Despite taking a number of big hits in the first half, Francois stood tall and continued to make throws rather than getting happy feet like a number of inexperienced quarterbacks would do.
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1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback with the Seminoles, was spotted on the sidelines all night cheering his alma matter on. 295 of Ole Miss’ 380 yards came in the first half.
“I just hope he can continue performing at that same level that he did”, Freeze said. “We were down 28-6, but I couldn’t let them see me down, I had to portray the image that we were not about to lose this game”. Instead, Francois protected his teammates by playing well in front of them. After another, long 31-yard scramble, the redshirt freshman followed that up with two passes to tight end Ryan Izzo for 31 yards, the second being a touchdown to put the ‘Noles back up 36-28.
“I thought we didn’t handle adversity very well in the second half when it came”, Defensive Coordinator Dave Wommack said.
Ole Miss will lean on senior quarterback Chad Kelly, who threw for 4,042 yards and ran for 500 more last season. Primarily, Winston rips into the O-line for failing to protect Francois and star running back Dalvin Cook.
You don’t know how kids are going to perform when they get in live situations-like you’re going to be in Monday night-when they’re just true freshmen.
After a slow start, Francois got Florida State’s offense on a roll. He also rushed for 91 yards on 23 carries.
DeMarcus Walker forced a turnover on a sack.
The latter proved to be too much to overcome for the 12th-ranked Rebels, who fell to Florida State, 45-34, in the Camping World Kickoff. He led Ole Miss with 9 catches for 120 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown. The Seminoles converted 9 of 18 third downs.
Florida State kicker Ricky Aguayo kicked six field goals – from 25, 21, 40 (twice), 44 and 30 yards. His brother Roberto, a second-round pick by Tampa Bay this year.
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Ole Miss had two major injuries as starting cornerback Kendarius Webster and backup running back Eric Swinney were both carted off the field in the first half with what were described as left knee injuries.
