Second half thread: Florida State 21, Syracuse 3

After the Florida State Seminoles scored touchdowns on each of their first two drives, it looked like the Syracuse Orange were doomed. But the SU defense made some adjustments and Florida State’s play-calling got a little too cute. Unfortunately, the Orange still couldn’t really take advantage of the opportunities, and find themselves trailing 21-3 after one half.

The Seminoles leaned on Cam Akers early, and the star back has 79 rushing yards and three scores thus far, while also completing two passes for 26 yards. Alex Hornibrook is also 10-for-16 for 155 yards through the air. FSU is out-gaining Syracuse 257 to 124 on the game.

DeVito was under siege early on, but he’s actually gotten a little better at dealing with the pressure as the game’s worn on. He’s 13-of-23 for 89 yards, though he’s floated quite a few throws. His biggest throw of the afternoon came via a nice run after catch from Abdul Adams for 19 yards. Trishton Jackson couldn’t come down with another nice ball that would’ve been a touchdown in the second quarter.

Speaking of Jackson, the redshirt junior has been DeVito’s favored receiver on the day. Jackson’s hauled in three catches for 26 on seven targets. Jarveon Howard has four catches for 24 yards as SU has utilized its running backs more with screens to combat FSU’s pressure.

The numbers don’t necessarily show it, but Syracuse has run the ball better today than they have in weeks... and still have just 35 yards on the ground.

Andre Szmyt’s the only player to score for Syracuse, hitting a 50-yarder to make it 13-3 in the second. He missed a 46-yard field goal that clanked off the right upright later. A make there would’ve cut the FSU lead to 13-6.

Syracuse also had a chance to take on a field goal in the waning seconds, but questionable time management let the clock run out with the Orange within range.

Lakiem Williams leads ‘Cuse with seven tackles and 1.5 for loss. Antwan Cordy, Kendall Coleman and Brendan Berry all have one TFL, while Josh Black has a half-TFL. Andre Cisco has two pass break-ups to lead SU.

Florida State gets the ball at the half, and could potentially put this one away with a touchdown given the struggles we’ve seen from the Orange offense. But given the tighter game after those first two drives (8-3 in favor of the ‘Noles since), perhaps Syracuse can make something happen. Their season does depend on it, after all.

Leave your comments below. We’ll have a recap up right after this one ends.