Florida State Takes Cheez-It Bowl, 35-32, Over Oklahoma

On Thursday night, the Florida State Seminoles grabbed win number ten of the season in Orlando at Camping World Stadium against the Oklahoma Sooners, 35-32. It is the first 10-win season the Seminoles have had since 2016 and the first winning season head coach Mike Norvell has had in Tallahassee.

FSU’s Offensive Players Come Through Big in Season Finale

Quarterback Jordan Travis, the maestro of this high-flying FSU attack, finished the season on a high note. He finished with an astounding 418 yards and two touchdowns to Ontaria “Pokey” Wilson and Markeston Douglas. Travis was also very accurate, completing 27-of-38 passes (71%).

The Seminole quarterback used his elusiveness along with his top-tier scrambling ability. He had 50 rushing yards while averaging seven yards every time he tucked it to run. He also broke off a huge 26 yard run in the game.

The abundance of running backs that provide threats to opponents have made FSU’s run game very unique all season. On Thursday night, Treshaun Ward’s number was called most often as he broke the plane twice for two scores along with having 81 yards.

Sophomore wide receiver Johnny Wilson was highly impressive as well with 202 yards on eight receptions. His way of spreading the field allowed Travis to create big plays with his arm.

Shootout Between Offenses

Back and forth scoring was the name of the game in the Cheez-It Bowl. While the Seminoles were putting points on the board, the Oklahoma run game kept the Sooners in the game with both running backs Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk having 100-yard outings.

They both had a touchdown a piece, along with quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who had a touchdown on the ground along with one through the air to Jalil Farooq in the first quarter.

Both offenses went all out for the fans in attendance. The Seminoles had 587 yards of total offense, while the Sooners were right there with 496 total yards.

The Florida State passing game was crucial with 418 yards and Oklahoma’s run game was able to get to the second level on the FSU defense with 253 yards between Barnes, Sawchuk, and Gabriel.

It seemed like the game would come down to who had the football last. The Seminoles were able to drive down and set-up a field goal for Nick Fitzgerald following Barnes’ touchdown for the Sooners with three and a half minutes to go to tie the game at 32.

Fitzgerald nailed the 32-yarder, his second of the night (the other a 23-yarder), to make it 35-32 FSU.

Oklahoma got the ball back with 55 seconds remaining and no timeouts. Gabriel was trying to make plays to players like Sawchuk and wide receiver Brayden Willis. However, a false start and holding penalty would push the plays back making it harder.

Eventually, a game-ending sack from Florida State defensive linemen Jared Verse, the ACC leader in sacks, and Dennis Briggs Jr. would be how the Seminoles got their schools’ 29th bowl victory.

Norvell’s Final Word on the Season

Head Coach Mike Norvell on the victory and season overall: “It’s [the team] going to be remembered by the way that they played. By the passion, by the character, and by just the love they have for each other. It meant a lot for this team and it meant a lot for this program… I’m just so proud of every man that is in that locker room.”

The Seminoles finished the season 10-3 overall, and 5-3 in ACC play.