Another Streak Snapped: Duke drops error-prone FSU for first time, 23-16
It was perhaps the final remaining symbol of the dominance Florida State Football exhibited for decades in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
In the more than 30 years since joining the ACC, the Seminoles had never lost to the Duke Blue Devils.
That streak ended in an error-filled 23-16 defeat Friday night in Durham, N.C.
Florida State turned the ball over four times — including a stretch of three in three plays — and gave up six sacks to fall to 22-1 all-time against Duke.
The Seminoles are now 1-6 on the season and 1-5 in the ACC. Duke improves to 6-1 and 2-1.
After a nearly catastrophic first half, Florida State got back in the game with redshirt freshman Samuel Singleton’s 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the second half. That made the score 17-13.
The two teams traded field goals in the second half, and Florida State had a chance to tie things up midway through the fourth quarter. But freshman tailback Kam Davis fumbled at the end of a six-yard run, and Duke recovered at its own 31-yard line.
The Seminoles never threatened on their final drive.
Florida State dug itself a major hole in the first half with turnovers by redshirt freshman quarterback Brock Glenn on three consecutive plays.
First, he tried to throw a pass to the far sideline, and it was jumped by Duke defensive back Chandler Rivers, who returned it 36 yards for a touchdown.
On the very next play from scrimmage, Glenn fumbled at his own 36-yard line, and Duke cashed in with a 10-play touchdown drive. That gave the Blue Devils a 14-3 advantage early in the second quarter.
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Then on the first play of the next Florida State possession, Glenn was intercepted again, setting up a Blue Devils field goal. At that point in the second quarter, Duke had 51 yards of total offense and a 17-3 advantage.
FSU coach Mike Norvell then turned his offense over to freshman quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, and things didn’t go much better. Kromenhoek did not turn the ball over, but he finished with 19 yards on 3-of-7 passing.
Glenn came back into the game late, and he finished his night with 110 yards on 9-of-19 passing. Both FSU quarterbacks were hurt by costly drops by their receivers, which has been a constant theme all season.
The Seminoles trailed 17-6 at the half, with their only points coming on a pair of Ryan Fitzgerald field goals; Fitzgerald finished with three on the night.
Florida State lost despite having a more-than-100-yard edge in total yardage (291-180). Davis led FSU’s rushing attack with 63 yards on 14 carries.
Florida State returns to action next Saturday at rival Miami. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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