Defense stout despite defeat
Check out 10 things we learned from FSU’s Sun Bowl loss to Arizona State Tuesday in El Paso, Texas.
1. Blackman struggles
Quarterback James Blackman picked the worst time to have the worst game of his career. Blackman threw a career-high four interceptions, including a pick-six, and lost a fumble. He finished 14-of-26 for 244 yards and one touchdown.
2. Losing season
FSU’s loss in the Sun Bowl means the Seminoles finished with a losing record at 6-7. It was the second consecutive season FSU finished with a losing record thanks to going 5-7 last year.
3. Defensive effort
While the offense struggled mightily with turnovers, the Seminoles’ defense did all it could to keep them in the game. FSU forced four red-zone field goals by the Sun Devils and did not allow a touchdown.
4. Norvell takes over
With the season over, new coach Mike Norvell is now in complete control of the program. Norvell allowed interim coach Odell Haggins to run bowl preparation while Norvell was on the road recruiting and building a staff.
5. Haggins goes 2-2
Odell Haggins went 2-0 as the interim coach in 2017 when he took over after Jimbo Fisher bolted for the Texas A&M job. Haggins went 2-2 in four games this time around with wins over Boston College and Alabama State and losses to rival Florida and Arizona State.
6. Akers missed
Star running back Cam Akers decided to sit out the Sun Bowl after declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft. FSU could have used Akers’ big-play ability to help ease the pressure off Blackman.
7. Sheffield’s effort
With no Akers or Khalan Laborn, running back Deonte Sheffield had to carry the load in the backfield. Sheffield, a walk-on, finished the contest with 18 carries for 87 yards.
8. Travis can run Backup quarterback
Jordan Travis continued to show his ability to run the football on Monday. Travis had 11 carries for 58 yards but was only 2-of-3 passing for two yards.
9. Terry does it again
Tamorrion Terry has a knack for big plays and he had another one against the Sun Devils. Terry had a 91-yard touchdown grab late in the third quarter to give the Seminoles a 14-9 lead. It was his sixth score of 60 yards or more on the season. He finished with nine receptions for 165 yards. He did have a backbreaking fumble with less than 90 seconds in the game that sealed the win for Arizona State.
10. Lucas carted off
Freshman offensive lineman Dontae Lucas was carted off the field in the first quarter after Ricky Aguayo’s 36-yard field goal was blocked. Lucas had an air cast placed on his left leg. FSU has dealt with numerous injuries during the 2019 season, adding to the adversity the program faced while trying to post a winning record. Young players gained experience as a result of the injuries and many of the injured starters will return in 2020, bolstering FSU’s depth.