No. 17 Florida State rebounded from a disheartening loss at Georgia Tech to knock off Syracuse 45-21 on Saturday. The Seminoles put up 575 yards and an ACC-high 45 points in the victory. As FSU prepares for its marquee match-up at Clemson, the Noled Out staff looks back at what players performed the best in Saturday’s win over the Orange.
Offense
Mike Ferguson’s Game Ball: Jacques Patrick, RB
With running back and Heisman hopeful Dalvin Cook out Saturday, Florida State didn’t miss a beat on the ground as freshman Jacques Patrick made the most of his first career start. Patrick finished with 224 yards of offense and three rushing touchdowns. Patrick carried the ball 24 times for 162 yards, but also caught six passes for 62 yards in the victory.
Clint Eiland’s Game Ball: Travis Rudolph, WR
Florida State had been looking for a vertical threat in the passing game and on Saturday, it may have found it in the form of sophomore receiver Travis Rudolph. Rudolph finished with 191 yards receiving and three touchdowns on five catches, scoring on receptions of 75, 45 and 19 yards. Rudolph now leads FSU on the season with 501 yards receiving and six touchdown catches.
Jon Marchant’s Game Ball: Sean Maguire, QB
In just his second career start, junior quarterback Sean Maguire was outstanding for FSU on Saturday. Maguire finished 23-for-35 passing with a career-high 348 yards passing and three touchdowns to Travis Rudolph. Maguire has passed for over 300 yards in each of his two career starts and has led some to believe he might be FSU’s best option moving forward.
Defense
Unanimous Game Ball: Derwin James, S
For highly-touted safety Derwin James, Saturday’s victory may have been a coming out party. James finished with a game-high 12 tackles, including seven solo stops and two for loss. James also had a forced fumble in the third quarter that led to a FSU touchdown.
Special Teams
Mike Ferguson and Clint Eiland’s Game Ball: Cason Beatty, P
Florida State senior punter Cason Beatty continued his career-year on Saturday, averaging nearly 45 yards-per-punt on six punts with a long of 64. Unfortunately for Beatty and FSU, his final kick of the day was returned for a touchdown by Brisly Estime.
Jon Marchant’s Game Ball: Roberto Aguayo, K
Florida State kicker Roberto Aguayo was 1-for-2 on field goal attempts on Saturday, making from 35 yards out and missing from 41. Aguayo was a perfect 6-for-6 on extra points and had five of his eight kickoffs go for touchbacks.
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