While he didn't play, Jordan Travis' presence helped secure FSU football win over Florida

Florida State football quarterback Jordan Travis was high above the field, with a cast on his left leg and not fully suited up during the Seminoles game against rival Florida on Saturday in The Swamp.

However, his presence was more than on the minds of FSU players on the field.

Without Travis for the first time this season, the Seminoles "played for him" rolling past the Gators for a 24-15 win and a perfect regular season.

Defensive end Jared Verse - who had a monster night with 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and six total tackles - said it's huge for the team to "Finish for 13".

"The whole season 11 games, he was there every step of the way," Verse said. "Even this week, he was at practice. He was still doing everything he could do even work through his injury, what he's going through, and it meant so much for us to go out there and put on for him."

'He was still there'

The mentality to play for Travis motivated the team to turn things around after going down 12-7 at halftime. The defense smothered Florida's offense and the Seminoles found a boost off of Trey Benson's rushing effort, who finished with 95 yards and three touchdowns.

"You go to the sideline at the end of the game and you look him in the eyes. We're like 'Hey, we did that for you'," Verse said. "He's happy, he's smiling and he just feels genuine joy. Even though he wasn't on the field with us, he was still there."

ESPN was constantly panning to Travis in one of the suites at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium throughout the game. Like most FSU fans, Travis was constantly posting on X throughout the game and giving the world a glimpse into what was going through his head during the game.

"Here we go 18! It’s time," Travis posted in reaction to Tate Rodemaker taking his first snap of the game.

"I’m a fan now lol, but mannnn we never get that call," Travis posted after a controversial no-call on a FSU play.

"Prayers for my boy. Damn," Travis posted after Rodemaker went down in the fourth quarter.

Finding ways to be involved

Travis also narrated the team's pregame video this week, which Benson said really hyped him up before the game.

That wasn't the only appearance Travis made during pregame, as he was with the quarterbacks during warmups on the field.

"That video gave me the chills. I almost cried," Benson said. "That's my dog. That's one of my best friends. Seeing the video he just gave the team a little motivation and it was just we needed."

"It's awesome to have him out here," Rodemaker added. "Just with us, pregame gives us a little extra motivation."

There was no doubt from Travis that he was going to be at Saturday's game. FSU head coach Mike Norvell said that when he went to go see Travis in the hospital after last week's North Alabama game Travis was very blunt that he was going to "be in Gainesville".

He made the trip down south on Friday, was at the team meal and was able to stick around for team talk.

Norvell said Travis didn't make a speech, but his presence alone had an impact on the entire team.

"You feel his presence, you feel the impact, but it's because of all the actions that he's had over the last three years, that's what makes him special," Norvell said. "Plenty of guys could get up and just say some words, but, man, when he talks everybody listens. He's just remarkable."

Travis didn't speak to the media after the game, but as he had throughout the night, he summed up his thoughts on X.

"Mannnnn, I’m so happy."

Jack Williams covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at jwilliams@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @jackgwilliams.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football players dedicate Florida win for quarterback Jordan Travis