Jameis Winston inspires Florida State comeback with fiery halftime speech (video)

The Florida State Seminoles were on the ropes at halftime Monday night, but then special guest Jameis Winston offered his passionate input.

For most of the first half Monday night, the Florida State Seminoles were thoroughly outplayed by the Ole Miss Rebels.

A late second quarter touchdown pass from Deondre Francois to wide receiver Travis Rudolph cut the margin to 28-13, which had to be considered a moral victory. But it was clear something had to change for the Seminoles in the second half, or a mild upset was in the offing.

In his interview with ESPN’s Samantha Ponder leaving the field at the half, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher showed his voice was in no shape to offer a fiery halftime speech. So special guest Jameis Winston paid a visit to the locker room and offered his own form of inspiration.

Winston is, of course, a former Seminoles’ star quarterback and the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner, currently playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Showtime is following Florida State football this season, so it’s highly possible Winston put on a brief, dramatic show for cameras he knows are in the locker room.

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But Winston’s speech appears to have worked as inspiration and motivation. Including that late first half touchdown, the Seminoles scored 33 unanswered points to take a lead they’d never relinquish.

Francois channeled Winston’s own notable debut for Florida State, going 33-for-52 for 419 yards and two touchdowns along with 59 rushing yards. Heisman hopeful running back Dalvin Cook had 23 carries for 91 yards in the game, along with seven catches for 101 yards.