78 days are left until Florida State football takes the field on Labor Day. As part of the offseason, we’re doing a countdown that highlights players, games, and specific moments from Florida State football history.
Today, it’s former running back Jermaine Thomas going for 78 rushing yards, 34 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns at Miami in 2010.
The 2010 edition of the FSU-Miami rivalry witnessed two programs trying to find their footing. Head coach Randy Shannon and the Hurricanes started ranked in the top 15 in the polls and came into the FSU contest with a No. 13 ranking. Meanwhile, then first-year head coach Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles had just cracked the top 25 with a No. 23 placement. Both had losses earlier in the season to top-10 opponents.
At first glance, Thomas’ stat line of 16 attempts and 78 rushing yards for 4.9 yards per carry isn’t all that impressive. The 34 receiving yards and three touchdowns obviously helps, but why is Thomas getting highlighted?
Because a majority of those yards and all three scores came in the beginning of the game. Florida State shot out to a quick 21-0 lead thanks to Thomas and his exceptional play.
The first score occurred with five minutes left in the first quarter, game tied at 0-0. Christian Ponder faked a hand-off to Thomas, who then ran past the line of scrimmage and turned around for the screen pass. He caught the ball at the 19-yard line and proceeded to wiggle his way past the heap of defenders before running in for the touchdown.
A couple drives later, the Seminoles found themselves on the Miami 1-yard line thanks to a defensive fumble recovery. Thomas bounced to the outside on first down and slipped in to the corner of the end zone. FSU went up 14-0.
Thomas completed the hat trick early in the second quarter. The drive began with him busting out a 34-yard run into Miami territory and ended with him punching it in from seven yards out. Before the Hurricanes knew what hit them, Thomas had already scored three times to make it 21-0.
He was able to take it easy for the rest of the contest. Florida State cruised to 45-17 win which would kick off seven straight victories over Miami. It’s funny to think that one could take away every touchdown except Thomas’ and FSU would still come out ahead.
As for Jermaine Thomas, he saw his role reduced over the next couple of seasons due to Chris Thompson and Devonta Freeman taking over. He still had a commendable FSU career by amassing over 2,500 total yards and 21 touchdowns from 2008-11.
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