The Florida State Seminoles snapped their 4-game losing streak with a dominant 42-7 win over Wake Forest Saturday night. The Homecoming crowd of 63,667 was treated to big plays and a Nole team that executed well in all phases of the game. FSU gained 421 total yards, 271 passing, 150 rushing and an average of 7.4 yards per play. The defense sacked Wake Forest’s quarterback four times, recovered a fumble and intercepted one pass.
After a scoreless first quarter, FSU proceeded to score 14 points in each of the next three quarters, while a stingy Nole defense kept Wake Forest out of the end zone until the fourth quarter.
“I know we’ve talked throughout this year and used the term complementary football. That’s what it looks like,” said Head Coach Mike Norvell following the game. “When you have each other’s backs, regardless of what happened on the previous play, seeing guys that just continue to focus on doing their job, in the moment, the one play, and they answered the call.”
Quarterback Tommy Castellanos, who had been uncertain to start in the days leading up to the game, threw for 271 yards and a touchdown and also scored a rushing touchdown. His biggest target was wide receiver Duce Robinson, who caught five passes for 148 yards and a touchdown. Running back Samuel Singleton Jr. rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown. The six FSU touchdowns were scored by five different players, Castellanos, Robinson, Singleton, tight end Randy Pittman Jr., and running back Gavin Sawchuk who scored twice on the ground.
“I think that when there is that relationship between player and player, between offense and defense, coach to player, coach to coach, that’s what makes this game and this journey so worth it. It was fun watching them compete, and then obviously just seeing them go out there and play the way they did, just proud of them,” said Norvell.
The Nole offense started the game a bit slow. But two big plays, a 65-yard completion to Robinson and a 30-yard completion to Pittman Jr., each set up FSU second quarter touchdowns and set the stage for a 28-point second half. Pittman later scored a rushing TD on a play in which Castellanos lined up as a receiver. A fourth quarter 67-yard pass to wide receiver Micahi Danzy set up the Noles final score.
And while the FSU defense didn’t come away with a shutout, the team played a relatively mistake-proof game holding Wake Forest to 247 total yards, and with just 103 yards in the second half. Defensive back Earl Little Jr. led the defense with five tackles, two assists, and an interception.
“I do think it makes a great statement for just the character and the belief that those guys have in what they can do and who they’re doing it with,” said Norvell.
With the win the Noles move to 4-4 on the season, and with this conference victory, 1-4 in the ACC. FSU travels to Clemson to take on the Tigers next Saturday.
