
Senior Kermit Whitfield helped give Florida State good field position for most of the day on Saturday. On four returns, Whitfield averaged 32 yards with a long of 53.
Clint, Robert: Ricky Aguayo continues to be close to automatic for FSU as a placekicker. Aguayo was 2-for-2 on field goal attempts Saturday with a long of 38 yards.
Jay, T.J.: Jesus Wilson, PR
Like Kermit Whitfield did on kickoff returns, Jesus Wilson kept the Seminoles from having long fields by averaging nearly 15 yards on four punt returns with a long of 18 yards.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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