On this day 30 years ago, Florida State topped Duke 48-21 in its first game as a member of the ACC.
Since its early days in the Dixie Conference, FSU has been an independent in football and a member of the Metro Conference in other sports. For FSU football, the transition to the ACC was seamless.
Hosting Duke in their ACC debut on Sept. 5, 1992, the Seminoles never trailed. Making his first career start, quarterback Charlie Ward overcame four interceptions to account for 353 yards and five total touchdowns (four passing, one rushing). Matt Frier led FSU with 80 yards receiving to go with a touchdown. Kez McCorvey caught three touchdowns in the win.
FSU’s first touchdown as a member of the ACC, however, was defensive. Leon Fowler’s 94-yard interception return got the scoring started. Fowler hauled in two interceptions in the win.
Marvin Jones, the eventual Butkus Award winner, led the FSU defense with 13 tackles and a sack. Dan Footman and John Davis each added two sacks in the victory.
FSU would dominate the ACC for the early parts of its tenure. The Seminoles won their first 29 conference games as a member and claimed the ACC crown in each of their first nine seasons and in 12 of their first 15. Their first victory as a member came in their first game. It came on this day three decades ago.
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Recap:
NoleFan.org
Photos:
Garnet and Great
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.
