DALLAS (FWAA) – This is the the Week 3 installment of the Football Writers Association of America's weekly Freshman Focus for the Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach of the Year Award, Freshman Player of the Year and the 2024 FWAA Freshman All-America Team.
The Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach Award, presented by Chris Doering Mortgage, goes to the best first-year coach (at his school) in FBS football at the conclusion of the season.
The recipient of the Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach, the FWAA Freshman of the Year and the Steve Spurrier Legends Coach will be honored at a special reception on Feb. 24, 2025 in Gainesville, Fla.
FIRST-YEAR PLAYERS: THE FRESH FOUR
Fluff Bothwell, RB, South Alabama (5-10, 219, Oneonta, Ala.): 7 rushes, 143 yards, 2 TD
Bothwell, like the rest of South Alabama’s offense, erupted in an 87-10 beatdown of Northwestern State. The true freshman averaged over 20 yards per carry and scored twice in the second quarter, finishing a 52-point first half for the Jaguars. Bothwell scored in each of his first two games and currently leads his team in carries (23), rushing yards (243) and rushing touchdowns (4). Bothwell will face a tougher challenge Thursday night when South Alabama visits Appalachian State.
Caden Durham, RB, LSU (5-9, 205, Oklahoma City, Okla.): 11 rushes, 98 yards, 2 TD; 1 reception, 1 yard
Durham had just five carries for four yards to his name before playing a key part in LSU’s 36-33 comeback win at South Carolina. The true freshman sparked the Tiger offense by running through two Gamecock defenders on a 26-yard touchdown for LSU’s first points. His nine-yard score in the third quarter also brought the Tigers within two points of South Carolina’s lead for the first time since its opening possession. Durham could impress again this Saturday when LSU hosts a questionable UCLA defense in Death Valley.
Eli Holstein, QB, Pittsburgh (6-4, 225, Zachary, La.): 21/30, 301 yards, 3 TD; 14 rushes, 59 yards
Holstein’s red-hot start at Pittsburgh continued last Saturday in a 38-34 Backyard Brawl win over West Virginia. The redshirt freshman helped the Panthers erase a 10-point deficit with less than five minutes remaining with a 40-yard touchdown pass and an acrobatic 17-yard scramble to set up the go-ahead score. Holstein has thrown for three touchdowns in all three of his starts and leads all FBS freshmen in passing touchdowns. Pittsburgh can improve to 4-0 Saturday against Youngstown State before beginning its ACC schedule on Oct. 5.
Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M (6-2, 180, Nashville, Tenn.): 11/17, 178 yards, 2 TD; 13 rushes, 83 yards, 1 TD
Reed had quite the challenge in his first collegiate start as Texas A&M opened its SEC schedule at Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The redshirt freshman answered the call, leading the Aggies to a dominant 33-20 win over the Gators. The dual-threat quarterback stretched Florida’s secondary, connecting on touchdown passes of 29 and 73 yards. Reed made a strong case to start again next Saturday when Bowling Green comes to College Station.
STEVE SPURRIER FIRST-YEAR COACHES
Major Applewhite, South Alabama: Applewhite’s first win with the Jaguars was not the only school history made last Thursday. The 46-year-old head coach also led South Alabama’s offense to a school-record 87-10 win over FCS member Northwestern State. Freshman quarterback Gio Lopez tossed four touchdowns and fellow freshman running back Fluff Bothwell added another couple of scores on the ground. The Jaguars aim for an upset this Thursday night when they visit Appalachian State before a primetime audience on ESPN.
Curt Cignetti, Indiana: Any storylines about the glory of UCLA’s debut in the Big 10 were quickly spoiled by a resounding 42-13 win for Indiana. The Hoosiers outgained the Bruins 430-230 and forced two turnovers in the win. Senior quarterback Kurtis Rourke led Cignetti’s offense with season-highs in completions (25), yards (307) and touchdowns (4). Indiana can improve to 4-0 when it hosts Charlotte at noon on Saturday.
Kalen DeBoer, Alabama: The Crimson Tide’s offensive corrections from a rocky Week Two win over USF were obvious in a 42-10 domination of Wisconsin. Alabama sedated the home crowd quickly, taking a 21-3 lead into halftime and simply built from there. Quarterback Jalen Milroe tossed three touchdowns and added two more scores on the ground while freshman receiver Ryan Williams pulled down his fourth touchdown of the season. With a bye this week, DeBoer can completely focus on his biggest test since coming to Tuscaloosa, No. 2-ranked Georgia coming to town.
Mike Elko, Texas A&M: Elko’s first SEC win at Texas A&M came with its share of adversity between an injured starting quarterback and asking a freshman to make his first start at Florida. The Aggies responded to the tune of a 33-20 win, outgaining the Gators 488-301 and forcing three turnovers. Elko’s offense was particularly forceful on the ground, rushing for 310 yards on 55 attempts. The No. 25-ranked Aggies can improve to 3-1 with a home win over Bowling Green on Saturday..
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its programs and initiatives, contact Executive Director Steve Richardson at 214-870-6516 or tiger@fwaa.com.