Redshirt freshman leads No. 4 Florida State (1-0) past No. 11 Ole Miss (0-1) 45-34. Deondre Francois threw for 419 yards and two touchdowns to send the Seminoles to 1-0 on the season.
Francois’s debut was a special one, leading the largest Seminoles comeback in FSU history despite a strong showing from Ole Miss and Chad Kelly.
Kelly and Ole Miss ruled the first half, scoring on a Kelly touchdown on their first possession. The Rebels offensive line was outstanding to start the game, giving Kelly all day in the pocket and giving his receivers time to get open.
Freshmen kicker Ricky Aguayo was the difference maker in the Monday night bout. Converting on all six of his field goal attempts, breaking a record held by his holder brother Roberto Aguayo. Aguayo kept the ‘Noles alive while they searched for any offensive momentum.
Francois proved that he is ready for this level of competition, the young quarterback was not going to be denied despite an awful performance from his offensive line. Francois was poised in the pocket taking big hit after big hit while creating big plays.
Ole Miss controlled Dalvin Cook’s run game, but could not keep him from hurting the Rebels, Cook only rushed for 91 yards on 23 carries. Although he was able to catch a career high seven passes, must off which were dump passes because of the pocket collapsing for 101 yards and what should have been as easy touchdown but Cook lost the football while trying to switch hands while walking into the end zone.
Kelly would have his way with the Seminoles defense in the first half, but DeMarcus Walker would put an end to that in the second half. The ‘Noles created back to back turnovers both of which resulted into Florida State touchdowns giving FSU the 29-28 lead, a lead they would not give back to the Rebels.
FSU and Ole Miss will both have easier matchup in the week to come, both facing off with FCS teams. FSU will play Charleston Southern (1-0) at 12 P.M. in Tallahassee. Both team looking to improve to 2-0 on the season.
Ole Miss will welcome Wofford (1-0) to Mississippi while the Rebels are looking to get back to .500 on the season.
