Florida State football defense, Doak Campbell atmosphere impress in win over Duke

FSU's victory over Duke was marked by a sold-out crowd and a strong second-half defense led by Fabien Lovett.

The atmosphere was electric at the recent rivalry game between No. 4 FSU and No. 17 Duke. The sold-out crowd of 79,560 brought the noise and energy to the Seminole Heritage game and homecoming. It was the third consecutive sellout for FSU, and the fans made a significant impact on the team's performance. Despite trailing at halftime for the first time in a while, the crowd remained upbeat and supportive. Defensive tackle Braden Fiske, who transferred from Western Michigan, expressed his awe at the atmosphere, stating that it gets better and better each time he plays.

Fabien Lovett, a redshirt senior, made a powerful statement in the locker room during halftime. He vowed that Duke would not score another point in the second half, and the defense rallied behind him. Lovett's leadership and determination inspired the entire team, and they delivered on their promise. The FSU defense shut out Duke in the second half, extending their streak of not allowing a second-half touchdown for three consecutive games. Lovett himself had an impressive performance, recording multiple tackles for loss and making a significant impact on the game.

The FSU defense made a crucial goal-line stand after a facemask penalty by Fiske. Duke had a chance to extend their lead, but the Seminoles held strong and changed the course of the game. Duke's 18-point loss is the largest under their second-year head coach, Mike Elko. The Blue Devils had been dominant in the second half of games, outscoring opponents 99-25, but FSU was able to disrupt their momentum and come out on top.

The injury to Duke quarterback Riley Leonard also played a significant role in the game. Leonard was forced to leave the game due to an aggravated high ankle sprain. He expressed his desire to return to the game, but the coaching staff made the decision to keep him out. This injury changed the complexion of the game, as Duke was in a promising position with a 3-point lead and momentum on their side. If Leonard had been healthy, the outcome may have been different.

Overall, FSU's victory over Duke was well-deserved, and the team showed great determination and resilience. The energized crowd played a crucial role in their success, and the players expressed their gratitude for the support. The Seminoles now look ahead to consecutive road games against Wake Forest and Pitt, knowing that their hard work and preparation will carry them through.

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