5. FSU’s Second-Half Defense
Without Florida State’s stellar defense in the second-half, they never would have made the comeback. Auburn’s offense could not execute like they did in the first-half, and it changed the game.
Without Florida State’s stellar defense in the second-half, they never would have made the comeback. Auburn’s offense could not execute like they did in the first-half, and it changed the game.
National Championship teams get big plays like this. As good as Auburn’s offense looked, they didn’t get the big score on defense or special teams, and Florida State did with Levonte Whitfield’s 100-yard dash for a touchdown.
Not only did Kelvin Benjamin use every inch of his body and athletic ability to make that go-ahead catch late in the game, but Rashad Greene made a lot of key grabs. Greene racked up 147 yards on nine catches. On the flip side, Auburn’s receivers dropped the ball too many times.
Auburn fans showed up, no doubt about that, but nothing beats the deafening roar of “the chop” when a team needs a second-half boost. FSU’s fanbase brought the noise, and the players responded.
Jameis Winston faltered majorly due to the pressure he faced in the first-half from the Auburn defense, but he took over in the second-half and scored when he needed to score. I’m not saying he pulled a Vince Young-type performance, but star quarterbacks win big games and that’s what he did.
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