Florida State beats Southern Miss 42-13 in Independence

Florida State quarterback James Blackman (1) passes under pressure from Southern Mississippi linebacker Darian Yancey (22) and defensive lineman Xavier Thigpen (32) in the first half of the Independence Bowl NCAA college football game in Shreveport, La., Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Florida State quarterback James Blackman (1) passes under pressure from Southern Mississippi linebacker Darian Yancey (22) and defensive lineman Xavier Thigpen (32) in the first half of the Independence Bowl NCAA college football game in Shreveport, La., Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

By Associated Press December 27, 2017 2 min read

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) – James Blackman threw three of his Independence Bowl-record four touchdown passes to Auden Tate and Florida State beat Southern Mississippi 42-13 on Wednesday.

Florida State (7-6) avoided its first losing season since 1976.

Southern Miss took a 6-0 lead in the first quarter after a 63-yard touchdown drive that was aided by two 15-yard Florida State penalties, one for unsportsmanlike conduct and the other for roughing the kicker.

Blackman matched an Independence Bowl record with three touchdown passes in the first half to help Florida State take a 23-6 lead.

The Seminoles pushed the advantage to 33-6 late in the third quarter. Cam Akers led Florida State with 94 yards rushing, and Jacques Patrick added 61 yards. Blackman completed 18 of 26 passes for 233 yards.