TALLAHASSEE – Undefeated Florida State climbed to No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings released Tuesday night. The Noles are also No. 4 in the Associated Press and Coaches polls.
FSU improved to 12-0 and completed its seventh undefeated regular season with a 24-15 win at Florida Saturday, holding to Gators to minus-15 yards in the fourth quarter as running back Trey Benson scored three touchdowns in the contest. The Seminoles tied their season high with 6.0 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss, led by defensive end Jared Verse’s 2.5 sacks and 3.0 TFL. Benson and Verse were named ACC Players of the Week for their efforts.
FSU’s 18-game winning streak is the third-longest active streak in the country, the second-longest in program history and the third-longest in ACC history. The Noles are one of just four teams to not allow 30 points in a game this season and have the third-longest streak without allowing 30 points, at 12 games. The 12-game streak is FSU’s longest since also holding all 12 opponents under 30 points in the 2015 regular season.
The Seminoles have won seven games against Power 5 opponents that are bowl eligible, most in the country.
On top of its seventh undefeated regular season, FSU completed its 11th undefeated record on the road and is 12-0 for the fourth time in program history.
The Seminoles boast one of the nation’s best pass defenses, leading the country in opponent completion percentage (47.6) and pass breakups (67). FSU’s defense also ranks second nationally in total passes defended (76), fourth in fewest passing touchdowns allowed (8), fifth in opponent passing efficiency (100.32) and third-down defense (28.5 percent) and seventh in sacks per game (3.17). Florida State is the only team in the nation forcing more incompletions than completions allowed.
On offense, Florida State leads the ACC in fewest turnovers (5, No. 1 nationally), fewest interceptions thrown (2, No. 2), turnover margin per game (+0.92, No. 5), touchdowns scored (60, No. 9), passing efficiency (155.64, No. 21), yards per completion (13.71, No. 21) and red zone offense (89.8, No. 26).
Florida State has now been included in 10 consecutive CFP rankings dating to last season.
FSU earned a school-record 25 All-ACC honors earlier Tuesday, including eight players on the first team. The Noles led the league in overall honors and had the most players on the first-, second- and third-team.
No. 4 Florida State plays No. 15 Louisville (10-1) Saturday at 8:00 p.m. on ABC in the ACC Championship Game. Florida State is 4-1 all-time in the ACC title game, with wins in 2005 and 2012-14.
