Interim coach Haggins lauded after FSU wins
TALLAHASSEE — From listing as both options for first-half MVP to playing his portion of his memorable Seminole Rap on the Jumbotron, Florida State officials made its interim coach feel loved.
Haggins, a former FSU player and the longest tenured assistant on the staff, thanked FSU president
and athletics director for the opportunity to lead the program. After Jimbo Fisher resigned Friday to become Texas A&M’s next coach, Haggins led the Seminoles to a 42-10 win over LouisianaMonroe Saturday.
“Being here 24 years, I never thought I would be in this situation,” Haggins said. “I am very honored that they came to me.”
Haggins started his coaching career in Tallahassee in 1994 after he played defensive tackle for the Seminoles from 1986-1989. He became the defensive tackles coach two years later and has held the position ever since, adding the associate head coach title in 2014.
“There’s no better person in this program to step up and coach this team,” FSU center said. “You can pay that guy minimum wage and he would still be here and coach football. He loves this program so much.”
Few current players know Haggins better than senior defensive tackle
His praise of Haggins was effusive.
“I have nothing but respect and nothing but love for him,” Nnadi said. “I feel like honestly he changed my life for the better.”
While FSU awaits its bowl destination, Haggins said the coaching staff plans on continuing its recruiting efforts before chasing one more win this season.
“My main goal is to make sure our kids are doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” Haggins said. “Being prepared for what’s next.”
After racking up 117 yards in the win over ULM, freshman running back draws closer to program history.
Akers, who now has 931 rushing yards this season, moved into second in FSU’s freshman rushing record book Saturday, surpassing Greg Allen, who went for 888 yards in 1981.
With only the bowl game remaining, Akers needs 78 yards to surpass
and take over the freshman single season rushing record set in 2014 (1,008 yards). gave himself a special birthday present Saturday when he scored his first career touchdown at FSU in the second quarter against ULM. Co-offensive coordinators and who shared playcalling duties, used Matthews regularly in the slot against the Warhawks. He finished the game with a pair of catches for 23 yards, both more than he had during FSU’s first 11 games this year combined.
With the victory, FSU is now presented with a number of bowl game options to end the 2017 season. The most likely among these choices are the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La. and the Gasparilla Bowl in St. Petersburg on Dec. 21.
A representative from the Independence Bowl was in attendance for the game. SATURDAY’S BOX