Florida State needed something resembling a reset after back-to-back losses, and the Seminoles got one Saturday afternoon. FSU handled Central Arkansas 34-7 at Doak Campbell Stadium, improving to 2-2 while snapping a two-game losing streak.
The Seminoles scored touchdowns on their first two possessions, built a 24-0 lead, and never let the Bears seriously threaten, even if the win left FSU's fans wanting more. Florida State finished with 414 total yards while averaging 8.8 yards per play and held Central Arkansas to 248 yards and 3.4 yards per snap.
Here are the winners and losers from FSU’s second victory of the season.
Winner: Jayvan Boggs
Florida State has been searching for another receiver to consistently complement Duce Robinson, and Jayvan Boggs made a strong
case Saturday.
Boggs caught six passes for 117 yards and a touchdown, leading the Seminoles in both receptions and receiving yards. His 34-yard touchdown in the third quarter stretched FSU’s lead to 31-7 and capped his first 100-yard performance of the season.
After flashing with 69 yards against Alabama, Boggs appears to be carving out a much larger role in the passing game.
Winner: Ousmane Kromah's continued production
Kromah once again looked like the centerpiece of Florida State’s rushing attack.
The sophomore needed only 11 carries to rush for 86 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 7.8 yards per attempt. He scored from six yards out in the first quarter and added another touchdown in the second as FSU steadily pulled away.
Through four games, Kromah has continued to give the offense a reliable source of explosive plays regardless of opponent.
Winner: Florida State’s fast start
There was no extended feeling-out period this time. Ashton Daniels connected with Robinson for a 29-yard touchdown on FSU’s first offensive possession, and Kromah followed with another score on the next drive. Florida State led 14-0 before the first quarter reached its midway point and eventually pushed the advantage to 24-0.
For a team that entered Saturday needing to restore some confidence, playing from comfortably ahead was exactly the type of afternoon FSU needed.
Loser: Florida State’s discipline
Even in a comfortable victory, one number should concern Mike Norvell. Florida State committed 10 penalties for 115 yards, giving away far too much field position in a game it controlled almost everywhere else.
Those mistakes did not threaten the outcome against Central Arkansas. Against Virginia, Louisville, or Miami, that amount of self-inflicted damage could be significantly harder to survive.
Winner: The defense finally limits the damage
Florida State’s defense had allowed 77 combined points against SMU and Alabama. Against Central Arkansas, the Seminoles finally produced the type of statistical performance expected against an FCS opponent.
The Bears managed only 248 total yards, averaged 3.4 yards per play, and scored once despite running 73 offensive snaps. FSU also kept Central Arkansas scoreless in three of four quarters.
The competition level matters, but after surrendering 567 yards at Alabama, simply avoiding the explosive breakdowns that plagued the defense over the previous two games represented progress.
Loser: Ashton Daniels turnovers
Daniels was efficient overall, completing 12 of 18 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns while adding 34 yards on the ground. The interception, however, continued a concerning early-season trend after he threw three against Alabama. Florida State finished with the game’s only turnover despite otherwise controlling the matchup.
Cleaning up those mistakes becomes increasingly important as FSU returns fully to ACC competition.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Winners and losers from FSU's victory over Central Arkansas
