FSU football: Jordan Travis to start for Seminoles' at quarterback at Notre Dame

Florida State’s revolving door at quarterback will continue this week with Jordan Travis earning the chance to start Saturday at No. 5 Notre Dame.

Travis was listed atop the Seminoles' depth chart Monday after a breakout performance in a comeback win over Jacksonville State. That will make him FSU’s third starter in the past three games.

“I think Jordan has, through that performance and the work that he’s put in, he’s established himself for the start this week…” coach Mike Norvell said. “I’m excited about him being able to assume that role this week. He’ll make the most of it.”

Travis certainly made the most of his chance last week. The Louisville transfer and West Palm Beach native finished 12-of-17 passing for 210 yards and a touchdown while rushing 11 times for 48 yards.

Jordan Travis has earned the right to start for FSU this week, according to coach Mike Norvell. [ DON JUAN MOORE | Don Juan Moore ]

Most impressively: the 6-foot-1, 210-pound redshirt sophomore did it all with limited practice time during the week and limited reps during preseason camp. Norvell said Travis probably only took 20 snaps in the days leading up to kickoff because of injury.

The performance was enough to make him the next man up in Tallahassee. James Blackman started the first two games before freshman Tate Rodemaker earned the job last week. The last time FSU started three quarterbacks in three consecutive games was at the end of the 2002 season (Adrian McPherson, Chris Rix and Fabian Walker).

End of 2002 season - 3 starters in final 3 games: McPherson (NC State), Rix (Florida), Fabian Walker (Georgia, Sugar Bowl)
— BobT_FSU (@bobthomas_fsu) October 5, 2020

Blackman, Rodemaker and four-star freshman Chubba Purdy are listed as co-backups behind Travis. It’s unclear what role they may have Saturday.

Travis' athleticism has earned him a regular spot in game plans, even as a backup. At Miami, he lined up at quarterback, running back and receiver. He ripped off runs of 61 and 66 yards last season.

The knock on Travis has been his passing ability. Until last week, he was 11-of-28 passing with one touchdown and two interceptions in his career. Offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham said those concerns were overblown.

“The thought that he couldn’t throw to begin with always was comical to me,” Dillingham said. “He can throw the football. He can throw the ball really well.”

Travis will have another chance to prove it Saturday, in the biggest game of his career.