FSU held Wake Forest to 56 total yards through the game’s first three quarters, while also holding the Demon Deacons to -26 yards rushing in a game where the ‘Noles defense was the true star of the game.
“Very proud of our defense today,” said FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher. “I thought they were outstanding, I thought they tackled, kept contain, I mean totally dominated the game.”
FSU was sloppy on offense early in the game, giving up two turnovers before the end of the first quarter, while also allowing Wake Forest to get the first points of the game on a Mike Weaver 36-yard field goal, giving the Demon Deacons a 3-0 lead late in the opening quarter.
Roberto Aguayo, who accounted for 19 of FSU’s points, kicked a 43-yard field goal, following an 11 play, 49 yard drive early in the second quarter to tie the game at 3-3 for the ‘Noles.
“I feel like I’m pretty consistant right now,” said Aguayo. “I feel good right now, better than ever and I’m excited for next week.”
Jameis Winston then gave the ‘Noles their first lead of the game when he scored on a two-yard rush into the end zone, giving FSU a 10-3 lead.
Winston finished the game 23-39 passing for 297 yards with a touchdown through the air and one on the ground. He had an early interception on a tipped pass in the first quarter.
“I definitely can’t turn the ball over on the first possesion,” said Winston of his early interception. “That isn’t good for the team to be following me and for me to do that.”
The ‘Noles went into the locker room at halftime leading 13-3 after Aguayo put another kick through the uprights at the end of the second quarter.
“It’s amazing what that guy can do,” said Fisher of his sophomore kicker. “When you get in that position where he feels comfortable and you know you can get those points; he just walks out there and kicks them.”
FSU later used a P.J. Williams interception to set themselves up for a Mario Pender touchdown run, extending their lead to 23-3 midway through the third quarter.
Things didn’t get better for Wake Forest after that, as the ‘Noles would go on to extend their lead to 30-3 with a 31-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Reggie Northrup. FSU wouldn’t look back from there, as they were on their way to a 43-3 victory.
Rashad Greene left the game in the second half after showing concussion like symptoms on the sideline, Fisher said Greene was throwing up on the sidelines and that led to the teams decision to sit him out.
The Seminoles offense dominated the Demon Deacons though the course of the game, having outgained them 475-126 in total yards. Wake Forest finished the game with only 93 yards gained, compared to 53 yards lost.
“Tackling I thought was very good,” said Fisher after the game. “There might have been one or two out there in space that we missed, but very few missed tackles.”
FSU held Wake Forest without a touchdown, extending the Demon Deacons drought to five whole games at Doak Campbell Stadium without a touchdown. The last time Wake Forest scored a touchdown in Tallahassee was 2005. Dating back to 2006, the Deacons have scored a total of six points against the ‘Noles at home.
With the win FSU improves their record to 5-0 for the season, while also keeping them a perfect 3-0 in ACC play. The victory also improved the ‘Noles winning streak to 21-games, which is good for the longest current winning streak in the nation.
“That’s the fun part in this whole thing,” said Winston following the game. “We haven’t reached our potential yet.
“We haven’t reached what we’re capable of yet and that’s so fun and so encouraging to me to know that our team has not even played a great game yet.”
FSU will now travel to New York next week, where they will take on the Syracuse Orangemen on Saturday, Oct. 11 at noon EST, with the game being shown on ESPN.
