The Wolfpack (3-4, 0-4 ACC) broke FSU’s heart last season when it won 17-16 in North Carolina. This time, the ‘Noles’ (7-0, 5-0, ACC) defense wreaked havoc on NC State’s offense, limiting the team to 128 passing yards.
Senior FSU safety Terrence Brooks snagged an interception on the Wolfpack’s second offensive snap.
The Seminoles offense came out scorching, scoring 35 points in the first quarter. Freshman quarterback Jameis Winston finished the first quarter 11 of 14 passing for 229 yards and three touchdowns.
The ‘Noles offense began to flatline in the second quarter, only scoring one touchdown on a short run by junior running back Devonta Freeman.
FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher decided to pull his starters early in the third quarter to prevent injuries and let the younger players get some experience.
Despite the huge deficit, the Wolfpack kept fighting. They were able to get on the scoreboard midway through the third quarter with a 36-yard field goal, making the score 42-3.
Shortly after, sophomore NC State running back Shadrach Thornton broke a 72-yard touchdown run. Thornton also found the end zone on a short run halfway through the fourth quarter.
FSU was able to score one more touchdown before the end of regulation when freshman wide receiver Levonte Whitfield scored on a 31-yard run.
Fisher was content the with victory, but he was displeased with the way his team went flat in the second quarter.
“I’m proud of the way we started the game,” Fisher said. “We came out sharp. Offensively, we got sloppy in the second quarter. The first-team defense played well when they were in. We kept our foot on the pedal, we just got sloppy.”
Fisher, who has not lost to the University of Miami since he became head coach, is looking forward to next week’s top-10 match up against the No. 7 Hurricanes.
“We have to be ready to be ready to play,” Fisher said.
Winston was happy with the team’s fast start, but he was upset with the way his team performed before halftime.
“We started so fast and we were doing so well, we just have to finish that,” Winston said. “We got took out early in the third quarter and we left with that taste in our mouth. Next game, we don’t want to leave with that taste.”
Winston said he is ready for the big game, but it is just another step to reach the ultimate goal.
“You come to Florida State to play the Miami and Florida game,” Winston said. “You come to play in the national championship. This is just another game, another week of preparation.”
FSU’s defense did not allow a score until midway through the third quarter. Senior linebacker Christian Jones said the defense’s goal is to dominate each game.
“Every game, we want to kick off the ball and set the tone for our defense,” Jones said. “We know we have good players. That’s our standard, stopping the other team.”
The FSU defense is looking forward to facing Miami’s explosive pass offense.
“It’s going to be a big game with two top-10 teams coming in,” Jones said. “They’re the most important game because they are the next game.”
FSU will take on Miami in Doak Campbell Stadium at 8 p.m Saturday.