The Florida State Seminoles football team is back in the win column after a gritty, hard-fought 14-9 victory against the California Golden Bears. While it wasn’t the cleanest game, it showcased the resilience of the Seminoles as they secured their first win of the season. In a game packed with penalties, defensive stops, and last-minute drama, FSU came out on top, giving fans plenty to talk about.
Here’s a deep dive into the game, player stats, and what to expect moving forward from both teams.
First Quarter: FSU Jumps to Early Lead
The game got off to a promising start for Florida State football. The Seminoles quickly took a 7-0 lead thanks to running back Lawrance Toafili. After a series of well-executed plays, Toafili powered his way into the end zone from two yards out, marking the first time FSU had led in a game since their season opener against Georgia Tech.
The FSU offense looked sharp early, making key conversions and keeping the Cal defense on its toes. This was a critical moment for the Seminoles, as they had struggled to find consistency in previous games. But, as we’d see throughout the game, maintaining momentum was a challenge.
Second Quarter: Cal Bears Fight Back
As the second quarter rolled around, California football began to find its rhythm. The Golden Bears took advantage of some sloppy penalties by the Seminoles and closed the gap with two field goals from inside 30 yards, courtesy of kicker Ryan Coe. Both scores cut the Seminoles’ lead to 7-6, setting up what would become a tight and nerve-wracking second half.
FSU’s defense stepped up when it mattered most, limiting Cal to just those field goals in the first half. Still, the Florida State score was uncomfortably close, and fans knew that the game could go either way.
Third Quarter: A Defensive Battle
The third quarter turned into a defensive showdown. Both teams struggled to move the ball effectively. Florida State football couldn’t generate much offense, and the Cal Bears faced similar issues. The two teams exchanged punts and played the field-position game, with neither side finding the end zone.
Cal, however, managed to regain the lead late in the third quarter. Ryan Coe nailed a 51-yard field goal to put the Golden Bears ahead 9-7. It was a stunning moment, as Cal fans thought they might pull off an upset on the road. However, the Seminoles weren’t done yet.
Fourth Quarter: DJ Uiagalelei’s Heroics
With the game in the balance, FSU needed someone to step up, and that someone was quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. After Cal took the lead, Uiagalelei connected with wide receiver Ja’Khi Douglas for a 36-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter. The touchdown put the Seminoles back on top, 14-9, and gave FSU fans a reason to believe in their team once again.
Despite the lead, Florida State couldn’t relax just yet. The Cal Bears launched a final offensive drive that took them deep into Seminole territory. They reached the FSU 12-yard line, converting multiple third and fourth downs along the way. The game’s outcome hung in the balance.
FSU’s Defense Seals the Victory
With the game on the line, FSU’s defense needed one last big stop. After a false start penalty and an incomplete pass, Florida State’s defense dialed up the pressure. Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller called for a blitz, and Edwin Joseph broke through, sacking Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza for the seventh time that night. The sack ended Cal’s hopes of a comeback, and the Seminoles celebrated their first win of the season.
This hard-fought victory gave Florida State a much-needed boost. While the offense had its ups and downs, the defense was the star of the night, recording seven sacks and making key plays when it mattered most.
Key Player Stats from Florida State vs California Golden Bears
Let’s break down the player stats and highlights from the game:
- DJ Uiagalelei (Florida State QB): 16/28, 178 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
- Lawrance Toafili (Florida State RB): 15 carries, 62 yards, 1 touchdown
- Ja’Khi Douglas (Florida State WR): 4 catches, 85 yards, 1 touchdown
- Fernando Mendoza (Cal QB): 20/36, 210 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception
- Ryan Coe (Cal Kicker): 3/3 field goals, longest 51 yards
FSU’s defensive line dominated, with Edwin Joseph’s sack sealing the victory in the closing moments.
FAQs About Florida State vs California Game
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Where can I watch the Florida State Seminoles football vs California Golden Bears football game?
You can catch the highlights of the game on major sports networks like ESPN or streaming platforms like ESPN+.
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What was the final score of the Florida State vs Cal football game?
The final score was 14-9 in favor of the Florida State Seminoles.
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Who were the key players in the Florida State vs California game?
Key players for FSU included DJ Uiagalelei, Lawrance Toafili, and Ja’Khi Douglas. For Cal, Fernando Mendoza and Ryan Coe stood out.
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How many sacks did FSU have against Cal?
Florida State’s defense recorded an impressive seven sacks against Cal.
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Did Florida State football get their first win of the season against Cal?
Yes, the Seminoles secured their first win of the 2024 season in this game.
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What were the highlights of the Florida State vs California game?
The game was highlighted by DJ Uiagalelei’s clutch touchdown pass, Edwin Joseph’s game-sealing sack, and Ryan Coe’s long field goal for Cal.
What This Win Means for Florida State Football
While this was just the first win of the season for Florida State, it may signal the beginning of a turnaround. The Seminoles have faced plenty of adversity so far, but with this gritty win, they’ve shown they can fight through tough moments.
Coach Mike Norvell was proud of his team’s perseverance, particularly on defense. The seven sacks were a testament to the work put in by defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and his staff. If FSU can continue to generate this kind of defensive pressure, they could surprise some teams in the ACC this year.
Offensively, there are still areas for improvement. DJ Uiagalelei showed flashes of brilliance, but consistency remains an issue. Florida State’s special teams also struggled, with some questionable decisions that almost cost them the game. Cleaning up these areas will be crucial as they head into the heart of their schedule.
Looking Ahead for California Golden Bears Football
For Cal, this was a tough loss, but there are positives to take away. The Golden Bears’ defense held Florida State to just 14 points, and Ryan Coe’s kicking performance was outstanding. However, the offense struggled to finish drives, and Mendoza faced relentless pressure all night.
Cal will look to regroup and build on the defensive momentum they gained in this game. If the offense can improve, the Golden Bears could bounce back in upcoming Pac-12 matchups.
Conclusion: Florida State Seminoles vs California Golden Bears Recap
In the end, Florida State Seminoles football walked away with a gritty 14-9 victory over the California Golden Bears, securing their first win of the 2024 season. This game highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, but more importantly, it gave FSU fans hope for a better season ahead.
As we look forward, both teams have work to do, but the potential is there. With DJ Uiagalelei leading the charge for Florida State and Fernando Mendoza looking to bounce back for Cal, the rest of the season should be filled with excitement.