DALLAS (FWAA) – This is the the Week 13 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
Cam Coleman, WR, Auburn (6-3, 197, Phenix City, Ala.): 7 receptions, 128 yards, 2 TD
Saturday was full of eye-popping upsets, and Coleman played a crucial role in one of the biggest as Auburn knocked off Texas A&M, 43-41, in four overtimes. The true freshman exploded past the Aggie secondary for touchdown catches of 63 and 15 yards. It was Coleman’s second straight week with 100-plus yards and multiple touchdowns. Coleman aims to shock the SEC one more time this season when the Tigers visit Alabama this Saturday.
Koi Perich, S, Minnesota (6-1, 200, Esko, Minn.): 13 tackles, 1 TFL
Perich and the Golden Gophers came one point short of pulling off another massive upset but still showed off defensively in a 26-25 loss to Penn State. The true freshman battled a strong Nittany Lion run game with a season-high 13 tackles. Perich and the Minnesota defense gave up just 117 yards rushing on 33 attempts. The Golden Gophers can snap a two-game losing streak at Wisconsin this Saturday.
Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska (6-2, 230, Buford, Ga.): 28/38, 293 yards, 1 TD
Raiola took charge and snapped Nebraska’s four-game losing streak in a 44-25 domination of Wisconsin. The true freshman’s 293 yards were his most since a mid-September loss to Illinois. Raiola led the Cornhusker offense to its highest-scoring game this season. After clinching bowl eligibility, Raiola looks to end his first regular season with a win at Iowa.
Xavier Robinson, RB, Oklahoma (6-0, 226, Yukon, Okla.): 18 rushes, 107 yards, 2 TD; 4 receptions, 20 yards
Robinson’s breakout game could not have come at a better time for Oklahoma as it shocked the college football world with a 24-3 upset of Alabama. The true freshman powered through the Crimson Tide’s defensive front for both of the Sooner offense’s touchdowns. It was a massive step up for Robinson, who entered the game with 15 total carries and no touchdowns on the year. Robinson and the Sooners can improve to 7-5 and get their third SEC win this Saturday at LSU.
STEVE SPURRIER FIRST-YEAR COACHES
Trent Bray, Oregon State: Bray’s Beavers will finish their season 1-0 in the Pac 12 after a last-second field goal knocked off Washington State, 41-38. The two teams traded blows throughout the game before Oregon State scored 10 unanswered points in the final three minutes to seal the win. Quarterback Ben Gulbranson led the way offensively with 22 completions for 294 yards and two touchdowns, adding another score on the ground. Bray can earn bowl eligibility in his first season with an upset of Boise State this Friday.
Fran Brown, Syracuse: Brown led Syracuse to its first eight-win season in six years as the Orange beat UConn 31-24. Quarterback Kyle McCord threw for a career-high 470 yards with a pair of touchdowns on 37 completions. Syracuse outgained the Huskies 546-352 and did not turn the ball over for the second straight week. Brown’s Orange can take center stage on Saturday when they host Miami to finish their regular season.
Sherrone Moore, Michigan: Michigan’s headline-grabbing week in recruiting ended with a massive 50-6 win over Northwestern on Saturday. Moore’s Wolverines physically imposed themselves on the Wildcats, out-rushing them 201-11. Running back Kalel Mullings led the way with 92 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in the win. Moore has the chance to end a rocky first season with an eye-popping upset when Michigan visits Ohio State on Saturday.
Bill O’Brien, Boston College: O’Brien’s Eagles are officially going bowling after a strong 41-21 home win over North Carolina. Boston College was simply dominant, as it took a 41-7 lead into the final few minutes of the fourth quarter. The Eagles also outgained the Tar Heels 422-212 and forced three turnovers. Boston College can finish the season with a rivalry week win over Pitt 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.