Top-ranked Florida State overcame four turnovers and an early 17-point deficit to down N.C. State 56-41 at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday.
In what was the day’s only match-up featuring unbeaten teams, it was a tale of two games as FSU quickly gave up 24 points and found themselves shell-shocked 24-7 at the end of the first period. The Seminoles regrouped to outscore N.C. State the rest of the way 49-17. It wasn’t pretty but the ‘Noles extended their school-record and the nation’s longest winning streak to 20 games.
FSU quarterback Jameis Winston, fresh off his suspension last week against Clemson, threw for 356 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions as he led the come from behind victory while N.C. State’s Jacoby Brissett played like an All-American, frustrating the ‘Nole defense all night long and consistently moving the chains to the tune of 359 yards passing with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Florida State running back Karlos Williams ran for 126 yards on 21 carries for three touchdowns, receiver Rashad Greene had 11 catches for 126 yards and a score and Jesus “Bobo” Wilson added six receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Fifth-year senior Christian Green also caught his first career touchdown.
The Wolfpack had a decisive 3-0 turnover advantage until the game turned on two costly Brissett fumbles forced during pass attempts by the Seminole defensive line, fueling the FSU rally. Florida State never appeared to panic or quit, scoring 21 in the 3rd quarter and 14 in the final period to pull away, narrowly missing covering the spread of 17.
The Seminoles improved to 4-0 (2-0 ACC) and the Wolfpack suffered their first defeat, falling to 4-1 (0-1 ACC) on the year. Florida State returns home next week to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at 3:30 P.M. eastern time.
