College Football

FSU Football: Top 5 Impact Players Against NC State

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:16 p.m. ET

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Nov 14, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Demarcus Walker (44) battles at the line against North Carolina State Wolfpack offensive tackle Will Richardson (66) during the second half of the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

FSU football got a much-needed win against NC State on Saturday night. We take a look at the top five impact players from the game.

It wasn’t pretty, but fans have to happy with a win at Carter-Finley Stadium at night. The FSU football team had to battle from behind and battle the referees to get the job done.

The win gave FSU a great shot at winning nine regular season games, and also secured a record 35th consecutive bowl appearance.

There were a number of players on defense and offense that made impacts on the night. However, we want to identify the top five FSU players from the game.

Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) warms up before the game against the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Dalvin Cook

You know a player is good when they can run for a touchdown and 65 yards while barely touching the ball in the second half while still making the list.

Cook was bottled up by the stout NC State defensive front for much of the night. NC State committed to stopping the run as they normally do with eight man fronts.

However, Cook was still able to be a factor because NC State had to worry about him at all times.

His 10 yard touchdown run in the third quarter cut the Wolfpack lead down to three, which was a huge answer to a previous NC State touchdown.

Cook needs just 192 yards to pass Warrick Dunn to become FSU’s all time leading rusher.

Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles cornerback Tavarus McFadden (4) celebrates an interception during the game against the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Tavarus McFadden

If you looked at the box score, you wouldn’t see too much beside the name of Tavarus McFadden. However, McFadden finished the game with two tackles and an interception.

The interception was his seventh on the season, which is good for the most in the nation. It took place on NC State’s first drive of the game as they were getting deep into FSU territory.

The most important thing of note besides the interception NC State’s reluctance to throw towards the boundary side of the field where McFadden roams.

I’m not saying McFadden has become Deion Sanders and shut down his half of the field, but they certainly didn’t go to that side of the field much after that.

That’s quite helpful for the defense I’d say as it’s one less thing they have to think about.

Oct 15, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) leaps over Wake Forest Demon Deacons linebacker Thomas Brown (26) during the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Deondre Francois

Deondre Francois didn’t start the game off on a good foot. A one point he was below 50 percent completion rate on the night.

However, Francois began to find some rhythm after the first quarter and finished the game with 330 passing yards on 22 of 39 passes.

He didn’t turn the ball over which continues to be huge for a young quarterback. Francois was also finally able to enjoy a game with decent protection as he was only sacked once during the game and only pressured two other times.

NC State gambled that Francois couldn’t beat them with his arm and it cost them their fifth loss of the season.

DeMarcus Walker

What a player DeMarcus Walker has quietly become. Walker finished the game with 10 tackles (8 solo) and two sacks.

Those two sacks gave him 10.5 sacks on the season which equals his total for the entire 2015 season.

He’s on the cusp of entering FSU’s top 10 list for sack leaders with four games(including the bowl game).

His second sack was huge as NC State was up 20-17 and driving into FSU territory. Walker came through with a sack on third and five to force a NC State punt.

The ‘Noles proceeded to drive and score a touchdown on their next possession which turned out to be the game winning score.

Sep 10, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Nyqwan Murray (80) runs with the ball after making a second half catch at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Florida State Seminoles defeat the Charleston Southern Buccaneers 52-8. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

Nyqwan Murray

Murray was out to prove his breakout performance against Clemson last week was no fluke. We think he proved his point and now have to ask why he hadn’t been playing more prior to Jesus Wilson’s injury.

He was FSU’s best receiver in fall camp.

Murray finished with a game high 153 yards on nine receptions. He had a long of 37 yards and averaged 17 yards per catch.

“Noonie” looks like FSU’s best receiver without question. He’s quick with extremely strong hands and can run all the routes with the ability to make defenders miss.

It’ll be interesting to see if he can keep up this type of production the next four games.