It was yet another disappointing home performance by Florida State on Saturday, but FSU will have no choice but to settle for an ugly win. The Seminoles trailed from Samford’s first play from scrimmage until the 4:03 mark in the fourth quarter, but came away victorious with a 36-26 win over the Bulldogs.
FSU improved to 1-1 with the victory, but despite the sub-par showing, it’s our duty to recognize the Seminoles who stood out. To do that again this week is editor Mike Ferguson and lead writer Clint Eiland:
Offense
Mike: Deondre Francois, QB
With little help from his ground game or offensive line, redshirt junior quarterback Deondre Francois led the Seminoles to a come-from-behind victory on Saturday night. Francois finished 31-for-46 passing for 320 yards and three touchdown passes, including the game-winner to Tre’ McKitty with 4:03 remaining. Francois also rushed for 15 yards and a score.
Clint: Tre’ McKitty, TE
The best performance of sophomore tight end Tre’ McKitty’s young Florida State career took place on Saturday night. McKitty finished with five catches for 59 yards — both career-highs — and the game-winning touchdown with 4:03 remaining. The winning score was the first of McKitty’s career. His longest catch of the night was for 21 yards.
Defense
Mike: Kyle Meyers, CB
For a Florida State defense that forced five turnovers and four interceptions of Samford quarterback Devlin Hodges, junior cornerback Kyle Meyers came away with two of them. Both of Meyers’ interceptions came inside the FSU 20-yard-line to thwart scoring drives. Meyers also recorded three tackles, including one for loss.
Clint: Levonta Taylor, CB
With the game hanging in the balance and Samford driving, down by three, junior cornerback Levonta Taylor saved the day for the Seminoles. Taylor stepped in front of a Devlin Hodges pass and returned it 63 yards for a touchdown with 2:23 to go to cap the scoring and seal the FSU victory. Taylor added four tackles.
Special Teams
Unanimous Game Ball: Logan Tyler, P
It wasn’t a great night for Florida State again on special teams, but it was a solid night for junior punter Logan Tyler. Tyler averaged 46.4 yards per punt on seven punts with a long of 59. Three of the seven punts were downed inside the 20-yard-line. Each of Tyler’s six kickoffs went for touchbacks.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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