NEW ORLEANS — LSU won the toss and elected to receive to set the tone early. Quarterback Jayden Daniels showed off his legs on the first play of the game, picking up 25 yards as he rolled out left down the sideline. Following the play, a 15-yard penalty was assessed to FSU for a late hit.
After the penalty, the Tigers had the Noles on their heels at the 25-yard line. Daniels would look to the back left corner of the endzone to connect with Kayshon Boutte. However, he was out of bounds before establishing the catch.
Following a first and goal, Daniels would have to corral an errant snap, resulting in a 14-yard loss and putting an end to their momentum. The tigers would settle for a 37-yard field goal from Damian Ramos to take the early lead.
Then it was the Noles’ turn to get the offense on the field. Facing a 3rd and eight from their own 27-yard line, quarterback Jordan Travis zipped one across the middle to Camren McDonald for the 1st down. This sparked the Seminoles, as Travis settled in and got to work.
Following a holding penalty that made it 1st and 20 from the FSU 48, Travis showed off his quickness, faking the handoff and taking it 23-yards to the left sideline for a 1st down. However, things would stall out after this, as the Noles were forced to settle for a 47-yard attempt from Ryan Fitzgerald, which fell short of the goal post.
The Seminole defense would clean up shop, though, on the ensuing possession for LSU. It was a quick three-and-out, which started with a pass for a loss of four and then Daniels was sacked on third down by the duo of Dennis Briggs Jr. and Kalen Deloach.
FSU’s second possession would start at their own 15-yard line. Travis would pick up a second consecutive drive, starting 3rd down conversion. This sparked a 14-play, 85-yard scoring drive that was capped off by a 39-yard flea-flicker from Travis to Ontaria Wilson to put the Noles on top 7-3.
Daniels would get the Tigers on the attack for their third drive of the game, leading them back to the redone. However, it was more of the same story from the first drive, with things stalling out. They would have to settle for a 30-yard field goal from Damian Ramos. Though, it would be blocked by the hand of Jared Verse, giving the Noles possession at their own 20-yard line.
The fireworks would be held back on this drive, as they were forced to put after picking up a lone first down. However, LSU’s Malik Nabers muffed the return, and the Noles recovered with 3:15 left in the half.
Florida State could not take advantage of the turnover, failing to convert on a 4th and two from the eight-yard line. The Tigers’ offense would not produce anything after the turnover on downs, as the teams went into the locker room with FSU on top 7-3.
Halftime Stats
FSU
Passing – QB Jordan Travis: 9-15 passing for 110 yards
Rushing – QB Jordan Travis: 5 carries for 26 yards
Total Offense: 166-yards
3rd Down Conversions: 6-9
LSU
Passing – QB Jayden Daniels: 7-10 passing for 47 yards
Rushing – QB Jayden Daniels: 11 carries for 77 yards
Total Offense: 119
3rd Down Conversions: 2-5
Written by Adrian Beecher
