In a highly anticipated opening weekend matchup of college football giants, the No. 8 Florida State Seminoles delivered a resounding 45-24 victory over the fifth-ranked LSU Tigers. The game showcased the Seminoles’ dominance on both sides of the ball and extended their winning streak to seven games, firmly positioning them as early contenders for the College Football Playoff.
The turning point of the game occurred on fourth downs, where FSU’s defense rose to the occasion. They thwarted the Tigers on two crucial fourth-down attempts in the first half, including a goal-line stand that left LSU empty-handed. The pivotal moment came when FSU quarterback Jordan Travis connected with Lawrance Toafili for a 41-yard gain on fourth-and-2, setting up Travis to score on the ensuing play, giving the Seminoles a 24-17 lead. However, the star of the game was Keon Coleman, a transfer from Michigan State, who showcased his talents with 9 receptions for 122 yards, including three touchdown receptions of 40, 21, and 7 yards.