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FSU Football: ‘Noles crush Southern Mississippi in Independence Bowl

By Kelvin Hunt

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: A Florida State Seminoles cheerleader runs with a flag on the field during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2015 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: A Florida State Seminoles cheerleader runs with a flag on the field during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2015 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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FSU football came out a little flat but turned it on to crush Southern Mississippi.

1st Half

FSU football came out the gates on defense and forced a three and out in about 30 seconds, but then the flag fest began in the game.

The ‘Noles got a roughing the kicker penalty and the result wound up being a Southern Mississippi touchdown a few plays later. On offense, the ‘Noles immediately had a false start and had three total penalties in less than four minutes of play.

However, they regrouped and went on to score a touchdown of their own and it was dominance from that point on.

James Blackman

threw three touchdowns in the first half and should have had four if not for a dropped pass by Keith Gavin.

The FSU offense averaged 6.78 ypp and the defense gave up 4.45 ypp in the first half. FSU led 23-6 at halftime.

2nd half

The second half was more dominance by the ‘Noles as they scored on their first two possessions. A 39 yard Ricky Aguayo field goal and a

Jacques Patrick

rushing touchdown put FSU football up 33-6 with 3:25 left in the third quarter.

Southern Mississippi was able to get in the end zone on a six play 75 yard drive with 44 seconds left in the third quarter to make it 33-13.

FSU snuffed out an onside kick attempt on the next possession as Carlos Becker caught the ball on the fly and returned it a few yards. James Blackman linked up with Auden Tate for the third touchdown of the day to make it 39-13 with 13:34 remaining in the game.

The extra point hold was botched and the game was officially in garbage time at this point. FSU football ultimately won the game 42-13.

The win secured FSU’s streak of winning seasons to 40 plus, the longest active streak in the NCAA.

Thoughts

Amazing how great FSU has looked since Jimbo Fisher bolted to College Station. They have played much looser and with more swag, and it’s not like Southern Mississippi is a garbage team.

Their defense was ranked higher than FSU according to S&P stats. James Blackman looks like he’s finally found himself in the offense and he’s going to give Deondre Francois all he can handle for the starting position next year.

Next: 10 Recruits FSU Can Land To Finish With A Top 10 Class

The future looks bright for FSU football in the Willie Taggart era.

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