WATCH: Officials miss facemask penalty on Florida's final play vs Florida State
Florida looked like it was marching toward the end zone to try and tie things up against Florida State. But Anthony Richardson’s pass fell incomplete on 4th and 12 — but not without some controversy.
As Richardson scrambled to extend the play with 39 seconds left, Seminoles defender Jammie Robinson appeared to hit his facemask, which would’ve been a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down. The referees didn’t call it, and Florida State got the ball back and took a knee to seal the 45-38 victory at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Both teams had their share of penalties in the game, though. Florida got tagged for nine flags and 91 yards while Florida State committed six penalties for 38 yards.
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The running game was a big part of the offensive attack for both teams. Florida totaled 292 yards on the ground, led by 129 yards and a touchdown from Trevor Etienne, whose brother, Travis, called on the Gators to run the ball more in the third quarter. For FSU, Trey Benson led the way with 111 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner with 4:06 to play. In addition to his 270 passing yards and touchdown, Jordan Travis also added 85 rushing yards and two touchdowns of his own.
The victory marked Mike Norvell’s first over Florida since taking over at Florida State and ended the Seminoles’ three-game winning streak in the series. And, with 83 points, it also became the highest-scoring affair in the rivalry’s history.
Florida State now ends the regular season with a 9-3 record and won its last five games to do so. Florida, meanwhile, ends the year 6-6 in Billy Napier’s first season at the helm. Still, the Gators are heading to a bowl game in Year One under Napier.