FSU can't overcome turnovers during Sun Bowl loss to Arizona State

This was not how Odell Haggins wanted to end his second stint as FSU's interim coach.

Haggins urged his team to end a 2019 season filled with adversity and distractions with a win.

Instead, the Seminoles collected another frustrating loss during their final contest before new coach Mike Norvell takes over the program completely.

FSU could not overcome five turnovers by quarterback James Blackman, including a career-high four interceptions, and a struggling offensive line as Arizona State defeated the Seminoles 20-14 in the Sun Bowl on Tuesday in El Paso, Texas.

Wide receiver Tamorrion Terry fumbled with less than 1 minute, 30 seconds remaining in the game, the team's sixth turnover, as the Seminoles were driving for the win.

The loss gives FSU its second consecutive losing season as it finishes 6-7. Haggins finishes his stint with a 2-2 record after replacing fired coach Willie Taggart on Nov. 3.

The defeat encompassed many of the same problems that hurt the Seminoles most of the year. There were ill-advised penalties, the offensive line could not give Blackman a clean pocket for most of his dropbacks and Blackman forced throws that turned into interceptions.

Arizona State (8-5) took advantage of FSU's issues, including a pick-six early in the fourth quarter that gave the Sun Devils a 20-14 lead after a 2-point conversion.

FSU had to deal with several distractions during the past month.

The coaching search was coming to an end, star running back Cam Akers declared for the NFL draft, assistant coaches learned they were not going to be retained and other players left on their own accord to get ready for their own futures.

Haggins kept a positive mindset. He told the team to focus on the upcoming bowl game.

The passing offense was sloppy, though.

Blackman's best throw of the day was a 91-yard touchdown pass to Terry to give FSU a 14-9 lead with 1:04 left in the third quarter. Other than that one throw, Blackman struggled.

Backup Jordan Travis ran the ball effectively, and backup running back Deonte Sheffield filled in admirably for Akers and Khalan Laborn.

But it was not enough.

Sun Devils kicker Christian Zendejas opened the scoring with a 40-yard field goal to give Arizona State a 3-0 lead with 3:57 left to play in the first quarter. It was one of his four field goals during the win.

Arizona State had multiple chances to extend its lead. However, the Seminoles' defense forced four red-zone field goals to keep the game within reach.

FSU's offense simply could not make enough plays to lift up its defense.