Florida State got off to a nice start in the dome at Syracuse, but the Seminoles are getting more of a fight from the Orange than the score might indicate. Despite leading Florida State 24-6 at the break, the Orange have seemed to come on strong in the second quarter. Syracuse’s inability to finish on drives has held them back from making this a closer game.
Syracuse worked a 76-yard drive but had to settle for a field goal early in the second quarter. A few plays later Syracuse recovered a fumble lost by Florida State running back Mario Pender at the Florida State 16-yard line. The Noles buckled down on defense and allowed just one yard, forcing Syracuse to settle for a second field goal.
We are also getting the latest exhibition of how Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston can bottle up any off-field controversy and perform on the field. A day after it was reported Winston will face a code of conduct hearing at Florida State, Winston has been excelling with his passing. Winston has completed 16 of 19 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns. His second touchdown pass was completed to tight end Nick O’Leary from 21 yards, capping a 75-yard drive for a 24-6 lead.
Syracuse may not be far from making things interesting in the second half, but the offense has to find a way to the end zone and the defense still has to keep FSU off the board and that may not be likely to happen.
