History and dominance collided on Saturday in Syracuse. Not only did Florida State rout the Orange 45-14, Dalvin Cook cemented his name in the record books rushing for 225 yards and four touchdowns while breaking Warrick Dunn’s all-time rushing record at Florida State.
The Miami native seems at home in New York, Cook had his “coming out game” against Syracuse two years ago in the Carrie Dome. His second trip was a continuation of the first, Cook had two rushing touchdowns from at least 15-yards away, another two coming from around 10-yards out.
Florida State (8-3, 5-3 ACC) got the ball rolling early and often striking on its first two possessions. Freshman quarterback Deondre Francois found Nqwan Murray and Travis Rudolph on back to back drives putting the Seminoles out front 14-0.
The young quarterback’s night was greatly overshadowed by Cook, but Francois threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns and one interception.
Up 21-0, ‘Cuse found life while time was expiring in the first half. Zach Mahoney heaved a last second deep ball into the end zone which where Amba Etta-Tawo was able to grab the jump ball from 46-yards out. Narrowing the FSU leads to two possessions, 21-7.
The second half was much of the same, the Seminoles would find the end-zone three more times along with a Ricky Aguayo field goal in the fourth quarter.
FSU was too much for Syracuse on both sides of the ball, Tarvarus McFadden snagged his NCAA leading eighths interception, while former wide out Ermon Lane recorded his first career pick on the day. The ‘Noles also sacked backup quarterback Zack Mahoney eight times on the afternoon.
The Orange would find the end zone again late in the third quarter, this time taking advantage of a Florida State turnover.
Mahoney found Ervin Philips from 17-yards out, though the Seminoles still led 35-14.
Mahoney threw for 196 yards and two touchdowns, though the backup was picked off twice, once in the end zone.
Cook entered the record books and Florida State avoided what could have been a trap game before they play in-state rival the Florida Gators.
The Gators (8-2) are coming off a huge win at LSU and have already sealed their spot in the SEC championship game against Alabama. Florida State will not be playing in the ACC championship game, but will have plenty to play for with a rivalry on the line and a bowl game in the near future.
That game will take place in Tallahassee on November 26th, kickoff has yet to be set.
