Ashton Daniels Breaks FSU Single-Game Rushing Touchdown Record in 38-7 Win Over Virginia

Ashton Daniels didn't expect to be heavily involved in Florida State's running game during the team's 38-7 blowout of Virginia on October 3. Yet not only did he contribute, but he also etched his name atop the Seminoles' record books with a program-best five rushing touchdowns on 17 carries for 136 yards.

It was a stunning performance that delivered the program's most significant win of the season. Daniels surpassed Antone Smith, Cam Akers, Dalvin Cook, and Greg Allen—some of the finest rushers in FSU history—to claim the top spot in the Seminoles' record books.

His five scores, combined with 10 sacks by an inspired defense, fueled the rout of the Cavaliers.

"I didn't really think I was going to be running the ball like that, but it ended up happening. It was God's plan for us in this game. I'm just proud of our guys," Daniels said postgame. "I know, obviously, the five touchdowns and whatever the light is kind of shining on me, but it's not really shining on our offensive line and everybody in the offense continuing to show up week after week. Improving, and believing in the game plan, believing in the coaching staff, believing in each other. Believing in the defense to go out there and get us stops. We stuck to it and put up a lot of points. I think it was a great confidence builder for us."

He scored on rushes of 4 yards, 3 yards, 6 yards, and a 1-yard rush that set the program record. But those four collectively paled in comparison to his career-best rush late in the third quarter.

Daniels emphatically tied the rushing record when he unleashed an 81-yard score for his fourth touchdown, the highlight of a busy night for the Seminoles film crew. While it was the moment of the game, Daniels admitted that it was a broken play that he improvised.

Running back Ousmane Kromah seemed to expect the ball, but while he put his hands up in confusion, Daniels pushed him with his shoulder into an oncoming Virginia defender. That instinctive push provided Daniels the block he needed to go the length of the field and put FSU ahead 31-7.

"It was actually a busted play. I followed where the run should have gone and trusted my speed, trusted my legs, and the O line just did a fantastic job of creating that hole," Daniels said with a smirk. "Once I hit it, I knew I was gone."

Daniels outpaced the Cavaliers' defense and said he probably surprised some people with his speed. He didn't surprise his head coach, Mike Norvell, who was going almost stride for stride with him in celebration down the sideline.

The two have been linked and have faced heavy criticism this season, but Norvell said Daniels has remained even-keeled throughout the first month of the season, and he earned respect with his performance. Virginia head coach Tony Elliot validated that with his postgame comments about Daniels.

"He is a big 225-pound guy that can run behind his pads, and he (hit) a gap and shows he can take it the distance. So we knew that his legs would potentially be a problem," Elliot said. "We were hoping we were going to be able to keep him in the pocket and not let him extend plays. A couple of times we lost contain and let him get on the edge, and he was able to extend the play."

Daniels' legs were what Norvell labeled the X-factor in the game. His rushing ability added a layer to the Seminoles offense that Virginia couldn't cope with. He accounted for nearly half of the 281 total rushing yards, and it helped FSU move the ball.

The passing attack had chunk plays, and Daniels went 12-of-19 for 189 yards with an interception, but the unit never felt as dangerous as when Daniels started running. He averaged 8 yards a carry on his way to the top of the record books, and it gives the signal caller a confidence boost ahead of a challenging road trip to Louisville.

Daniels felt the Seminoles were closer to the standard that the team has set for itself, and now it's on them to carry that momentum forward.

"We went out there and showed our capabilities tonight and who this team really is," Daniels said.

Key Analysis

Daniels' record-setting performance not only rewrites the FSU history books but also signals a potential turning point for the Seminoles' season. His dual-threat ability forced Virginia to account for him on every play, opening up opportunities for the entire offense. With a tough road game at Louisville looming, Daniels' confidence and the team's renewed belief could be the spark Florida State needs to climb back into ACC contention.

Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at [email protected] or on Twitter @liamrooney.

Originally reported by tallahassee.