Florida State is 2-0 for the fifth straight year following Saturday’s 34-14 victory over South Florida. The Seminoles overcame a slow start, but managed to pull away at home in the second half. Looking back on Saturday’s contest, each member of the Noled Out staff hands out a game ball for each phase of the game:
Offense
Unanimous Game Ball: Dalvin Cook, RB
Florida State sophomore running back Dalvin Cook had the second best day ever for a FSU rusher, finishing with 266 yards rushing on 30 carries and touchdowns of 74, 24 and 37 yards. Cook became the first Seminole since 1988 to go over 200 yards on the ground and his 266 yards is second only to Greg Allen for best single game rushing performance in FSU history. Allen ran for 322 yards against Western Carolina in 1981.
Defense
Mike Ferguson and Clint Eiland’s Game Ball: Jacob Pugh, LB
Used mostly as a pass-rusher, sophomore Jacob Pugh was all over the field Saturday. Pugh was tied for a game-high with 7 tackles including six solo stops in the victory. Pugh also recorded his first sack of the season.
Jon Marchant’s Game Ball: Marquez White, CB
Junior cornerback Marquez White finished with two tackles in Saturday’s victory including one for loss. White also had an interception — the second of his career — in the end zone to thwart a South Florida scoring opportunity.
Special Teams
Mike Ferguson and Clint Eiland’s Game Ball: Roberto Aguayo, K
Junior placekicker Roberto Aguayo continued to be automatic on Saturday, going 2-for-2 on field goals. Aguayo made good on kicks of 30 and 38 yards. Aguayo also eclipsed the ACC record for consecutive extra points made with 161. Three of Aguayo’s seven kickoffs went for touchbacks as well.
Jon Marchant’s Game Ball: Kermit Whitfield, KR
Junior Levonte “Kermit” Whitfield’s only kickoff return of the day went for 56 yards and set the Seminoles up in position to go ahead for good. The long return came on the second half kickoff and led to a 24-yard Dalvin Cook touchdown run.
