FSU-Syracuse: Game Balls

For the first time in three weeks on Saturday, Florida State got into the win column. A missed field goal as time expired by Syracuse kicker Cole Murphy allowed the Seminoles to slip past the Orange, 27-24.

As always, we’re here to highlight the players who stood out for FSU in the contest. To hand out game balls is the staff of editor Mike Ferguson, lead writer Clint Eiland, staff writer Josh Mixon and recruiting analyst Jay Brading:

Offense

Unanimous Game Ball: Cam Akers, RB
It was another career-day for FSU freshman running back Cam Akers. On 22 carries, Akers finished with 199 yards rushing and touchdown runs of 54 and 63 yards. Akers also finished with three catches for 18 yards to top the 200-total yard mark.

Defense

Mike: Derrick Nnadi, DT
Senior defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi was dominant up front for FSU on Saturday. Nnadi finished with a team-high seven tackles and had one of the three FSU sacks in the victory.

Clint, Josh, Jay: Derwin James, S
FSU redshirt sophomore safety Derwin James recorded just three tackles on Saturday, but was all over the field. James finished with four pass break-ups and a first-half interception in the win. James also added a tackle for loss.

Special Teams

Unanimous Game Ball: Ricky Aguayo, K
On an afternoon where kicking was critically important to the outcome, FSU sophomore Ricky Aguayo was perfect. Aguayo was 2-for-2 on field goal attempts with makes of 49 and 38 yards. Aguayo was also 3-for-3 on extra points.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson