Florida State did not dominate Central Arkansas. But the lopsided win was enough to create a low-stress second half and get Seminoles reserves in the game.
Ousmane Kromah had a pair of touchdown runs and Ashton Daniels tossed two touchdown passes in FSU’s 34-7 win over Central Arkansas on Saturday afternoon in the final tune-up for ACC play. Daniels completed 12 of 18 passes for 224 yards and tossed an interception just before halftime.
FSU (2-2) scored on its first four drives: Daniels connected with Duce Robinson on a 29-yard touchdown pass, Kromah had a 6-yard touchdown, Gabe Panikowski hit a chip-shot 23-yard field-goal attempt and Kromah had a 1-yard touchdown.
Jayvan Boggs had a career day with six catches for 122 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown reception. A sophomore, Boggs came into the game with six catches for 118 yards.
Kromah had 11 carries for 86 yards, including a 6-yard TD and a 1-yard TD. A sophomore, Kromah has five rushing touchdowns in 2026 (and at least one in each game).
The Seminoles led 24-0 but didn’t quickly put away Central Arkansas. The Bears’ Jalen Washington had a 2-yard touchdown with 1:40 left in the half.
Tre Wisner had eight carries for 41 yards.
Jasen Lopez had two catches for 18 yards, including a 9-yard reception down to the goal line that set up an FSU touchdown.
Defense
FSU held Central Arkansas to 248 offensive yards. The Bears averaged just 3.4 yards per play.
Safety CJ Richard Jr. led FSU with eight tackles. Omar Graham Jr. and Mikai Gbayor each had six tackles. Graham Jr. added 1.5 tackles for loss.
Rylan Kennedy had a first-half sack on a third-down rush. He now has two this season. Mandrell Desir had a fourth-quarter sack.
The time of possession was out of balance as a result of FSU’s quicker scores. Central Arkansas had the ball for 39:12 and FSU for 20:48.
Special teams
Panikowski made a pair of field-goal attempts, from 23 yards and later from 31 yards. He is 5 for 5 on field-goal attempts this season.
Injury report
Linebacker Chris Jones was injured early in the third quarter. Jones needed help getting to the sideline and was not putting weight on his left leg, but he returned to the field for the next drive.
Defensive lineman Darryll Desir and Caleb LaVallee were not dressed out. Freshmen Cam Brooks, Brandon Bennett and Jonah Winston were also not dressed out.
Noteworthy
Amari Thomas had three carries for 11 yards in the fourth quarter as FSU began to use its backups. Kevin Sperry was 2 for 2 for 14 yards but took a sack on his drive.
FSU recognized award winners in Olympics sports during TV timeouts. Shenese Walker was honored for her 60-meter indoor and outdoor national title. The FSU softball and the men’s indoor track team, which won ACC championships, were also honored.
Coming up
FSU plays host to Virginia on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2 or ACC Network. The Cavaliers are playing Delaware on Saturday.
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