Instant Reaction: Florida State Outlasts Notre Dame In 31-27 Thriller

Finally, a high-profile matchup that lived up to expectations.

Florida State and Notre Dame traded the lead back and forth, but the Seminoles escaped with a massively important 31-27 victory

Turning Point: 

This one came down to the wire, and wasn't officially over until Notre Dame's 4th-and-goal from the 19 fell incomplete in the final seconds.

Key Stat: 

Notre Dame took the lead four separate times, but Florida State finally took it back with 7:39 remaining in the fourth and never gave it back.

Notre Dame MVP: 

Everett Golson was the reason Notre Dame stayed alive in this one, and he deserves credit for a massive performance on a national stage despite the loss. Golson finished with 313 passing yards, three TDs and two INTs.

Florida State MVP:

While wide receivers Rashad Greene and Travis Rudolph get an honorable mention, we have to give it to Jameis Winston. Winston shook off a rough first half to play a nearly flawless game after halftime, and he was the reason the Seminoles pulled out the win.

What’s Next?

Florida State has a week off before traveling to Louisville for a Thursday night game against the Cardinals. Notre Dame also gets a week to rest up before traveling to Navy.