Quarter by Quarter Breakdown

Florida State vs. Notre Dame

1st Quarter Breakdown:

The young Florida State offensive line struggled against the pressure of the Notre Dame defense as FSU mustered just 18 yards of total offense in the quarter.

The ND offense was able to move the ball down the field with ease on its first drive before an interception in the endzone killed the drive.

Key Plays:

Lamarcus Joyner came up with an interception of Irish quarterback Tommy Rees in his own endzone on 1st and goal from the 4-yard line.

On the very next play freshman tailback Devonta Freeman fumbled after a 7-yard reception and Zeke Motta scooped it up for a 29-yard touchdown to put ND up seven.

2nd Quarter Breakdown: While the Seminoles were able to possess the ball for most of the second quarter, it still didn't lead to any points. FSU passed for 88 yards as Manuel connected with Shaw four times for 64 yards in the period. The Seminoles have 104 total yards on 29 plays for a 3.6 yards-per-play average.

Key Plays: Florida State ran a fake punt on fourth-and-4 from the Notre Dame 40. Fullback Chad Abram came up just inches short and the ball was turned over on downs. If Abram gets the first down, FSU would have entered field goal range for the first time all game long.

3rd Quarter Breakdown:

Notre Dame benefited from an unnecessary roughness penalty by Greg Reid to extend the Irish's scoring drive.

Reid (concussion) and fellow starting corner Xavier Rhodes (knee) are both out for the remainder of the game with injuries. The young FSU offensive line looked much improved towards the end of quarter.

Key Plays:

Michael Floyd showed tremendous concentration on a 5-yard scoring drive to give ND a 14-0 lead.

A 77-yard kickoff return by Lamarcus Joyner set up a 42-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins

4th Quarter Breakdown:

FSU's momentum took off in the fourth quarter and the 'Noles capitalized on big plays by Rashad Greene and Bert Reed in the endzone, as well as a field goal by Dustin Hopkins to tack 15 points onto the board. The scoring drives took place within two minutes of each other. FSU shut down Notre Dame's late drive with an interception by Terrence Brooks in the endzone with under three minutes remaining.

Key Plays:

Bert Reed's touchdown reception that started off the fourth quarter and set the 'Noles up with some offensive momentum.

The third down, 42-yard sideline catch by Rashad Greene that set up Dustin Hopkin's field goal to put the 'Noles up 18-14.