Florida State improved to 6-0 in season openers under head coach Jimbo Fisher on Saturday night with a 59-16 victory over Texas State. The victory in Tallahassee was a total team effort, but there were a number of FSU players who stood out. The Noled Out staff hands out game balls for each phase of the game:
Offense
Unanimous Game Ball: Dalvin Cook, RB
After an embattled offseason, FSU starting running back Dalvin Cook began the 2015 season where he left off in 2014. Cook rushed for 156 yards on 19 carries and scored a pair of first quarter touchdowns including a 28-yard score. Cook added one reception for 13 yards.
Defense
Mike Ferguson’s Game Ball: Jalen Ramsey, CB
As usual, Jalen Ramsey was all over the field for Florida State. The junior from Tennessee finished with four total tackles in the victory, a pass break-up and a couple of big hits. Ramsey also went for 37 yards on his first career kickoff return.
Clint Eiland and Jon Marchant’s Game Ball: Terrance Smith, LB
A senior linebacker, Terrance Smith was tied for the team-lead with seven total tackles in Saturday’s victory including three solo stops. Smith was always near the play on Saturday night and narrowly missed grabbing an interception on a deflected pass in the first half.
Special Teams
Mike Ferguson’s Game Ball: Kermit Whitfield, KR
After a down-year returning kicks in 2014, Kermit Whitfield showed his explosiveness on Saturday night, averaging 45 yards-per-return on kickoffs which included a long of 59. Whitfield returned a pair of kicks for scores as a freshman in 2013.
Clint Eiland’s Game Ball: Jesus Wilson, PR
Junior Jesus Wilson averaged 11 yards per return on two punt returns which included a long of 18 yards. Unlike Marquez White and Travis Rudolph, who were each put back deep on Saturday, Wilson did not muff a punt either.
Jon Marchant’s Game Ball: Jesus Wilson, PR
Wearing No. 17, junior Jalen Ramsey took his first ever kickoff return 37 yards to the outside. Ramsey also helped make a tackle in punt coverage.
