Photo courtesy of Florida State athletics
If there was a theme song for Florida State’s season thus far, it may be “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day.
Since an 0-4 start, the Seminoles have looked like a completely different team. FSU claimed its third straight victory on Saturday with a 59-3 homecoming rout of Massachusetts.
Eight different FSU players found the end zone in the victory. To highlight the best of the best for FSU, editor Mike Ferguson and Fifth Quarter’s lead Florida State writer Jake Bunting hand out this week’s game balls:
Offense
Mike’s Game Ball: Jashaun Corbin, RB
For the fourth time in seven games this season, FSU running back Jashaun Corbin hit the century mark rushing on Saturday. On just 11 carries, Corbin ran for 127 yards and a score. His 29-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter gave the Seminoles a 2-score lead.
Jake’s Game Ball: Jordan Travis, QB
The biggest reason for FSU’s offensive resurgence has been quarterback Jordan Travis’ return to the starting lineup. On Saturday, Travis again played well. Despite some early drops, Travis finished 5-for-10 passing for 123 yards. Travis also finished with nine carries for 78 yards and a touchdown. His 3-yard score on FSU’s opening march put the Seminoles ahead for good.
Defense
Unanimous Game Ball: Jarvis Brownlee, CB
It hasn’t been the easiest of seasons for FSU cornerback Jarvis Brownlee, but on Saturday, he was fantastic. Brownlee finished with three tackles and a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown. It was FSU’s first non-offensive touchdown this season and made the score 38-3 late in the first half.
Special Teams
Mike’s Game Ball: Amari Gainer, LB
Linebacker Amari Gainer led the FSU defense with six total tackles, but he also made plays on special teams. After Florida State scored to take a 45-3 lead midway through the third quarter, Gainer forced UMass’ Jamir Roberts to fumble on the ensuing kickoff and FSU recovered. The Seminoles scored on the very next play.
Jake’s Game Ball: Ryan Fitzgerald, K
It wasn’t a great overall day for the FSU special teams, but kicker Ryan Fitzgerald had one of the better days of his career. Fitzgerald made all nine of his kicks. He finished the day 8-for-8 on PATs and connected on an early 36-yard field goal to give the Seminoles a 10-3 lead.
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.