STANFORD, Calif. — Stanford football stopped Florida State at the goal line to secure a 20-13 win on Oct. 18, handing the Seminoles their fourth straight loss. Florida State was the heavy betting favorite ahead of the game at -17.5, and head coach Mike Norvell is on the hot seat following the team’s ninth consecutive loss in conference play.
In the first-ever showdown between Florida State and Stanford, the Cardinal pulled off the upset despite numerous injuries. Running back Micah Ford, quarterback Ben Gulbranson and cornerback Collin Wright all went down in the second quarter. The game became a battle of the backups after Seminole QB Tommy Castellanos was knocked out late in the fourth quarter on a targeting foul by Cardinal linebacker Mitch Leigber.
True freshman Kevin Sperry stepped in for Florida State and completed a 53-yard pass to Micahi Danzy to the Stanford nine, but he was unable to lead the Seminoles to victory at Stanford Stadium.
Photo credit: (Kenzie Possee/Peninsula Press)
Stanford Trees, mascots of the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band, run onto the field before the Florida State vs. Stanford game.
Cardinal long snapper Peyton Warford (93), punter Aidan Flintoft (37) and kicker Emmet Kenney (13) celebrate Kenney’s 32-yard field goal.
Seminole wide receiver Lawayne McCoy (7) makes a catch under pursuit of Cardinal safety Scotty Edwards (21).
Defensive back Earl Little Jr. (0) celebrates his interception with DB Edwin Joseph (3) and DB coach Patrick Surtain Sr.
Members of Stanford’s defense react during the first quarter.
Cardinal RB Micah Ford (20) carries the ball.
Florida State coaches and players on the sidelines react during the first half of the game.
Seminole DB Shyheim Brown (1) looks on during the first half of the game.
Stanford QB Ben Gulbranson (15) attempts a pass.
Cardinal WR CJ Williams (3) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter. Williams hauled in a 7-yard pass from Gulbranson.
Stanford interim head coach Frank Reich celebrates with center Fisher Anderson (74) after Williams’ touchdown.
Cardinal fans cheer in the stands with alumni on the sidelines for the Reunion Homecoming game at Stanford.
Offensive lineman Kahlil House (58) reacts after Gulbranson went down with an injury after being sacked by Seminole DB K.J. Kirkland in the second quarter. Gulbranson did not return to the game.
Cardinal safety Charlie Eckhardt (39) tries to force Florida State QB Tommy Castellanos (1) out of bonds.
Stanford WR Caden High (0) carries the ball during a kickoff return.
Cardinal RB Cole Tabb (33) carries the ball into the end zone for a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
Seminole RB Ousmane Kromah (32) carries the ball.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell and Castellanos (1) look on while a play is under official review. The review upheld that Stanford’s defense stopped Castellanos just short on fourth-and-2.
Florida State’s Castellanos (1) scrambles. He went down later in the drive on a targeting foul by Cardinal linebacker Mitch Leigber and was replaced by QB Kevin Sperry. Leigber was ejected from the game.
Florida State’s McCoy (7) hauls in a 15-yard pass from Sperry with 41 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Cardinal safety Jay Green (5) celebrates after inside linebacker Zach Johnson sacked Sperry.
Stanford and Florida State players react after Seminole RB Gavin Sawchuk (27) fought for the end zone on a shovel pass from Sperry on an untimed down. Officials ruled him inches short, which was upheld after review.
Stanford ILB Matt Rose (35) and defensive quality control analyst Jordan Holland celebrate after Stanford’s victory.
Stanford football general manager Andrew Luck embraces another member of the staff as fans flood the field at Stanford Stadium after the Cardinal beat the Seminoles 20-13.
