Florida State trailed for just over 53 minutes against Samford, but when the game clock struck zero the Seminoles were ahead 36-26.
It was the first win of the Willie Taggart era at FSU.
"It meant a lot to get our first win as a team, our first win for coach Taggart," FSU quarterback Deondre Francois.
"Now we have some momentum going into week three. Any win is a good win, no matter who we're playing."
The Seminoles went down 13-0 and were down 16-7 at the end of the first quarter with Samford moving the ball up and down the field at will.
Samford QB Devlin Hodges quieted the FSU crowd of 72,239 early throwing for 317 yards and two touchdowns in the the first half.
The Seminoles trailed 23-21 heading into the break.
"I've very proud of the effort that our guys gave," Samford coach Chris Hatcher said.
"W fought all the way there until the end... (Hodges) played a tremendous game, our O-line blocked very well... Our defense, golly, they played outstanding."
FSU didn't take its first lead of the game -- and of the season -- until four minutes remaining in the game.
The Seminoles drove the ball down the field and Francois found Tre' McKitty in the end zone for the first touchdown of his career.
"I was the first read," McKitty said.
"As soon as we left the huddle I knew it was coming to me and I just had to make a play."
UNNERVING WIN:
- McGahee: Honeymoon phase has ended for Florida State's Willie Taggart
- Three takeaways from Florida State's 36-26 win over Samford
- Final: FSU rallies in the fourth to beat Samford
The Seminoles would tack on another touchdown at the end of the game on a pick-six by cornerback Levonta Taylor.
It wasn't the prettiest win for the Seminoles, but it still evens up FSU's record at 1-1.
"It was good to see our guys come back and get a win out there," Taggart said.
"Started slow and weren't playing as well. I thought it was a great team victory. The defense stepped up when it needed to to get the ball back and I thought our offense made the plays they needed to make to get back in the game."
FSU breaks out the turnover bag
Miami has the turnover chain.
Tennessee had the turnover trashcan.
FSU started up its own form of turnover prop with the turnover backpack.
The idea originated from a couple of defenders -- including defensive end Brian Burns -- who created a secure the bag celebration after sacks and big plays.
"That's something the defense thought of and I like it a lot," Francois said.
"Tonight they secured the bag and Levonta did a great job to seal the game. That's the definition of securing the bag."
The Seminoles forced five turnovers and four interceptions with four of the five coming in the second half.
Cornerback Kyle Meyers accounted for two of those turnovers himself.
"We in our bag. We're getting our bag all year," Meyers said.
"It makes us want to make a play this year. Everybody in their bag this year."
Notes
FSU honored Burt Reynolds with a BAN ONE decal on Saturday after he passed away at 82 on Thursday. The decal was a nod to his iconic role in Smokey and the Bandit. The Marching Chiefs also spelled out BURT during the halftime show.
FSU honored nine new inductees into the FSU hall of fame before the start of the game. Teresa Bundy (Track), Walter Dix (Track), Jim Gladden (Football coach), Odell Haggins (Football), Buster Posey (Baseball), Al Thornton (Men's basketball), Veronica Wootson (Softball), Mami Yamaguchi (Soccer), and Bob Perrone (Moore-Stone Award) were inducted.
The start of the game was delayed more than an hour and a half after lightning struck in the area prior to the start of the game. It didn't kick off until 8:50.
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