Florida State has handled a struggling Florida offense through one half in Tallahassee but the Gators still remain within striking distance, facing just a 10-3 deficit at the break.
As has been the case for the past two seasons, Dalvin Cook has led the charge for Florida State’s offense. It was his 17-yard burst that put the ‘Noles on the scoreboard at the 4:46 mark of the first quarter, and another 26-yard dash set Ricky Aguayo up for a 22-yard field goal that gave FSU a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter. The usually steady Aguayo has had two kicks blocked -- a 49-yarder on FSU’s opening drive of the game and a 44-yard try on the Seminoles’ final possession of the half.
Florida got on the scoreboard with a 38-yard Eddy Pinerio field goal on the ensuing drive, punctuating a 16-play drive that consumed almost exactly half of the second quarter.
Cook has rushed 11 times for 96 yards to this point while adding two receptions for 16 yards. Deondre Francois has completed 7-of-16 throws for 60 yards, while Florida’s Austin Appleby hit 9-of-16 throws for 54 yards in the half.
Florida State will receive to open the second half.