Despite being down their star quarterback, Florida State took down in-state rival Florida in a close 24-15 win. It was a proper rushing attack that did it for the Seminoles as Trey Benson led the way. Benson scored all three of FSU’s touchdowns, rushing for 95 yards on 19 of the teams 30 rushing attempts.

Tate Rodemaker took over at the helm and showed some serious grit and toughness. He completed 12 of his 25 passes and returned to the game after taking a massive hit. Rodemaker threw for 134 yards and lived by the short pass as he averaged just 5.4 yards per completion. However, he got the job done, which was a question many had nationwide.

Rodemaker didn’t look incredible. He is no Jordan Travis. He did, however, look workable. He was able to run the offense and make good decisions. His zero touchdowns may not be anything to write home about, but his zero interceptions are. After all, that is what most programs are looking for in a backup quarterback; someone who can come in and handle the offense, not get overwhelmed by the moment and take care of the football.

What Florida State will need to work on before facing any playoff competition is the offensive line and Rodemaker’s ability to scramble. The Gators sacked Rodemaker seven times on the night. To put that into perspective, Florida had averaged 1.4 sacks per game coming into Saturday’s contest. If Rodemaker wants to survive against a team like Georgia or Washington, he will need to be able to scramble and extend the play when those d-linemen break through.

Florida State stood on the shoulders of their running back and defense to pull out the rivalry weekend win. The Noles defense was exceptional, dragging the Gators down for a loss 11 times and came away with six sacks, led by Jared Verse who had 2.5 sacks on the night.

Now, the questions remains. Did the Noles do enough to keep themselves in the conversation for the playoffs? All signs point to yes. Though they have lost Jordan Travis, the CFP committee has a history of not dropping teams just because the are missing a key player. If Florida State continues to win like a top five team, they will be a top five team.

It is expected that with Ohio State’s loss to Michigan that the Seminoles will find their way back into the top four. That leaves them with an ACC championship match up with the recently fallen Louisville.

If FSU can take the ACC title, the committee will have a very hard time putting a one loss Michigan or Alabama ahead of an undefeated ACC champion. That will leave the Noles with a tough playoff match up, likely against Georgia.