‘Noles Hold Off Pokes in Opener

Indiana-North Carolina Central

It didn’t come easy, but top-ranked Florida State tied a school-record with its 17th straight victory in Dallas on Saturday night, topping Oklahoma State 37-31.

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston overcame two first half interceptions to finish with 370 yards passing, a touchdown pass and a 28-yard rushing touchdown. Florida State raced to an early 17-0 lead, but the Seminoles watched their lead get trimmed to within one score on three separate occasions.

Nate Andrews’ 9-yard interception return for a score gave Florida State a 10-0 lead after a quarter before Mario Pender extended the lead with an 11-yard touchdown rush on his first career carry. Senior receiver Rashad Greene pulled to within 931 receiving yards of Ron Sellers’ Florida State career-record with a career-high 203 yards and a score on 11 receptions on Saturday night.

Florida State outgained Oklahoma State by more than 100 yards on the evening, but the Seminoles converted just four of 14 third down conversion attempts. FSU finished with just 106 yards rushing on 31 attempts.

Quarterback J.W. Walsh shined for Oklahoma State as the junior led the Cowboys in passing and rushing. Walsh finished the evening with three total touchdowns with two coming on the ground.

With the victory, Florida State improved to 5-0 in openers under head coach Jimbo Fisher. The Seminoles (1-0) will look to set a new school-record for consecutive victories next weekend as they host The Citadel in their home-opener. Oklahoma State (0-1) will also be at home for the first time to take on Missouri State.

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