After a thrilling 28-21 victory, Florida State has been crowned the Fiesta Bowl Champion! Here is a recap of how it all went down.
First Quarter
After fighting with the streamers about whether or not to have sliders, the Seminoles got to work. The first drive stalled in the red zone, leading to a field goal. Following a second defensive stop, Big Cat repeated “tempo” about 20 times and kept the offense on the field, converting a key fourth down. The second drive continued into the end of the first quarter, culminating with a text from Titans HC, Mike Vrabel. FSU 3 UCONN 0
Second Quarter
The first play of the 2nd quarter was an INT, stopping the drive in enemy territory. After the Seminoles forced a turnover and got the ball back, Jameis Winston threw his second INT of the quarter in as many passes. Fortunately, the American Athletic Conference champions failed to score on yet another drive. Coach Duggs decided to get back to the game plan, calling 5 (five) run plays in a row, until taking it back to the air. Any guesses on what happens next? A 3rd interception of the night.
Huge credit to the Seminole defense, having to deal with 3 costly first-half turnovers, they continued to keep a goose egg up on the scoreboard. After a drive stalled inside the 10, FSU settled for a field goal. And unfortunately, star RB Cam Banks went down with an injury on this drive. After a UCONN punt, the Florida State marched down the field and scored the first touchdown of the night, leading to half time. FSU 13 UCONN 0
Third Quarter
The Huskies finally got on the board, scoring on the very first drive of the second half. Coach Duggs was visibly upset that his star, Cam Banks, was still on the sidelines, stating he is “thinking about the draft”. After a few positive plays, Jameis threw his 4th pick of the night. For those of you keeping track at home, that’s 10 INTs in the last two games combined.
Yet another drive stalled for the Huskies, and FSU took over yet again. Coach Duggs called the number of John McNeal, backup RB for the Seminoles, and he delivered. Catching a 50-yard pass off a wheel route and finishing the job with an 8-yard rushing TD.
Following a UCONN score to end the 3rd, the Fiesta Bowl was turning into quite the contest. FSU 20 UCONN 14
Fourth Quarter
The teams traded possessions as the time continued to wind down on the clock. With 2:54 left on the clock, what many are calling the play of the game, Duggs made a controversial decision to go for it on 4th and 1. The Huskies stuffed the Seminoles at the line, and it was up to the defense to keep them out of the endzone. After sneaking into enemy territory, the Huskies converted on a huge 4th and 6, to set up a TD. The Seminoles took over with 47 seconds left in the game, likely in the career of Coach Duggs at FSU, trailing by one point.
John McNeal came through yet again, hauling in a 22-yard pass, followed by a huge 57-yard touchdown catch from Dusty Smith to pull FSU out in front, scoring in just 13 seconds. A play you truly have to see to believe.
FSU converted a 2 point conversion but proved to be unnecessary, as the Seminoles held on to win. FSU 28 UCONN 21
What happens next?
As Big Cat aka Coach Duggerton said since a demoralizing loss in the ACC Championship Game, his main mission at FSU was to beat UCONN in the Fiesta Bowl. The season itself featured eventual Heisman RB Cam Banks, as Coach Duggs showcased his versatility while calling the offense. While at Toledo, Duggs loved to throw the ball and did so religiously. But after recognizing the importance of Cam Banks at FSU, he turned into a run-heavy team, something that many programs love to see out of a future HC.
Coach Duggs has expressed interest in a few SEC programs, namely Tennessee. He mentioned while on stream with Brandon Walker, he loves their jersey’s, which play a big role in determining his next steps. Tune in on Twitch at 7:30 EST to find out where Duggs decides to take his coaching talent.
Wherever he goes, we owe a debt of gratitude to Coach Duggs and Big Cat. They have provided us with some low resolution, high-quality entertainment, during this quarantine.