It wasn’t long into the game before Jordan Travis and the No. 5 Florida State Seminoles (11-0) found themselves staring at a 13-0 deficit against visiting FCS opponent North Alabama (3-8).
But as time was running out in the opening quarter, the man who led the Noles to its first 10-0 season in a decade, exited the game due to a season ending injury.
A Lion defender tackled Travis and as he was bringing him down, Travis’ leg seemed to get wrapped up underneath the 200-pound defender. Travis had to be carted off and was taken to a local hospital.
On Monday, via release, the Noles’ Heisman contender informed his fans that his injury would mark the end of his career with the Seminoles.
Travis took to social media to thank his Nole family for their support. He recorded a video while lying in a hospital bed.
Watch Travis' video below:
Jordan Travis: “I’m doing good, feeling good.” pic.twitter.com/4dJzL1WUgz
— Brendan Sonnone (@BSonnone) November 19, 2023
"I’m just going to follow Gods plan," said Travis. "God has a journey for me and I’m going to trust him every step of the way. I appreciate all the messages. Go Noles.”
FSU alum and pro football quarterback Jameis Winston gave words of encouragement during his interview with a sideline CW Sports reporter on Saturday.
“Just stay resilient and he has done that," Winston said. "I just want to pray for him and his family that they are well. He’s going to be fine, I know he will.”
"It was an emotional victory."
Florida State’s backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker filled in for the rest of the game. He completed 13 of his 23 passes for 217 yards and scored two touchdowns that helped push the Seminoles over the Lions, 58-13.
“It’s hard seeing any player go down," FSU football head coach Mike Norvell said after the game. Jordan is so important to this team and not just the sense of the quarterback but who he is and what he stands for."
FSU's CFB Playoff Odds
FSU will close out the regular season on the road this Saturday. It will face its in-state rival, the University of Florida. The Gators have won 5 games this year, just one shy of the 6-game minimum to cash in for a bowl game. They could do so, with a win over Florida State.
As for the Noles, the team slipped to No. 5 in the AP Polls and if they want a shot at the national championship, the game against UF is a must-win.
After the FSU-UF game, the Noles will face off against No. 9 Louisville (10-1) for the Atlantic Coast Conference Title. That game will be played Dec. 2nd.