Following Florida State's 22-yard rushing performance against Clemson two weeks ago, redshirt junior running back Trey Benson knew better games were ahead.

And words of encouragement from a Seminole great also helped inspire him.

Prior to Saturday's home game against Virginia Tech, Benson received a text message from FSU legend and current New York Jets running back Dalvin Cook.

"He told me he was proud of me," Benson said.

"He told me the running game was going to come. He's seen us in the run game and he told me to keep going and that it was going to hit. He knows it's frustrating, but in the next couple of games we were going to get it together."

Running into the record book

FSU and Benson's rushing game hit...HARD.

The unit exploded for 282 yards and three touchdowns in the 39-17 victory over the Hokies. Benson recorded a career-high 200 yards on 11 rushes with two touchdowns.

Not only did he set a career milestone, but he became the first player since Cook to record a 200-yard rushing game. Cook had 225 rushing yards on 28 attempts in a 45-14 win at Syracuse Nov. 19, 2016.

Benson is also the first Seminole since Chris Thompson in 2012 (vs. Wake Forest) to record two 60-plus yard rushing touchdowns in a game.

"It's just taking the offensive line and the receivers blocking downfield because the entire bye week we emphasized the run," Benson said. "It showed out on the field today."

Benson's dynamic and memorable effort was highlighted by an 85-yard dash to the house, putting an exclamation point on the win. Benson broke free on the sidelines and it almost looked like a Virginia Tech defender was going to catch him.

However, he had a plan.

"I had the ball and I just saw nothing but green grass. But then I was like 'hold on somebody is coming'," Benson said. "I look out of the corner of my eye and I see him coming, so I was like 'hold on let me kick into an extra gear really quick'. I felt him coming, so I swerved at the end really quick."

"I wonder how many miles per hour that was."

A night to remember

FSU head coach Mike Norvell talked about Benson's performance, mainly about how consistent he has been this season and how he has "trusted his speed." While the rushing offense struggled earlier this season, Benson has constantly been the leader on the ground.

"He trusted his speed. He saw a couple of seams and he hit it," Norvell said. "When he gets in the open field it's a lot of speed and power running down the field. Proud of him for that. Great player and just a great teammate and young man."

To add to the milestone moment, it was also Benson's mom's birthday Friday. Benson provided a belated birthday gift she will not forget.

"I told her I was going to give it my all tonight (Saturday), so that's what it was for me," Benson said.

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: Dalvin Cook believed Trey Benson, FSU football could find their rushing game