Florida State receiver Kelvin Benjamin (No. 1) celebrates one of his two touchdown receptions in Saturday night's 55-0 win over Savannah State. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
OK, we’re a little bit later on posting this than normal (if you followed the blog last season, you know that we like to have these Breakdown blogs posted as soon after the final whistle as possible. Unfortunately, the final whistle on this night sounded at one of the strangest times in a ballgame and occurred ahead of one of the most bizarre finishes in college football history.)
Anyway, putting my nose down to take care of a few other items really quickly. Be sure you take a look at this breakdown blog, amassed from items included in our weekly, live running game story, and come back later tonight and Sunday morning for even more.
Also, check out our complete game story that paints a better picture to the overall night:
THIRD QUARTER
Following the (last weather delay of the night), FSU got back on the scoreboard when receiver Kelvin Benjamin caught his second touchdown of the game, a 19-yard strike from backup quarterback Jacob Coker. The score pushed action to 55-0.
HALFTIME
FSU added to its score total with 8:02 left in the first half when running back James Wilder, Jr. punched in a 1-yard touchdown run. It was his second rushing touchdown of the game.
Following the score, place-kicker Dustin Hopkins missed his first point-after attempt in 146 tries, when his missed extra point sailed wide of the field goal posts. His streak of 145 straight placed him sixth on the NCAA’s all-time list.
FSU brought its second-team offense into the game during its first drive of the second quarter. Quarterback Clint Trickett took over for starter EJ Manuel, who had three touchdowns on 161 yards passing. He was 11-for-13 on the game.
During Trickett’s first drive, backup Wilder took in a 19-yard touchdown run that came several plays after he hobbled off the field with an apparent right foot injury. After being evaluated, he came back in the game to push the Semionles to the score. It was his first rushing touchdown of the game, and FSU’s third of the game.
FIRST QUARTER
As time expired before the second play of Savannah State’s final offensive drive of the quarter, the Seminoles sent in their second-team defense. Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, defensive ends Toshmon Stevens and Giorgio Newberry and cornerback Ronald Darby all entered to relieve the starters at their positions.
Tyler Hunter, Keelin Smith, Nile Lawrence-Stample, Terrance Smith and Karlos Williams also entered on defense.
FSU took a 35-0 lead with 49 seconds remaining in the first quarter when sophomore running back Devonta Freeman dove forward on a 5-yard touchdown run. It was his first score of the season, and the Seminoles’ second rushing touchdown of the game.
Freeman’s carry came at the end of an 11-play, 76-yard drive that began when reserve punt returner Tyler Hunter muffed a punt and fell on it deep in FSU’s territory. The drive was the Seminoles’ longest of the game.
About halfway through the first quarter, the Seminoles added to their point total when quarterback EJ Manuel converted his third touchdown pass of the game. This time, his 9-yard pass to a leaping Kelvin Benjamin pushed the Seminoles up to a 28-0 lead.
That touchdown reception was Benjamin’s first of his career. The score also occurred on the 12th offensive play of the game for the Seminoles.
FSU receiver Greg Dent added to FSU’s total about a minute earlier when he hauled in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Manuel on the third play of FSU’s third drive.
With 8:53 remaining in the first quarter, the Seminoles took a 21-0 lead. It was Manuel’s second passing touchdown of the game.
Senior running back Chris Thompson gave the Seminoles their second score when he scampered down the right sideline on a 6-yard touchdown run. The touchdown was his first of the season. He only had one all of last year in an injury-shortened campaign. The score made it 14-0, FSU.
On just the second play of the game, Manuel connected with senior receiver Rodney Smith on a simple post route down the middle of the field. Smith broke easily away from the cornerback covering him, and created separation after the catch. Smith easily sprinted untouched into the end zone for the final 20 yards or so of the 61-yard touchdown reception.
Savannah State’s first drive resulted in a three-and-out after defensive end Bjoern Werner picked up his fifth sack in two games.
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PREGAME
Nine months ago, Florida State fans were anticipating a wild, raucous, festival-like atmosphere to descend upon their campus once this weekend arrived.
But after defending Orange Bowl winner West Virginia this offseason canceled the game it had scheduled with the Seminoles, those hopes were dashed. There would be no battle of top-10 teams in Tallahassee. There would be no appearance on ESPN’s “College GameDay.” There would be no 2010 Gator Bowl rematch.
When FSU fans arrived to Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday afternoon, they weren’t greeted by any of that. Instead, they slipped into a virtual ghost town. Mostly empty parking lots and quiet side streets surrounded the stadium. Threats of poor weather and an even worse forecast for the Seminoles’ opponent combined to form what could be a potential record-low showing by FSU fans.
At 6 p.m., the Seminoles (1-0) kick off their second game of the season when they host Savannah State. The Tigers (0-1) lost last week’s game to No. 19 Oklahoma State, 84-0. A Football Championship Subdivision program that finished 1-10 each of the last two seasons, Savannah State isn’t expected to hang with the Seminoles.
FSU beat Murray State 69-3 last Saturday. The 66-point margin of victory was the third-highest in FSU history. Sports betting lines on the FSU-Savannah State game earlier this week began at 70.5 points. They eased before kickoff to a 69.5 point spread.
Following the West Virginia cancellation, the Seminoles scrambled to add a non-conference game. After reaching out to more than 70 teams, Savannah State agreed to play in Tallahassee this weekend.
FSU will pay the Tigers $475,000 for the appearance by next February.
Several reserve players received starts Saturday for the Seminoles.
Injuries to Nick O’Leary, Bryan Stork and Anthony McCloud forced the Seminoles to give starts to tight ends Kevin Haplea and Christo Kourtzidis, center Austin Barron and defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan.
