Jameis Winston Has Best Game of Year, Quiets Critics with Playoff-Clinching Win

Where was this Jameis Winston all year? 

In the Florida State Seminoles' 37-35 win over Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship Game—yet another close call for the Cardiac Kids of Tallahassee—Winston looked like his old Heisman self, throwing for 309 yards on 21-of-30 passing while also racking up three touchdowns and, for just the third time all year, zero interceptions. 

Now, there is no doubt. 

The undefeated Seminoles will be in the College Football Playoff, and in their last leg of the journey to get there, they have the defending Heisman Trophy winner to thank. 

Georgia Tech also hung 35 points on the board, forcing Winston and co. to march down the field time and time again to provide answers. 

The Yellow Jackets rushed for 331 yards, gained 465 total yards and made the option look like the newest trend. And every time Jimbo Fisher had to rely on his quarterback to help withstand the punches the Jackets were throwing, Winston delivered. 

Now, as the playoffs near, Winston's endless list of critics can finally be silenced for a while. 

The first half provided the biggest turnaround for Winston. Last week against Florida, he threw three picks in the first 30 minutes of the game. 

In fact, Winston's been shaky all season. He's had five multi-interception games, and he has also had five games during which he's been limited to just one touchdown pass. 

On three separate drives against Georgia Tech, Winston led the Seminoles down to the end zone just one drive after the Yellow Jackets found paydirt themselves. 

Winston rose to the occasion in the ACC title game, and now the Seminoles can rest easy. They'll be in the playoffs, and Winston should—whether he will is still debatable—get an invite to New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist for leading his squad to a second straight undefeated season.