Blackman had an up and down season. In losses to Boston College and Clemson and the victory over Florida, the Freshman signal caller completed less than 50 percent of his passes. He only failed to top 200 yards in all but four games.
Four Florida State players are sitting out to get ready for the NFL Draft. That includes star safety, Derwin James. The Seminoles are also missing running back Jacques Patrick who is out for the season with an injury.
The Seminoles will get a chance to work on next season with Interim Head Coach Odell Haggins leading Florida State against Southern Mississippi. Freshman running back Cam Akers ran for 931 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Wide receiver Nygwan Murray leads the receiving core with 40 receptions for 604 yards. Auden Tate led Florida state with seven touchdowns.
Florida State and Southern Mississippi will be meeting for the 15th time. The Seminoles lead 11-2-1. One of the Eagles wins came in a 1989 upset of Florida State in Tallahassee. Southern Mississippi was led by Quarterback Brett Favre in that game.
Southern Mississippi is led offensively by the trio of quarterback Kwadra Griggs, running back Ito Smith and wide receiver Korey Robertson. With four defensive starters out, Florida State is going to have a tough time defending the Eagles offense.