Akers, Blackman shine in bowl win
SHREVEPORT, La. — Florida State quarterback
and running back became the first true freshman duo to start for the Seminoles at their positions in school history.
They saved their best performances of their first college football season for Wednesday’s season finale and will likely provide new FSU coach a bright future to build on offensively after earning valuable experience this season.
Akers broke FSU all-time leading rusher
school record for rushing yards by a freshman while Blackman threw four touchdowns to earn Independence Bowl offensive MVP honors following FSU’s 42-13 win over Southern Miss.
“It’s truly a blessing to be in this position,” Akers said after the game. “I have to give credit to my [offensive] line, my coaches and my teammates for pushing me throughout the season. To be able to get this accomplishment, it’s great. It’s a blessing.”
Akers, a former five-star standout and the highest rated recruit to ever sign with the Seminoles, finished the game with 94 yards rushing, to finish his freshman season with 1,024 yards. Cook rushed for 1,008 yards rushing as a freshman in 2014.
Akers is now ahead of Cook’s pace, but will have plenty of work to do to reach Cook’s all-time school record of 4,464 yards rushing from 2014-16.
As for Blackman, he completed 18 of 26 passes for 233 yards with three of his four touchdown passes thrown in the first half.
Blackman, 18, said the 12 bowl practices helped him regroup after a turnoverprone season. He finished this season completing 57.2 percent of his passes for 15 touchdowns with 11 interceptions.
“It was really important because you get to see where you made simple mistakes,” Blackman said. “This bowl process gives you a little more time to work on your craft.
Along with former FSU standout NFL Hall of Fame quarterback who was 1-2 in his Southern Miss career against FSU, was also in attendance for the game. Junior receiver
FSU’s leading receiver entering the bowl game, did not play in the bowl game after suffering a concussion.
Murray, a former Orlando Oak Ridge product, finished his third season with 40 receptions, 604 yards receiving and four touchdowns.
Fifth-year back one of the few remaining players from FSU’s 2013 national championship team, earned defensive MVP honors after the game. He had six tackles and one pass deflection.
“I really haven’t played a lot, but being back out there with those guys mean a lot,” said Andrews, who has been injury prone in the last three seasons. “I’m just thankful for the opportunity to play today.” senior defensive
FSU redshirt junior tight end could declare for the NFL draft after the season, while junior receiver and running back said they plan to announce their college or professional futures this week.
FSU redshirt junior defensive tackle
announced via Twitter he will return to school for his fifth season.