Photo courtesy of Florida State athletics
For the first time in 2021, Florida State football has a victory.
It was neither pretty nor easy, but the Seminoles got the job done on Saturday. Ryan Fitzgerald’s 34-yard field goal as time expired sent the Doak Campbell Stadium faithful home happy as FSU improved to 1-4 with a 33-30 win over Syracuse.
For the first time this season, game balls will go to members of a winning team. Handing them out to the top Seminoles from Saturday this week are editors Mike Ferguson and Cory Thorpe and FSU lead writer Jake Bunting:
Offense
Unanimous Game Ball: Jordan Travis, QB
In his first start since the season opener, quarterback Jordan Travis made plays when it mattered most. Travis finished with 113 yards rushing, 131 yards passing and two touchdown tosses. On a day where he went 22-for-32 passing, Travis threw touchdown passes to Camren McDonald and Keyshawn Helton. Perhaps the biggest plays however, were made with his legs. On the decisive drive, Travis ripped off runs of 33 and 25 yards to set up the winning kick.
Defense
Mike’s Game Ball: Keir Thomas, DE
Keir Thomas tallied just four tackles and one tackle for loss, but was active in the Syracuse backfield. Thomas was a load for the Seminoles throughout the day. A South Carolina transfer, Thomas has been a big addition for FSU and ranks second on the team with 4.5 tackles for loss.
Cory and Jake’s Game Ball: Jammie Robinson, S
Another transfer from South Carolina, Jammie Robinson was a tackling machine for FSU on Saturday. Robinson led the team with nine tackles and one of FSU’s three tackles for loss. Of Robinson’s nine tackles, five were solo stops. Robinson ranks third on the team in tackles for loss behind Jermaine Johnson and Thomas.
Special Teams
Unanimous Game Ball: Ryan Fitzgerald, K
Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald overcame an early missed extra point to hit the biggest kick of the game on Saturday. With no time remaining, Fitzgerald knocked through a 34-yard field goal to give FSU its first win of the season. Fitzgerald was 2-for-2 on field goals on Saturday. He also got the scoring started with a 35-yard make.
Mike Ferguson is the managing editor for Fifth Quarter. Be sure to follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeWFerguson. Follow all of Mike’s work by liking his Facebook page.