Florida State’s disappointing 2017 campaign ended on a high note on Wednesday as the Seminoles completed a 41st straight winning season with a 42-13 win over Southern Mississippi in the Walk-On’s Independence Bowl.
The victory tied the largest margin of victory in FSU bowl history in what was a complete team effort. Still, there were some Seminoles who stood out above the others. For the final time this season, The Daily Nole staff of editor Mike Ferguson, lead writer Clint Eiland, lead columnist Josh Mixon and recruiting analyst Jay Brading hand out their game balls:
Offense
Mike, Clint, Josh: James Blackman, QB
Florida State freshman quarterback James Blackman had a performance to remember on Wednesday, throwing for an Independence Bowl record four touchdowns en route to being named the game’s Offensive MVP. Blackman was 18-for-26 passing for 233 yards in the victory while adding 29 yards rushing on six carries.
Jay: Auden Tate, WR
The top target for Blackman on Wednesday was junior wide receiver Auden Tate. Tate led all receivers with five catches for 84 yards and a career-high three touchdown catches. Tate’s scoring grabs came from 20, 10 and 17 yards out as he became the first FSU receiver to catch 10 touchdowns since Kelvin Benjamin in 2013.
Defense
Mike, Clint: Stanford Samuels III, CB
It was a great day for Florida State true freshmen on Wednesday, including defensively. Cornerback Stanford Samuels III finished the day five tackles, including one for loss. He also stripped Southern Miss star running back Ito Smith to force the game’s only turnover.
Josh: A.J. Westbrook, S
Junior safety A.J. Westbrook was also outstanding in place of Derwin James, who declared early for the NFL Draft. Westbrook was tied for a team-high with six tackles and recovered a fumble.
Jay: Nate Andrews, S
In his final game at Florida State, redshirt senior Nate Andrews was named the Defensive MVP. Andrews recorded a team-high tying six tackles and a pass break-up in the victory.
Special Teams
Mike: Carlos Becker, CB
It wasn’t a great day on special teams for Florida State, but sophomore cornerback Carlos Becker recorded a pair of special teams tackles. He also returned a Southern Miss onside kick attempt 11 yards.
Clint, Josh: Logan Tyler, P
Logan Tyler punted just once for Florida State on Wednesday, which traveled 38 yards. On nine kickoffs, Tyler had one touchback, but also made a key and perhaps touchdown-saving tackle.
Jay: Ricky Aguayo, K
Florida State sophomore kicker Ricky Aguayo overcame an early missed extra point to finish 3-for-3 on field goal attempts with a long of 39 yards. Aguayo becomes the first FSU kicker to make three field goals in a bowl game since Dustin Hopkins hit four in the 2010 Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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