Tracking Dalvin Cook’s pursuit of FSU football history: More ‘Nole, ACC goals remain

Obviously, the primary hurdle has been cleared. On Saturday against the Syracuse Orange, Florida State running back Dalvin Cook shattered the Seminoles’ career rushing mark behind a great performance from the ‘Nole offensive line that saw him clear the 200-yard barrier yet again.

Make no mistake: passing the great Warrick Dunn was a big deal. But Cook is still chasing him for another record, notably that of the most games with 100+ rushing yards in the garnet and gold. Dunn has 22, and if Cook can hit triple digits on the ground against Florida and FSU’s bowl opponent, he’ll match that.

But Cook has already equaled Greg Allen’s career rushing-TD record at Florida State of 44, thanks to his four scores on the ground against the Orange. That gave Cook 17 on the season, which trail only his 19 last year and Allen’s program-best tally of 20 in 1982.

Another figure within Cook’s grasp is his own single-season rushing record set last year of 1,691 yards. Cook now has 1,467; he’s on pace to set a new Florida State record in the bowl game, as of now.

But on to broader aspirations. Cook entered the Syracuse game with the 10th most rushing yards in ACC history. By the time the final whistle blew, he was third, with 4,166. That leaves him 436 yards away from the current record holder, NC State’s Ted Brown, with two games remaining. Of course, Cook would obliterate that mark were he to stay for his senior season as a Seminole; but that isn’t happening.

However, if Cook can post an impressive number against UF in Tallahassee, he may just have an outside chance with a huge game in the bowl. While I wouldn’t bet on it, wagering against Cook has definitely become a bet that many have come to regret. Immediately ahead of Cook is UNC’s Amos Lawrence, who’s second in ACC history with 4,391 rushing yards.