Syracuse’s offense turned in a solid outing in spite of its coaching change and quarterback situation, but the true model of excelling through adversity was on the other side of the field.

Jameis Winston, a day after a New York Times article revealed details of legal dishonesty at Florida State, demonstrated why he’s the defending Heisman Trophy winner during the No. 1 Seminoles’ (6-0, 4-0 Atlantic Coast) 38-20 win over Syracuse (2-4, 0-2 Atlantic Coast) on Saturday in the Carrier Dome.

The article added to an upcoming disciplinary hearing Winston faces regarding a sexual assault accusation. Winston’s legal history reportedly includes a pellet pistol incident, damaging BB gun battles and not paying for crab legs and crawfish.

Still, the redshirt sophomore picked apart the Syracuse defense.

“When you know the circumstances, he understands the truth and he knows what happened,” FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher said. “He just plays ball, he can eliminate those things and the situations ahead.”

Winston led the Seminoles to points on five of their first seven drives — including their time-killing possession at the end of the first half.

Winston completed 30-of-36 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns and took just one sack against a Syracuse defense that applied pressure, but not quite enough.

“We had some good stuff,” SU head coach Scott Shafer said. “The kids were coming through clean and free. That quarterback does a nice job making plays go a little bit longer than you’re used to. They make it hard on those kids on the back end.”

In the second quarter, Winston hit Rashad Greene on an in route for a 44-yard pickup, which brought FSU inside the 10 and set up a 4-yard score through the air from Winston to Pender.

When the Orange got into the backfield near the end of the half, Winston used his legs to extend the play and find an open Kermit Whitfield for a first down. The quarterback then connected with tight end Nick O’Leary for the third time of the possession for a 21-yard touchdown.

“He’s accurate,” SU left tackle Sean Hickey said. “I thought we were able to rattle him a little bit and get some pressure, but he still completes, what, 70 percent of his passes? He knows what he’s doing. He can put the ball on the money for the most part.”

Winston’s third touchdown was just that. On a play-action fake from the 7-yard line, Winston lofted a pass over the middle to the back of the end zone that Jesus Wilson hauled in, perfectly in stride with multiple Orange defenders giving chase.

The Seminoles let off the gas in the second half, conservatively worked the clock and tacked on a 92-yard touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter for their final dent into their 38-point day.

On one side of the field, Syracuse learned about its quarterback youth while an injured Terrel Hunt sat up in the booth with offensive coordinator Tim Lester. On the other side, Winston put on a show as one of the best quarterbacks Syracuse will face for some time.

Said SU cornerback Julian Whigham: “Right up there at the top.”

Published on October 11, 2014 at 8:05 pm

Contact Phil: pmdabbra@syr.edu | @PhilDAbb