When the Florida State Seminoles take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2011 Champs Sports Bowl, they'll do so without senior running back Jermaine Thomas, whose career in garnet and gold has ended in disappointment due to academic ineligibility. "He didn't pass a class, so he will not be in the bowl game," coach Jimbo Fisher said Wednesday, according to Coley Harvey of the Orlando Sentinel. "A shame for a senior."
Thomas gained 279 yards on 61 carries for the Seminoles in 2011, scoring just one touchdown. The 2011 campaign marked a sharp decline in productivity for the Jacksonville native, who ran for 15 touchdowns in his previous two seasons combined. As Harvey notes, Thomas gave way to freshman Devonta Freeman and senior Ty Jones in 2011. Freeman led Florida State with 531 rushing yards and eight scores.
Kickoff for the Champs Sports Bowl is set for 5:30 Eastern on Dec. 29.
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