tre Dame lineman Jarron Jones, right, chases Florida State quarterback Jameis Winson during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Tallahassee, Fla., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014. Florida State defeated Notre Dame 31-27. (AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser)It was an epic battle between two of the top quarterbacks in college football, both African-Americans. But in the end, Florida State Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston and the No. 2 ranked Seminoles prevailed over Notre Dame, 31-27.
The win kept the Seminoles’ perfect season intact at 7-0, while No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish fell to 6-1.
Florida State trailed for most of the game and didn’t take its first lead until midway through the fourth quarter. Winston completed four of five pass attempts for 50 yards during that scoring drive before senior running back Karlos Williams scored on a one-yard touchdown run to push FSU ahead, 31-27.
Notre Dame had a chance to retake the lead during the final seconds of the game when senior quarterback Everett Golson led the Fighting Irish on a 12-play drive that ended at the goal line just yards away from a touchdown. Golson made what appeared to be the game-winning touchdown pass to sophomore receiver Corey Robinson on fourth. But a controversial offensive pass interference penalty was called on Notre Dame, pushing them back from the two-yard line to the 16-yard line. Golson’s next pass attempt was then intercepted by FSU freshman linebacker Jacob Pugh in the back of the end zone, securing the victory for Florida State.
Notre Dame quarterback Everet Golson scrambles in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Tallahassee, Fla., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014. Florida State defeated Notre Dame 31-27. (AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser)
Golson still led the game in passing, completing 31 of 52 pass attempts for 312 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Sophomore running back Tarean Folston led the Seminoles with 121 yards on 21 carries.
Winston connected on 23 of 31 attempts for 273 passing yards, two touchdown and one interception. One of Winston’s touchdown passes tied the game at 17 just minutes into the second half after FSU trailed 17-10 at halftime.
Florida State has now won 23 straight regular season games, dating back to the Seminoles’ 2013 championship season.