FSU’s Top 5 Moments vs. NC State

Come Saturday, Florida State will be traveling to face an opponent that has been a thorn in its side in recent years. NC State has rarely been an easy victory for the Seminoles since receiver Torry Holt put himself on the map back in the 1998 ACC opener.

Overall however, the moments for FSU against the Wolfpack have traditionally been more good than bad. Narrowly missing this list were game-winning touchdowns in 1954 and 1955 as well as Jameis Winston’s touchdown pass to Christian Green in 2014.

Looking back on the previous 38 meetings and 26 Florida State victories, here are the five best moments for the Seminoles against North Carolina State:

5. Francois Finds Rudolph for Game-Winner
Nov. 5, 2016
(19) Florida State 24, NC State 20

Florida State had cut a 10-point deficit down to three on the final play of the third quarter as running back Dalvin Cook scored from 10 yards away. With time ticking away in the final quarter however, the Seminoles faced what looked like a do-or-die drive. Quarterback Deondre Francois’ arm had accounted for all the yardage on the drive as FSU faced 2nd-and-10 from the NC State 19. Under pressure, Francois hung in the pocket when he lofted a pass for junior wide receiver Travis Rudolph, who was coming out of his break. Rudolph hauled in the pass and walked into the end zone to put the Seminoles ahead for the first time and for good. FSU forced a turnover on downs to seal the victory.

4. Reed’s Halloween Winner
Oct. 31, 2009
NC State 42, Florida State 45

Defense was optional for the Halloween contest between Florida State and NC State in 2009. With quarterbacks Russell Wilson for NC State and FSU’s Christian Ponder at the helm, the teams combined for nearly 1,100 yards. With less than two minutes remaining, FSU faced 3rd-and-goal from the 3-yard-line. Rather than riding Ponder’s hot hand or Jermaine Thomas, who had 189 yards on the ground, the Seminoles called an end around for Bert Reed who squirted into the end zone with 1:36 left to put FSU ahead for good. Jamie Robinson’s interception with five seconds left sealed the win.

3. FSU Scores School-Record 77 Points
Sept. 16, 1995
NC State 17, (1) Florida State 77
The Wolfpack were clearly overmatched when they arrived in Tallahassee in 1995 to take on the top-ranked Seminoles, but they probably weren’t aware of just how bad of a day they were in for. On the afternoon, FSU enjoyed a record day with a then school-record 77 points in a 60-point triumph. FSU quarterback Danny Kanell was near flawless, going 28-for-32 passing for 310 yards and five touchdown passes with one interception. Thad Busby came in relief and tossed two more touchdowns. Andre Cooper and E.G. Green each had more than 100 yards receiving and each caught two touchdowns. Running back Warrick Dunn finished with 140 yards of total offense and three scores while Dee Feaster also found the end zone twice. The FSU defense recovered six NC State fumbles. The 77 points and 60-point victory in ACC play both remained school-records until 2013 when they were broken in two separate games. The 77 points remains the most for the Seminoles in conference play.

2. Bowden Returns to Doak
Oct. 26, 2013
NC State 17, (3) Florida State 49

For the first time since his retirement following the 2009 season, the legendary Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden made his return to Doak Campbell Stadium as the Seminoles hosted NC State to conclude the month of October 2013. Bowden planted the spear pregame, which brought a raucous applause from the crowd. As for the game itself, the result was never in question as the Seminoles tied a school-record with 35 first quarter points and built a 42-0 lead at halftime. FSU quarterback Jameis Winston passed for 282 yards and three touchdowns in the victory while Rashad Greene led all receivers with 137 yards receiving and a score. Ronald Darby and Terrence Brooks each had interceptions for Florida State in the win.

1. Washington’s Overtime TD Clinches ACC
Nov. 15, 2003
NC State 44, (13) Florida State 50 (Double Overtime)

Both Florida State and NC State controlled their own destiny in the ACC as the teams met for Senior Day in Tallahassee in 2003. FSU needed only a victory to clinch an 11th conference crown in 12 years but a senior quarterback for NC State named Philip Rivers wasn’t going to make things easy. Rivers accounted for 422 yards passing and five total touchdowns in the contest, but with the score even at 37, FSU kicker Xavier Beitia had a chance to win the game from 32 yards out on the final play of regulation. Unfortunately for Beitia, his kick was blocked and the contest went to overtime. After exchanging touchdowns in the first extra period, the FSU defense came through with a fourth down stop as Rivers’ pass slipped off the hand of receiver Jerricho Cotchery. It took FSU running back Leon Washington just two carries to end the contest as he scampered in from 12 yards away. Washington finished with 121 of FSU’s 272 yards rushing while quarterback Chris Rix threw three touchdowns — two to Craphonso Thorpe. Allen Augustin led an opportunistic FSU defense that forced three turnovers with 10 tackles and a sack.

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