The Daily Nole

10-Year Nole Anniversary: FSU Routs No. 7 BYU in Provo

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The 2009 season for Florida State began on shaky footing. After dropping a heartbreaker on Labor Day against Miami to open the year, the Seminoles needed a touchdown run with 35 seconds left to stave off an upset from FCS Jacksonville State.

FSU was a healthy underdog as it traveled to Provo the following week to take on No. 7 BYU, who had opened the year with a surprising 14-13 win over No. 5 Oklahoma. When all was said and done on Sept. 19, 2009, the Cougars were the recipients of an old-school FSU beatdown, 54-28.

Florida State would score on eight of its first nine possessions, finishing the night with 512 yards of total offense. The defense yielded 475 yards to the Cougars, but forced five turnovers, including three interceptions of quarterback Max Hall and one that was returned 63 yards for a touchdown by Greg Reid.

BYU hung tough for much of the first half as it trailed 20-14 in the final minute of the second quarter. That’s when Christian Ponder’s 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Caz Piurowski began a stretch of 24 unanswered points. After BYU fumbled the ensuing kickoff, Dustin Hopkins put FSU in front 30-14 at halftime before Reid’s interception return for a score and a Ponder touchdown run early in the third quarter.

Ponder would finish the night an efficient 21-for-26 passing for 195 yards and three total touchdowns. On the ground, FSU racked up more than 300 yards rushing, led by Ty Jones’ 108 yards on just 12 carries. Freshman Lonnie Pryor, who was forced to move to fullback to replace the injured Daniel Gard, scored the first two rushing touchdowns of his career.

In addition to Reid, Nigel Bradham and A.J. Alexander each had interceptions for FSU in the victory. Jamie Robinson led the team with seven tackles while Mister Alexander recorded FSU’s only sack.

The win seemed like one that could built momentum for the remainder of the season, but the Seminoles lost their next three games before finishing 7-6 in what would be legendary head coach Bobby Bowden’s final season. BYU would finish 11-2 and No. 12 in the final AP Poll.

The 26-point thrashing in Provo however, turned out to be one of the few highlights for the Seminoles during a disappointed campaign. It came on this day one decade ago.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson. Like The Daily Nole on Facebook. To pitch an idea, author a post or to learn more about The Daily Nole, email Mike Ferguson at Mike@TheDailyNole.com.

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