Christian Ponder was not able to start with his injured elbow, and redshirt sophomore EJ Manuel got the start. He came out and ran the offense effectively on the Seminoles' first drive, throwing for 41 yards. FSU drove 53 yards on 8 plays, but stalled and were forced to kick a field goal. Dustin Hopkins knocked it in from 32 yards out to give FSU the 3-0 lead.
Virginia Tech was unable to score on their first possession, punting from their 47 yard line. On the second play of FSU's subsequent drive, Manuel's pass was tipped directly to Jeron Gouveia-Winslow, who returned the interception 24 yards for the touchdown and the 7-3 lead.
Can't put much blame on Manuel for the interception, as the Hokie defender made a diving play to tip the pass away from the receiver.
Weather most likely will end up playing a role in this game. The Virginia Tech kicker, Justin Myer, slipped on the opening kickoff, quarterback Tyrod Tayor almost fell dropping back to pass, and both teams have struggled with poor footing.