There were plenty of questions surrounding how Florida State would come out looking in the beginning of tonight’s matchup vs. Stanford. Cross-country travel meant that there was a possibility of a slow start, something we’ve seen play out for teams in both the ACC and Big 10 who have to cross time zones to take on a newly-added conference opponent.
Trailing a team that’s been competitive against a single Power 4 team this season, the question is now bordering on whether it’s lethargy or apathy.
Florida State has committed multiple penalties to aid Stanford so far tonight, one gifting the Cardinal a touchdown in the second quarter after an offsides penalty on a missed field goal. Special teams, as they have for a good bit now, have been disappointing — procedural penalties, missed kicks and a huge return that garnered another field goal for Stanford.
The Seminoles’ offense was hapless for the bulk of the first half, only producing three points before finally coming alive at the end of the second quarter. Florida State put together a 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive for its first touchdown of the night, capped off by an impressive leap to the end zone by Tommy Castellanos.
Stanford 13, Florida State 10: Halftime stats