’Noles want a strong finish
TALLAHASSEE — Florida State quarterback James Blackman’s true freshman year will be remembered for the unique circumstance that thrusted him into the lineup and the struggles the Seminoles have endured this season.
But Blackman’s play in the final stretch could leave a lasting impression, especially when Florida State (4-6) and Florida (4-6) meet in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Saturday in the second meeting between both teams below .500 during their storied rivalry.
During his first game in the series, Blackman hopes to lead the Seminoles to their fifth consecutive victory over the Gators and fourth straight win in Gainesville.
More important, Florida State needs wins in its final two games to clinch bowl eligibility for the 36th consecutive year.
While Blackman himself has experienced his fair share of ups and downs in relief of injured quarterback Deondre Francois after the season opener, a winning performance against the Gators could catapult him and the Seminoles to a strong finish amid a disappointing season.
“Each play, each drive, each game, each week, you just see him getting more and more confident. You can see him growing throughout the season,” FSU offensive lineman Alec Eberle said of Blackman on Monday.
“… I think this weekend he’s going to come in guns blazing and do pretty well.”
Blackman is coming off of his easiest performance of the season during FSU’s 77-6 rout of Delaware State last week, during which he only played the first half, completing 11 of 15 passes for 179 yards and three touchdowns.
Throughout the season, FSU coach Jimbo Fisher longed for Blackman to get a chance run the Seminoles’ complex pro-style offense during a game against an inferior opponent to gain confidence and rhythm.
Blackman made the most of the opportunity.
It was also the first time all season Blackman was not under duress from the pressure of some of the nation’s best defensive lines, including Clemson, Miami and NC State to name a few.
Now, the Seminoles hope Blackman’s experience gained playing in a big-time environment like he did in close 31-17 loss at Clemson on Nov. 11 could prepare him his first action in the UFFSU rivalry.
“Going into the Swamp, I think he’ll have more confidence because he’s played in a loud, crazy environment before,” Eberle said. “I think going into this weekend, he’ll know what it’s like to play in a serious environment like that. Each week he matures, and you can tell. I’m excited to see where he is for this game.”
During the Delaware State contest, Blackman worked on game management, accuracy and finishing plays, Fisher said.
Fisher wanted to see Blackman grow from the Clemson loss, during which his 60-yard touchdown pass to tight end Ryan Izzo midway through the fourth quarter put FSU in position for an upset before his interception after an FSU fumble recovery ended those aspirations.
Blackman has completed 57.5 percent of his passes and has been sacked 27 times in his nine starts this season.
But despite his struggles, Blackman has kept the Seminoles in contention in the fourth quarters of games against Miami, Louisville and Clemson this season.
“I think he’s made mistakes, [but] he’s never let down,” Fisher said of Blackman. “His competitiveness as a competitor, he’s never let down. I mean, that guy gets up. He’s been hit, he’s … fumbled. He goes right back in the action.
“But he’ll grow. He’ll grow and mature and get better and better.”