FSU’s 5 Rushing TDs in 42-7 Wake Forest Rout

**No. 4 Florida State Dominates Wake Forest 42-7, Extends Unbeaten Run**

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The No. 4 Florida State Seminoles continued their march toward an undefeated season Saturday, unleashing a suffocating ground game and stout defense to rout the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 42-7 at Truist Field. The comprehensive victory on October 28 pushed Florida State’s impeccable record to 8-0 (6-0 ACC), maintaining their position atop the Atlantic Coast Conference standings.

From the outset, the Seminoles established their dominance, particularly on the ground. FSU’s rushing attack amassed a season-high 334 yards, overwhelming the Wake Forest defense. Running back Lawrance Toafili was a key catalyst, breaking free for a spectacular 72-yard touchdown run and finishing as the team’s leading rusher with 115 yards. Trey Benson added three rushing touchdowns to his season tally, converting 11 carries into 100 yards, showcasing his powerful running style. Caziah Holmes also found the end zone with a rushing score, contributing to the Seminoles’ five ground touchdowns.

While the rushing game stole the headlines, Florida State’s offense was well-balanced. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos, a central figure in the FSU attack, demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities. He threw for an impressive 271 yards, keeping the Wake Forest secondary on its heels, and even joined the ground game celebration by snagging one of Florida State’s five rushing touchdowns himself.

“Our guys came out with incredible focus and execution today,” said FSU Head Coach Mike Norvell after the game. “We talked all week about bringing our best effort, especially on the road in the ACC, and they delivered. The offensive line created huge lanes, and our backs ran hard. Tommy did a great job managing the game and making plays with his arm and his legs.”

Defensively, the Seminoles were equally formidable, stifling the Demon Deacons’ efforts throughout the afternoon. Florida State’s defense held Wake Forest to a mere 251 total yards and forced two crucial turnovers, consistently pressuring Wake Forest quarterback Mitch Griffis. Griffis managed 156 passing yards but struggled to ignite his team’s offense, failing to lead a scoring drive. Wake Forest’s only points came late in the fourth quarter when Santino Marucci, who saw time under center, capped a drive with a 3-yard rushing touchdown.

“That’s a championship-level defense we faced today,” said Wake Forest Head Coach Dave Clawson. “They were physical, fast, and took away everything we tried to do. We made too many mistakes against a team that’s playing at such a high level. We have to learn from this and get better.”

For Wake Forest (4-5, 1-5 ACC), the loss marks another challenging outing in what has been a tough conference slate. The Demon Deacons struggled to find any offensive rhythm against the Seminoles’ relentless pressure and tight coverage.

Florida State’s victory solidifies their playoff aspirations and reinforces their status as a legitimate national contender. The Seminoles will look to continue their unbeaten run next Saturday when they return home to Tallahassee to host the Syracuse Orange. Meanwhile, Wake Forest will aim to rebound as they prepare to face the Duke Blue Devils on the road.