The Florida State Seminoles’ football season reached a troubling juncture following their 20-13 loss to the Stanford Cardinal. This defeat marked the Seminoles’ fourth consecutive loss, leaving them with a disappointing record of 3-4 for the year.
Game Overview: FSU vs. Stanford
The matchup featured quarterback Tommy Castellanos, who completed 14 of 28 passes for 242 yards and added a rushing touchdown. Meanwhile, Stanford’s Ben Gulbranson contributed with 90 passing yards and a touchdown before exiting the game due to injury.
First Half Highlights
- Stanford opened the scoring with a field goal from 32 yards, taking a 3-0 lead.
- Florida State responded with kicker Jake Weinberg connecting on a 39-yard field goal, tying the game at 3-3.
- Stanford regained the lead with a touchdown pass to CJ Williams, making it 10-3.
- After a defensive penalty, FSU’s KJ Kirkland made a key sack, but Stanford extended its lead to 13-3 with another field goal.
- Castellanos rushed for an 8-yard touchdown, closing the gap to 10-13 just before halftime.
Second Half Breakdown
The second half began with a defensive stop by Florida State, but Stanford’s offense regained its momentum quickly. Stanford’s Cole Tabb scored a one-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the score to 20-10.
Florida State struggled with discipline, accumulating nine penalties for 67 yards throughout the game. Despite this, they managed to score a 33-yard field goal by Weinberg, narrowing the deficit to 20-13.
Final Moments
In a dramatic finish, Castellanos was injured, leading to the introduction of true freshman Kevin Sperry. Sperry connected with Micahi Danzy for a 53-yard gain, setting up a chance for victory.
With just two seconds remaining, a shovel pass to Gavin Sawchuk fell short by inches, thwarting Florida State’s comeback efforts. This heartbreaking defeat raises questions about the team’s future as they prepare to host Wake Forest on November 1.
Future Outlook for Florida State Football
The Seminoles entered the season with high hopes, but their current performance raises concerns about their ability to regroup. Fans are eager to see if the team can reverse their fortunes in upcoming games.
For continued coverage of Florida State football, stay tuned to El-Balad for the latest updates and insights throughout the season.
