Despite a roaring comeback capitalizing on multiple Florida State miscues, it was LSU that made the final mistake Sunday night in a 24-23 Seminoles victory at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Trailing 24-10 in the fourth quarter, the Tigers scored the final 13 points of the game, but a blocked extra point out of time cost them a potential comeback opportunity in overtime.
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels hit Jaray Jenkins for a 2-yard touchdown with 1 second left for what appeared to be the tying score to end a 99-yard drive that started with a FSU goal. But Damian Ramos’ extra point was blocked by Shyheim Brown with no time on the clock to give the ‘Noles the win.
The only reason LSU had a chance to tie it late was because Brian Thomas Jr. was initially ruled out of bounds with a second left at the 1-yard line. Replay showed it was in bounds, but LSU punted the ball to get the final play in regulation.
It was a wild end to a stellar unit that probably never should have happened. LSU had a chance to tie it late because of a rare mistake by the ‘Noles’ rushing attack. Treshaun Ward stole an ill-advised punt at the goal line to give it back to LSU with 1:20 to play. That was the only reason Daniels even had a chance to lead his team down the field for what appeared to be the touchdown that would have sent the game into overtime.
It was a remarkable turn of events because it looked like Florida State had won the game when LSU’s Malik Nabers fumbled a punt at the 8-yard line with 2:05 left. Ward had two carries for 8 yards to reach the goal and force LSU to burn its first timeout. The fumble occurred on the first play out of the timeout.
The dramatic fourth quarter was the story of the night, but Florida State QB Jordan Travis was the star of the night. The second-year starter hit Ontaria Wilson with a double reverse flea pass for a 39-yard score early in the second quarter to put the ‘Noles up 7-3, a lead they would never relinquish. Travis connected with Wilson again in the third quarter with a beautiful over-the-shoulder dime near the right pylon to make it a 17-3 ball game and put the pressure on a Tigers team even more who just couldn’t get it going offensively. Travis finished the night 20-for-32 for 260 yards with two touchdowns, eight carries and 31 yards rushing.
Daniels started under center for coach Brian Kelly, who was making his debut in the purple and gold after a successful 12-year stint at Notre Dame. He went 26 of 35 for 209 yards and two touchdowns, adding 114 yards on the ground. Part of the reason Daniels was essentially the only effective piece of the offense was an offensive line that simply couldn’t contain Florida State’s defensive front. LSU gave up six tackles for loss, which included four sacks.
CBS Sports will update this story with a game breakdown and takeaways from the LSU-FSU meeting.