Florida State Football Stumbles Against NC State: A Recap
In a tense matchup, Florida State fell to NC State, losing 21-11 in Raleigh, North Carolina. This game was crucial for the Seminoles, as it was their final ACC contest of the season.
Florida State (5-6 overall, 2-6 in ACC) started slow, trailing 14-3 in the third quarter. They rallied back with a touchdown and a two-point conversion, narrowing the gap to just three points. However, NC State (6-5, 3-4 ACC) quickly reasserted control, scoring again and leaving FSU unable to catch up.
The Seminoles accumulated 383 yards in total offense—203 through the air and 180 on the ground. They outgained their opponents on ten occasions this season, a notable achievement last seen in 2022. In ACC play, this marked their best performance since 2014.
Quarterback Tommy Castellanos had a mixed night. He completed 16 of 32 passes for 203 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions. On the ground, he was the team’s leading rusher, totaling 76 yards over 11 attempts. This game also marked a personal milestone for Castellanos, who surpassed 8,000 career yards.
Wide receiver Duce Robinson starred as well. He caught four passes for 74 yards and a touchdown, bringing his season total to over 1,000 yards—the first player since 2019 to reach this mark. His 1,021 yards put him in the top ten of Florida State’s all-time receiving list.
Defensively, linebacker Stefon Thompson led the way with nine tackles and 1.5 sacks. Freshman Mandrell Desir also shone, recording a sack that brought his season total to six, making him only the third true freshman in school history to achieve this.
The game began with NC State taking the lead early on. They scored on their second possession, completing a nine-play drive for a 7-0 advantage. Florida State responded with a field goal, cutting the score to 7-3 in the second quarter but struggled to capitalize further.
Momentum shifted in the second half when NC State scored another touchdown, pushing the lead to 14-3. Florida State’s defense held strong, forcing several punts to keep them in the game. The highlight came in the fourth quarter when Castellanos found Robinson for a nine-yard touchdown pass, making it 14-11 after a successful two-point conversion.
Unfortunately, after a valiant effort, FSU couldn’t close the gap. NC State sealed the game with another touchdown, ultimately finishing 21-11.
As the Seminoles prepare for their final game against rival Florida, they have a chance to end the season on a high note. Key insights from analysts suggest that focusing on both offense and defense during practice will be crucial for their performance.
While the loss stings, the season isn’t over, and the rivalry game could provide the redemption they seek. For more updates, fans can refer to Florida State Athletics’ official page.
