FSU 17, New Mexico State 7: Seminoles looking to separate in second half

Florida State entered tonight’s season opener as 31.5-point favorites, but after two quarters of play, the Seminoles lead New Mexico State by just 10.

The opening drive for both sides of the ball wasn’t as pretty as you’d hope. FSU first let the Aggies drive down the field before an endzone interception by Quindarrius Jones cut the possession short, then had to settle for a field goal after a touchdown was waved off for a tripping penalty, Xaiver Chaplin was whistled for a false start and Ashton Daniels was sacked on third and long.

Quindarrius Jones with the first turnover of the 2026 season 🔥🍢 pic.twitter.com/PE1ptBoEIP

There were bright spots, though — Jones’ aforementioned interception as well as a nice connection from Daniels to Micahi Danzy for 44 yards.

FSU seemingly settled in a bit after that, forcing a New Mexico State punt and then once again driving down the field, this time powered by Samuel Singleton Jr. taking a screen pass for 35 yards. The Seminoles scored their first touchdown of the 2026 season three plays later as Daniels shook off a defender and took it in himself at the start of the second quarter.

Ashton Daniels takes it himself for the first FSU touchdown of the season pic.twitter.com/I54JeDLWM7

But instead of Florida State continuing to assert itself, pass defense issues reared their head once more on the Aggies’ second drive, the Seminoles allowing multiple 15-plus-yard completions before finally giving up a 33-yard connection. The offense sputtered on its subsequent possession, going three-and-out for the first time, but got the ball right back after the FSU defense forced a three-and-out of its own.

Florida State’s drive, which seemed promising after a big completion to Duce Robinson, was cut down by a Daniels’ interception — the quarterback tried to force a sideline throw to Chase Loftin, but was easily picked off by an Aggies defender. No damage done from the turnover, though, as FSU buckled down to force a second-straight three-and-out.

FSU got great field position after a short punt also got a lucky bounce, with Singleton Jr. once more pushing the Seminoles into the red zone with a big rush. He got the honors of capping off the drive with a score, reeling in a 4-yard toss from Daniels to make it a 17-7 game.

FSU adds another score before the end of the second quarter, leads New Mexico State 17-7 pic.twitter.com/IlbfQF1ocW

Florida State will start the second half on offense.

Total Yards

NMSU: 140
FSU: 220

Pass Yards

NMSU: 124
144

Rush Yards

NMSU: 16
FSU: 76

Penalties

NMSU: 2-20
FSU: 2-20

1st Downs

NMSU: 7
FSU: 10

3rd Downs

NMSU: 6-9
FSU: 4-6

4th Downs

NMSU: 0-0
FSU: 0-0

Total Plays

NMSU: 33
FSU: 32

Avg Yds/Play

NMSU: 4.2
FSU: 6.9

Avg Yds/Completion

NMSU: 9.5
FSU: 16

Avg Yds/Rush

NMSU: 1.3
FSU: 4.2

Sack-Adj Rush Yd(Avg)

NMSU: 26 (2.4)
FSU: 85 (5)

Red Zone

NMSU: 0-0
FSU: 3-3

Time of Poss

NMSU: 15:21
FSU: 14:39

Turnovers (Def Pts Off)

NMSU: 1 (3)
FSU: 1 (0)

Fumbles-Lost

NMSU: 0-0
FSU: 0-0

Sacks (Def Yds)

NMSU: 1 (9)
FSU: 1 (10)

TFL (Def Yds)

NMSU: 2 (10)
FSU: 1 (10)