For the sixth straight time and ninth in 11 tries, Florida State got the better of Miami on Saturday night. The Seminoles let an early 14-point lead slip away, but rallied late for a 29-24 victory. With the win, FSU improved to 5-0 for a fourth straight year and 3-0 in ACC play. The Noled Out staff recognizes what Seminoles stood out most in each phase of the game:
Offense
Unanimous Game Ball: Dalvin Cook, RB
One week after leaving a road game against Wake Forest with a hamstring injury, FSU sophomore running back Dalvin Cook accounted for 269 yards and all three of the Seminoles’ touchdowns. Cook rushed for 222 yards on 22 carries which included a 72-yard touchdown run on his first touch of the night and a 23-yard touchdown rush with 6:44 to play to put FSU ahead for good. Cook also scored a 36-yard receiving touchdown in the first quarter — the first touchdown reception of his career.
Defense
Unanimous Game Ball: DeMarcus Walker, DE
Florida State junior defensive end DeMarcus Walker was a man possessed against the Hurricanes on Saturday night. Walker finished with three total tackles, including two sacks and a forced fumble. Walker added a pass break-up by knocking down a pass from Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya on a crucial drive late in the fourth quarter.
Special Teams
Mike Ferguson and Jon Marchant’s Game Ball: Cason Beatty, P
FSU senior punter Cason Beatty didn’t have to punt much Saturday night, but his three punts were outstanding. Beatty averaged over 48 yards-per-punt including a long of 59.
Clint Eiland’s Game Ball: Roberto Aguayo, K
After getting involved in a tussle with Miami players during warm-ups, FSU junior kicker Roberto Aguayo went 3-for-4 on field goal attempts on Saturday. Aguayo narrowly missed a 49-yard attempt off the upright at the end of the first half. Four of his seven kickoffs went for touchbacks.
