On this day 20 years ago, Florida State used a goal line stand to hold off Iowa State in the Eddie Robinson Classic at Arrowhead Stadium, 38-31.
FSU raced to a 24-0 lead in the first half on Aug. 24, 2002 and led 38-24 midway through the fourth quarter, but Iowa State quarterback Seneca Wallace led a furious rally. The Cyclones climbed to within seven on Wallace’s third total touchdown of the night and was just one yard away from tying the game following a scramble by the standout quarterback.
With time for one last play and the ball on the FSU 1-yard-line, Iowa State elected to keep the ball in Wallace’s hands. On an option play, Wallace sprinted right. As he made his way toward the goal line, FSU linebackers Jerel Hudson and Kendyll Pope converged to stop Wallace shy of the end zone as the Seminoles survived.
Wallace finished with 313 yards passing in the loss. Chris Rix threw two touchdown passes to Anquan Boldin for FSU in the victory. Defensive end Alonzo Jackson returned an interception for a touchdown while adding a sack. Nick Maddox and Greg Jones each added rushing touchdowns in the win.
Wallace would make some early-season Heisman Trophy noise as the Cyclones raced to a 6-1 start and ascended into the top 10. The Cyclones, however, dropped six of their final seven games to finish 7-7.
For FSU, the 2002 season would largely be a disappointment. The Seminoles finished just 9-5, but did win the ACC for the 10th time in 11 seasons. That campaign began with a goal line stand on this day two decades ago.
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Mike Ferguson is the lead writer for Double Fries No Slaw. Be sure to follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeWFerguson. Follow all of Mike’s work by liking his Facebook page.
