MIAMI – A few former Tampa Bay high school stars made some big plays during Florida State’s 33-20 win over Miami on Saturday night at Sun Life Stadium.
UM true freshman defensive end Tyriq McCord – a Jefferson alum – recovered the first fumble of his collegiate career. He added a five-yard sack of FSU quarterback EJ Manuel to take the team lead with three sacks.
Former Alonso defensive lineman Anthony Chickillo added three tackles and a quarterback hurry, and Hillsborough product Earl Moore assisted on a tackle for a ‘Canes defense McCord believes is inching toward dominance.
“We’re very close,” McCord said. “Just how we came out today, we need to stay at that level.”
FSU’s top local performer was James Wilder Jr. The former Plant running back tied the game at 10 with a 17-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. He helped wear down the Hurricanes’ defense with 49 yards on eight carries.
“We just kept pounding the ball, and the run was successful,” said Wilder, who leads FSU with nine touchdowns.
Defensive lineman Demonte McAllister (Alonso) added two tackles for the Seminoles.