WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – James Blackman shook off a struggle-filled day to connect with Auden Tate on a 40-yard touchdown throw with 53 seconds left, helping Florida State rally past Wake Forest 26-19 on Saturday for its first victory.
Blackman, the freshman pressed into a starting role because of injuries earlier this year, had thrown for just 81 yards entering that final drive for the Seminoles (1-2, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference).
But after the FSU defense forced a three-and-out, Blackman was perfect with the downfield shot to Auden.
Blackman had another big fourth-quarter throw, a 43-yarder down the left sideline to Keith Gavin on a third-and-20.
That ultimately set up Ricky Aguayo's 35-yard field goal, which tied the score at 19 with 6:20 left.
Wake Forest (4-1, 1-1) had a final chance to tie, but John Wolford's desperation heave to the end zone for Scotty Washington fell incomplete to end it.
The Seminoles closed a tough first month, from the crushing opener against top-ranked Alabama that included a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Deondre Francois to an altered schedule following Hurricane Irma that had limited them to two games.
But the preseason No. 3-ranked team and ACC favorite is headed into October with a desperately needed win.
