DALLAS (FWAA) – This is the the Week 9 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
Isaac Brown, RB, Louisville (5-9, 190, Homestead, Fla.): 18 rushes, 85 yards. 2 TD; 3 receptions, 17 yards
Brown totaled over 100 yards from scrimmage for the fourth time this season, fueling Louisville past Boston College 31-27. Brown scored the Cardinals’ first points of the game late in the second quarter after falling behind 20-0. The speedy true freshman quickly sliced through the middle of the Eagle defense on an 18-yard fourth quarter touchdown, setting up the game-winning score four minutes later. Brown and the Louisville ground game could face their toughest challenge yet this weekend when they visit Clemson.
Colton Joseph, QB, Old Dominion (6-2, 200, Newport Beach, Calif.): 20/26, 304 yards, 4 TD; 8 rushes, 69 yards, 1 TD
Joseph has thrown or rushed for at least one touchdown in all four starts this season, but Thursday’s 47-19 beatdown of Georgia Southern was his best statistical performance yet. The Monarchs were red-hot from the start, outsourcing the Eagles 30-7 in the first half. Old Dominion has averaged just over 32 points per game in Joseph’s four starts, compared to just over 19 in its first four games. The redshirt freshman will have another chance to impress this weekend at Appalachian State.
Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M (6-2, 180, Nashville, Tenn.): 2/2, 70 yards; 9 rushes, 62 yards, 3 TD
Reed’s story as Texas A&M’s spark plug backup had another chapter Saturday night in Texas A&M’s 38-23 win over LSU. The redshirt freshman was thrown into the third quarter of a battle for first place in the SEC – the Aggies losing 17-7 – and immediately delivered three rushing touchdowns on his first three drives. Reed’s dual-threat ability has been on display all season, but Saturday night marked his first game with multiple rushing touchdowns. Reed’s exact role in the offense remains unclear, but he could have a chance to take the starting job during Texas A&M’s bye week.
Braylen Russell, RB, Arkansas (6-1, 253, Benton, Ark.): 16 rushes, 175 yards; 1 reception, 11 yards
Russell’s breakout game helped Arkansas dominate Mississippi State 58-25 for its third SEC win of the season. The true freshman running back rushed more on Saturday than the rest of the season’s games combined, helping the Razorbacks run for 359 yards on the ground. Russell’s 175 rushing yards were the third-most by a freshman in Arkansas history, trailing two Darren McFadden games from 2005 (190, 187). Arkansas has several running backs ahead of Russell recovering from injury, so the running back might get a chance to shine again this Saturday when Ole Miss visits Fayetteville.
STEVE SPURRIER FIRST-YEAR COACHES
Curt Cignetti, Indiana: Winning is all Cignetti has done this season, but Saturday’s 31-17 victory over Washington came with an extra caveat: no starting quarterback. Still, the Hoosier offense totaled over 300 yards and scored three touchdowns to improve to 8-0 on the year. Indiana also got a scoring boost from corner D’Angelo Ponds, who snagged two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. Cignetti aims to keep his team’s share atop the Big Ten with a win at Michigan State this Saturday.
Spencer Danielson, Boise State: Danielson’s Broncos won their fifth straight and took a larger share of first place in the Mountain West with a 29-24 Friday night win over UNLV. Heisman candidate running back Ashton Jeanty fueled the offense with 128 yards on the ground and punched in the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. Boise State kept itself well within College Football Playoff contention with the win, as it hopes to win out and clinch the top ranking among Group of Five teams. The Broncos can fully take first place in their conference by beating San Diego State this Friday.
Kalen DeBoer, Alabama: The Crimson Tide responded to its second loss in three weeks with arguably its most dominant game of the season, rolling Missouri 34-0. Alabama’s offense stayed balanced , imposing itself on the ground with 271 yards rushing and four scores while quarterback Jalen Milroe added 215 yards through the air. The Crimson Tide surrendered just 239 yards and snagged three interceptions for its first SEC shutout since October of 2020. DeBoer has the week off to prepare his team for a massive conference matchup at LSU on November 9.
Mike Elko, Texas A&M: Elko’s Aggies have quickly corrected any early-season doubters after a resounding 38-23 win over LSU put them in first place in the SEC. Once again, Texas A&M imposed itself in the trenches, rushing for 245 yards and five touchdowns while limiting LSU to 35 yards rushing on 22 attempts. The Tigers did throw for 405 yards, but not without three Texas A&M interceptions that set up 17 second half points. The Aggies will need to fight to stay perfect in the conference in a primetime road game at South Carolina.
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.