Ashton Daniels saw his receivers were covered and opted for the easy play, a 4-yard touchdown run to cap Florida State’s 60-yard drive. And an end-zone celebration with Peter Warrick.

Daniels was hit-and-miss in his FSU debut, tossing an inexcusable interception but also had a 4-yard touchdown pass to Samuel Singleton Jr. in the first half of FSU’s 34-17 win over New Mexico State on Saturday.

FSU coach Mike Norvell called a high-percentage pass for Daniels on the first play, having him roll right and connecting with Duce Robinson for a short gain. Daniels’ 44-yard pass to Danzy was one of his best throws as the quarterback often utilized the screen game and took check-down passes. He also had a nice touch, downfield pass to Robinson for 24 yards.

Daniels finished 17 of 27 (62.9 percent) for 202 yards. He often took screens and check downs to help move FSU’s offense into scoring position.

“I think the team did well. I think the offense did well,” Daniels said. “Obviously, there’s some plays that we want to have back. But I think that we responded very well to some negative plays, putting points on the board.”

Ousmane Kromah had a weaving 52-yard run in the fourth quarter. The sophomore enjoyed his first 100-yard game, picking up 115 yards on 14 carries.

But Singleton Jr. did a little bit of everything. He had nine carries for 42 yards and caught four passes for 54 yards. Singleton's 46-yard kickoff return also set up Florida State (1-0) near midfield, and he finished off the drive with a 2-yard TD run.

Singleton Jr. had four touchdowns in 2025 but just one catch. He stuck around for an opportunity to be a bigger contributor this fall.

"I believe in myself, I believe in what I can do," Singleton said.

The Seminoles had 217 rushing yards on 39 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per carry.

FSU’s line struggled, notably right tackle Chimdia Nwaiwu. The FCS standout a year ago was often pushed backwards and FSU often used a tight end to help him.

Still, the Seminoles scored on six of nine drives.

Florida State won a season opener for the fourth time in five years.

Defense

The defense struggled on third downs, with New Mexico State converting on 10 of 17 opportunities. FSU swatted away Trey Hedden’s fourth-down pass with 1:30 to end the game and allow the Seminoles to take the victory formation.

FSU halted the ground attack, limiting New Mexico State to 23 carries for 47 yards. The Seminoles defended the pass well on the edges, with Quindarrius Jones halting a 13-play drive with an interception.

Rylan Kennedy, Jalen Anderson and Mikai Gbayor each had a sack.

Ashlynd Barker led FSU with eight tackles. The rover added a pass breakup.

Quindarrius Jones had an end-zone interception to halt a 13-play New Mexico State in the first quarter.

But the Seminoles gave up more than 10 yards per completion to Hedden, who had played at FCS Furman last year. Hedden completed 26 of 42 passes for 272 yards, a pair of touchdowns over the middle and the interception to Jones.

Linebacker Chris Jones had six tackles.

Special teams

Gabe Panikowski connected on a 43-yard field-goal attempt in the first quarter and a 41-yard field-goal attempt in the third quarter.

Net punting was a key storyline in the preseason. Daniel Hughes had a low-driving punt, which went for 41 yards and no return. In the third quarter, he had a 53 yard punt that took a few bounces and went out of bounds at the New Mexico State 11.

Noteworthy

In an emotional moment, Ethan Pritchard walked out onto the field at Doak ahead of the Seminoles racing on to the field. Pritchard and Norvell walked together, sharing a few words and a hug.

Norvell had to make a big decision in the second half on a fourth-and-4 from the NM State 45. It was a decision from no-man’s land as it was too far for a field-goal attempt and a punt would have netted FSU only so much. Daniels connected with Robinson for 16 yards, and Singleton finished the drive with the touchdown run.

Wide receiver Devin Carter and defensive back Chuck Kennon were not dressed out on the sideline.

Thanks for reading the Osceola. Subscribe now for 40 percent off to enjoy a full year of coverage of FSU athletics. You’ll also earn a $20 gift card at Alumni Hall.