Florida State extended its winning streak to 28 games Saturday, beating Florida, 24-19, thanks to the heroics not of Jameis Winston but rather true freshman tailback Dalvin Cook.
Winston threw two touchdowns, but also tossed a career-high four interceptions and passed for a career-low 125 yards. He was 12-of-24; the only career game in which he had fewer completions was against FCS opponent Bethune-Cookman last season, when he completed 10 passes before taking an early seat.
Cook, meanwhile, ran 24 times for 144 yards -- both career-highs. It was his third 100-yard game of the season. Cook originally committed to Florida out of high school in Miami but eventually signed with FSU.
Winston did have a strong second quarter, throwing both his TD passes to senior tight end Nick O'Leary. He started 2-of-8 for 5 yards and three interceptions, then completed six of his next nine throws for 67 yards and the two touchdowns. His fourth pick came in the third quarter.
Florida State (12-0), whose last loss came to Florida in 2012's regular-season finale, meets Georgia Tech (10-2) in next week's ACC championship game. FSU was ranked third in the College Football Playoff selection committee's top 25 this week and is a lock to make the playoff if it wins next week.
The loss was the final game of Will Muschamp's career at Florida; he already has stepped down. The Gators (6-5) will be in a bowl, but defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin will coach that game.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
