Fisher: FSU “Tried it All” at Punt Returner

At long last, a victory.

It wasn’t easy or pretty, but Jimbo Fisher’s Florida State Seminoles (3-5) finally found that elusive home win, escaping thanks to a missed last-second field gaol from Syracuse kicker Cole Murphy.

The 27-24 win was FSU’s first at Doak Campbell Stadium all season and its first victory period in three weeks.

More: FSU-Syracuse: Game Balls
More: FSU Holds Off Syracuse, 27-24

The most notable performance of the day came from true freshman running back Cam Akers. Akers, who struggled the previous week at Boston College, found success early and often, ripping off two first half touchdown runs of 50-plus yards.

Fisher was incredibly pleased.

“Cam ran the ball extremely well,” Fisher said. “Had a nice little screen play on one. Finished runs, hit the home run.

“He had an outstanding day. Very proud of him.”

Cornerback Tarvarus McFadden was relieved of punt return duties following another nightmarish performance against BC. His replacement, D.J. Matthews, ripped off a nice return. But, he still muffed one punt deep in FSU territory that could have allowed Syracuse to tie the game right before the break.

“Ain’t a lot of people left to put in there,” Fisher said. “Who else you going to put in there? We’ve tried them all. We done it all.”

The Seminoles now hit the road to face No. 4 Clemson in a contest in which they will likely open as heavy underdogs. The Tigers defeated N.C. State, 38-31, on Saturday afternoon in Raleigh to grab control of the ACC Atlantic.

Fisher hopes that his team’s close victory will provide the spark his team needs to compete in Death Valley’s hostile environment.

“I’ve heard coaches say they won that close game, all of a sudden your confidence goes, all of a sudden it takes off,” Fisher said. “When you lose one or two, three like we have, all of a sudden, ‘what’s wrong with me?’ You know what I’m saying?

“Learning to get through that hump can be huge, believing in yourself. That’s a big part of what happens. That’s exactly right.”

Josh Mixon covers Florida State athletics for The Daily Nole. You can find him on Twitter @JoshDMixon.