Florida State Football: Cam Akers dazzles in Independence Bowl

Florida State football came out strong against Southern Miss in the Independence Bowl and freshman running back Cam Akers led the way.

More: Complete 2017-2018 bowl schedule

In an offseason filled with drama the Seminoles have had to cling to whatever bright spots they can find. Jimbo Fisher left them high and dry when he bolted for Texas A&M, but the hiring of Jimbo Taggart has brought a newfound sense of optimism and expectation.

Florida State’s final game of the 2017 game was the Walk On’s Independence Bowl. The Seminoles were coached by interim head coach Odell Haggins but this was as much an audition for 2018 as a last hurrah for the 2017 season.

Taggart, along with the 33,000 fans on hand, saw one player shine the brightest in the Seminoles’ victory: freshman running back Cam Akers. From start to finish, Akers literally ran circles around a tough Southern Miss defense, reversing field on a dime and scooting through the defense as if they weren’t on the field at all. Like this:

Akers and junior Jacques Patrick were tasked with filling in for the departed Dalvin Cook this season. With the starting spot up for grabs it was Akers that earned the upper hand. He entered Wednesday’s bowl game with 931 yards rushing on 181 carries and seven touchdowns. Patrick, who missed time with injuries, carried the ball 118 times for 687 yards and six scores.

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When you see him make plays like this it’s no wonder that Akers saw as much playing time as he did this season. The face that he’s just a freshman is fantastic news for Florida State football fans and coach Taggart. If Florida State is going to bounce back from a disappointing season it’s going to be Akers that leads the charge.