Thad Busby Leads Florida State to 31-14 Victory Over Ohio State

Strategic Insights -

Thad Busby, Florida State's senior quarterback, led his team to a decisive 31-14 victory over Ohio State in the Superdome, earning the respect of the fans and breaking the university's season passing yardage record with 3,301 yards. Busby completed 22 of 33 passes for 334 yards, including a 46-yard rocket to E.G. Green down to Ohio State's 9-yard line, which ultimately led to a Seminoles' touchdown. The victory ensured that Coach Bobby Bowden's team would finish among the top four ranked teams in the final Associated Press poll for a remarkable 11th consecutive year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thad Busby led Florida State to a 31-14 victory over Ohio State, completing 22 of 33 passes for 334 yards and breaking the university's season passing yardage record with 3,301 yards.
  • Busby's performance was marked by a 46-yard rocket to E.G. Green, which set up a Seminoles' touchdown and showcased his ability to lead the team effectively.
  • Florida State's defense was swarming, limiting Ohio State's offense to 325 yards and forcing critical mistakes that killed drives, including a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct that resulted in a missed field goal attempt.
  • E.G. Green was named the game's most valuable player after catching seven passes for 176 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown.
  • The Seminoles' passing attack, which averaged 340 yards per game during the regular season, proved too much for the Buckeyes, who had been stingy in giving up passing yardage at 143 yards per game.
  • Busby's day was marred by a mistake in the third quarter when he scrambled backward and stepped out of bounds for a safety, followed by an interception by Ohio State's Andre Wadsworth.

Statistics:

  • Florida State completed 22 of 33 passes for 334 yards.
  • Ohio State's offense managed 325 yards, making three critical mistakes that killed drives.
  • Thad Busby threw for 3,301 yards, breaking Florida State's season passing yardage record.
  • E.G. Green caught seven passes for 176 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown.
  • Ohio State's passing game was limited to 220 yards, with two quarterbacks, Stanley Jackson and Joe Germaine, failing to move the Buckeyes against the Seminole defense.
  • Florida State's defense limited Ohio State to 11 passing plays for more than 26 yards all season.

Sources:

  • [The Washington Post]
  • [Associated Press]
  • [New York Times]