Photo Credit: JP Souffront
Written by Paula Avila
Tallahassee, FL – The No. 8 ranked Florida State Seminoles extend their winning streak to 3-0 after defeating the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Saturday night 54-6. Despite the weather conditions, 74,841 fans were in attendance for Military Appreciation day at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Seminoles started off strong and held the Wildcats scoreless in the first half, making it the first defensive shutout of the season.
The defense were the first to put points on the board for Florida State after Telvin Smith intercepted the Wildcats’ Quentin Williams and made a 68 yd. touchdown return, giving the Seminoles a lead of 7-0 early in the game. Later in the second quarter, the defense capitalized on another Wildcat’s mistake when Alex Monroe was charged with a holding penalty in the end zone and resulted in a safety for the Seminoles. “We played a good football team in Florida State tonight…We made some mistakes that they capitalized on and that’s what good teams do.” Stated the Wildcats’ Head Coach, Brian Jenkins.
Jameis Winston closed his night after throwing his second touchdown of the game early in the third quarter and passed for 148 yds. Winston’s first touchdown pass showcased his athleticism as he ran away from and shook off what should’ve been an easy sack and found Kelvin Benjamin in the end zone. “The first touchdown is gonna be a negative on the film, I was supposed to hot the backside… God blessed me with the talent, I shook him off and Kelvin was just right there…Kelvin made a great play, I mean it was nice” Commented Winston on the play.
Devonta Freeman rushed for over 100 yds. for the sixth time in his career. He finished Saturday night’s game with 112 rushing yards on 10 carries. “I just think it’s been very important for our team, it gets us very balanced…we could do a lot of things when we can run the ball and pass the ball.” Freeman stated regarding his rushing for tonight.
Terrance Smith was one of the three Seminoles who picked up their first career sack Saturday night and finished with a total of 12 tackles, one sack and one QB hurry. Smith is now the first Seminole this year to reach double figures in tackles in a single game. “Pretty much I knew this was my first opportunity so I just wanted to make the most out of it and show the people what I could do.” said Smith.
Although Head Coach Jimbo Fisher was pleased with the Seminoles’ victory over the Wildcats, he stated, “Very proud of our team. I thought we went in and did the things we had to do in order to win the game. Still, a lot of room for improvement in my opinion.”
The Florida State Seminoles head to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts next weekend to face ACC opponent Boston College at 3:30 p.m. The Seminoles will be looking to continue increasing their winning streak and move up in the BCS rankings.
