From school reports
University of Southern Mississippi football coaches had been talking for the better of the past month about the level of talent on Florida State University's team.
Wednesday afternoon, the Golden Eagles got an up-close-and-personal look at just how talented the Seminoles were during the 42nd annual Independence Bowl.
FSU freshman quarterback James Blackman threw for a bowl-record four touchdown passes as the Seminoles scored on eight of its first nine possessions in a 42-13 victory over the Golden Eagles.
Blackman, who completed 18-of-26 passes for 223 yards, was named Offensive Player of the Game. FSU senior defensive back Nate Andrews, who had six tackles and pass breakup, was voted Defensive Player of the Game.
The loss snapped a three-game winning streak by the Golden Eagles (8-5), who lost for the first time in three trips to the Independence Bowl.
"I thought we started out good, but we didn't get a lot going after that," Southern Miss coach Jay Hopson said. "I thought we had a few chances early in the game and in the second half to get back into the game.
"We played hard and fought, but give Florida State all the credit. They deserved the win."
The victory gave the Seminoles (7-6) their 41st consecutive winning season.
FSU receiver Auden Tate tied a bowl-record with three touchdown receptions as the Seminoles put up 452 yards total offense while holding the Golden Eagles to 260 yards.
Southern Miss senior running back Ito Smith netted 92 yards rushing in his final game as a Golden Eagle. With 26 yards receiving and another 72 yards on kickoff returns, Smith collected 190 all-purpose yards.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet," said Smith, who finished with 1,415 yards rushing, the fourth-best rushing season in program history. "I am sure it will, maybe tomorrow or the next day."
Southern Miss quarterback Kwadra Griggs completed 13-of-25 passes for 86 yards. Griggs, who scored USM's opening touchdown on a 5-yard run, threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to junior receiver Korey Robertson in the third quarter for the Golden Eagles' only other points.
"Ito had some good runs, but it was hard to get the passing game going," Hopson said. "Florida State got a good rush on the quarterback."
"At the end of the day, I am proud of our guys for playing hard and not giving up," Hopson said. "I tell you, I'm blessed to be the head coach here...I just love the way we continue to fight. We fought that thing down to the bitter end."
