Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida State scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams in a 77-6 victory over Delaware State in the Hornets’ 2017 finale before 70,599 fans at Doak Campbell Stadium today.
The Football Bowl Subdivision Seminoles won for the second time in three games to improve to 4-6 on the year, while the Hornets closed out their season with a 2-9 overall record.
Balanced Florida State racked up 482 yards in the contest, rushing for 246 yards and tallying 236 by the pass. FSU quarterback James Blackman completed 11-of-15 passes for 179 yards and three touchdowns, while teammate Ryan Green rushed for 96 yards and two scores.
Delaware State totaled 192 yards, including 177 passing. The Hornets netted just 15 yards rushing. DSU’s rushing total included 34 negative yards on six sacks.
Keenan Black and Jack McDaniels each appeared at quarterback for the Hornets. Black, making his fifth straight start, completed seven-of-18 passes for 98 yards and one interception, while McDaniels connected on six-of-14 throws for 79 yards and a pick.
Florida State scored first when Jacques Patrick capped off a seven-play, 63-yard drive with a 14-yard touchdown run on the opening possession of the game.
On Delaware State’s second play from scrimmage, Black connected with wide receiver Taronn Selby on a 42-yard pass to the Florida State 33. Wisdom Nzidee came on to attempt a 42-yard fie goal when the drive stalled at the Seminole 25, but the kick was blocked. FSU’s Blaik McFadden scooped up the ball and ran 63 yards to the end zone for Florida State’s second touchdown. The extra point kick by Ricky Aguayo gave the Noles a 14-0 lead with 9:08 left in the opening quarter.
The Hornets answered with an impressive drive to get on the board. Nyfease West capped off the nine-play, 75-yard march with a one-yard touchdown run on a fourth-down play. Black completed each of his three passes on the drive, including 24 and 27-yard strikes to Kwannah Kollie. The Hornet QB also had a 12-yard scramble for a first down during the possession. The extra point kick was unsuccessful, but FSU’s lead was cut to 14-6 with 4:04 remaining in the first quarter.
After the Hornet defense forced the Seminoles into a three-and-out on the ensuing possession, Florida State used a defensive touchdown to increase its lead.
On the first play after starting a drive at the DSU 25, Black was intercepted by FSU’s Derwin James, who returned the pick 41 yards for a touchdown. Florida State led 21-6 after the extra point at the 2:38 mark of the first quarter.
The Seminoles scored touchdowns on each of its second quarter possessions to lead 56-6 at the half.
The teams agreed to play 10-minute quarters in the second half.
Delaware State’s second half highlight was a 45-yard catch and run on a pass from McDaniels to Brycen Alleyne in the fourth quarter.
Alleyne had a team-high 52 receiving yards on three catches. Kollie caught two passes for 51 yards.
Defensive back Jahad Niebauer led the Hornets with eight tackles. DSU linebacker Kyle Taylor had two tackles and two forced fumbles in the contest.
Courtesy: DSU Athletics
