Former Florida State signal-caller Jameis Winston, who is now the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was on-hand for the Seminoles’ big win over Ole Miss on Monday night.
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Ole Miss wideouts Demore’ea Stringfellow, D.K. Metcalf and Evan Engram also caught TDs from Kelly, all in the first half. Here are some of the best ones taken from Orlando. After registering 76 tackles, Demarquis Gates is returning to spearhead the defense of Ole Miss. Ole Miss had 312 yards at halftime, but lost seven yards on just 10 plays in the third quarter.
Things weren’t going as Florida State’s redshirt freshman quarterback had hoped. After some shaky moments early, some of which were caused by protection problems, Francois showed why the Seminoles coaches have been so high on him. There were a series of errors by the ‘Nole offense-not atypical for a young QB facing intense pressure.
Trailing by 22 points against a talented team that could seemingly do no wrong, it would have been easy for the Seminoles to roll over, die and turn their focuses to next week and then the ACC.
The Seminoles ended up with a field goal on the drive. A retweet, likely from an FSU fan, suggested the perpetrator was “watching ESPN” during the second half.
It was the first time the offense looked like it was in a groove since the end of the first half. He set a school record with six made field goals, including three from 40-yards or longer.
With its back against the wall, Florida State came out of halftime with its foot on the gas pedal.
Florida State defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, center, grabs a MS fumble during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Monday, Sept. 5, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
Winston was particularly hard on FSU’s offensive line, which was having a awful time in regards to blocking. Florida State is relying on team star Dalvin Cook and freshman quarterback Deondre Francois along with head coach Jimbo Fisher. In just 6 minutes and 11 seconds, Florida State scored 23 points. The Rebels scored again early in the 4th, bringing the game back to one possession. As far as mental toughness, want-to, resiliency and character go, there’s no doubt the Seminoles have got it.
However, two costly turnovers by Kelly, an interception and a fumble, helped fuel the comeback for No. 4 Florida State in a 45-34 win.
The spread had the Seminoles leading by 4.5. The ‘Noles covered the spread handily, beating the Rebels by 11 points.
FSU’s next game is in four days against Charleston Southern at noon in Doak Campbell Stadium.
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The Rebels jump back onto the football turf hosting Wofford 3 p.m. Saturday in Oxford.
