DALLAS (FWAA) – This is the the Week 8 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
CJ Bailey, QB, NC State (6-6, 190, Hollywood, Fla.): 25/36, 306 yards, 2 TD
It took him about three quarters to settle in, but Bailey delivered two clutch touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to lift NC State over California, 24-23. The true freshman gave the Wolfpack its first ACC win of the season after finding Hollywood Smothers on a 41-yard score to take the lead for good. Bailey completed four of his seven passes for 80 yards and a touchdown on the game-winning drive. Bailey will have the week off to prepare for a matchup with Stanford on Nov. 2.
Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida (6-1, 227, Atlanta, Ga.): 22 rushes, 106 yards, 5 TD
Baugh exploded for career-highs in touchdowns, yards and carries in Florida’s 48-20 beatdown of Kentucky. The true freshman paced an offense that totaled 476 yards, as the physical running back helped set up five throws of over 40 yards. Baugh’s five rushing touchdowns tied Florida’s school record with none other than Tim Tebow and Trey Burton. Florida will take the week off before facing another physical front in Georgia on Nov. 2.
Caden Durham, RB, LSU (5-9, 205, Oklahoma City, Okla.): 21 rushes, 101 yards, 3 TD
Durham’s career-high three touchdowns helped LSU beat Arkansas 34-10 and keep its share of first place in the SEC. The true freshman set the tone with a 22-yard score to get on the board and closed the Tigers’ scoring with a 1-yard run. The stocky running back slid off defenders all day and flashed getaway speed in the open field, as well. Durham looks to help his team gain full ownership of first place in the conference with a win at Texas A&M this Saturday.
Bryson Washington, RB, Baylor (6-0, 203, Franklin, Texas): 10 rushes, 116 yards, 2 TD; 3 receptions, 24 yards
A career day in yards and receptions from Washington helped Baylor blow by Texas Tech, 59-35. The redshirt freshman muscled through the Red Raider front for both of his 1-yard scores. Washington’s 140 total yards helped Baylor snap an eight-game conference losing streak dating back to Oct. 21, 2023. Washington looks to dominate again when he faces an Oklahoma State front allowing the most rushing yards per game in the Big 12 (238) on Saturday.
STEVE SPURRIER FIRST-YEAR COACHES
Curt Cignetti, Indiana: Cignetti’s Hoosiers might have had the most dominant Power 4 win in the country this week, crushing Nebraska, 56-7. Indiana forced five turnovers and outgained the Cornhuskers, 495-304. The 49-point margin tied the largest conference win in school history. Now leading a top-15 team, Cignetti aims to move to 7-0 with a home win over Washington this Saturday.
Mike Elko, Texas A&M: Elko is quietly keeping the Aggies atop the SEC standings with another conference win at Mississippi State, 34-24. Texas A&M rushed for 137 yards and three touchdowns on 36 carries. The Aggie defense was far from perfect, but it delivered when it needed to, allowing just five third-down conversions on 16 attempts. Elko’s team can gain full ownership of first place in the SEC with a win against LSU this Saturday.
DeShaun Foster, UCLA: Foster earned his first Big Ten win on Saturday with a 35-32 upset of Rutgers. The Bruin offense surpassed 20 points for the first time this season thanks to a 383-yard, four-touchdown game from quarterback Ethan Garbers, who also scored a 49-yard rushing touchdown in the win. The Bruins never trailed and led from late in the second quarter until the end of the game. Foster has a bye week to prepare for what could be his first road conference win at Nebraska on Nov. 2.
Jonathan Smith, Michigan State: Smith’s Spartans snapped a three-game losing streak with a strong 32-20 win over Iowa. Michigan State totaled 468 yards against a respected Iowa defense, running for 212 yards on 40 attempts. Senior kicker Jonathan Kim kicked a school-record six field goals in the win, too. The Spartans are in for another physical battle when they visit Michigan this 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.