Odell Haggins leads Florida State to bowl-clinching victory over ULM

No Fisher, no problem. In FSU’s first game since Jimbo Fisher departed for Texas A&M, interim head coach Odell Haggins and the Florida State Seminoles defeated ULM 42-10, reaching the magic number of six wins to send FSU to a bowl game.

James Blackman put together a solid opening half, throwing for 152 yards and a touchdown. His only blemish was an interception that was nowhere near his intended receiver. Florida State would bring a 14-0 lead into the lockeroom.

Despite shutting out ULM through the first half, the Florida State defense wasn’t spotless. It allowed 155 total yards, 125 through the air, and 4.6 yards per play. The Florida State secondary was having issues with coverage and tackling early. The ’Noles were still able to hold ULM before scoring position, stopping the Warhawks on their only fourth down attempt of the half.

Cam Akers opened the second half with a four-yard touchdown rush, putting the Seminoles up 21-0.

ULM finally got on the board on its next drive. After a kickoff return near midfield, the Warhawks managed to make a field goal, cutting its deficit to 21-3. They then intercepted James Blackman for the second time of the game and received the ball inside the red zone. ULM would make it into the endzone this time.

With 4:51 remaining in the third quarter, Florida State’s lead was 21-10.

The running backs would continue to churn out the production for FSU. Cam Akers scored on a 24-yard touchdown that propelled FSU’s lead back to 28-10.

Patrick and Akers both had great games. The true freshman Akers finished with 117 while Jaques Patrick had a team-high 155 rushing yards and added another 38 yards through the air on two catches.

The Seminoles would reach the endzone again early in the fourth quarter on a Jacques Patrick touchdown rush, his second of the game. With 12:50 left, FSU claimed its largest lead of the game 35-10 to that point.

Ryan Green scored a touchdown with six minutes remaining to push FSU’s lead to 42-10.

James Blackman finished Saturday’s game 14-22 with 197 yards and one touchdown. Leading receivers was Ermon Lane who had three catches for 45 yards.

Now at 6-6, Florida State will wait to find out which bowl game it will be attending.