It was born from a challenge. In 1962, Dean Coyle Moore issued a challenge to beat the University of Georgia. Some 61 years after this program’s defining victory a tradition continues. The sods of programs that have fallen victim to the flaming spear lay here as a memorial.
After tonight’s 24-15 victory over the Florida Gators is this a symbol of a warning to the college football landscape?
In a season that has seen their former coach flame out after he sought greener pastures in College Station, the Noles look to be returning to legitimacy.
FSU suffered many dark days in the wake of Jimbo’s bolt. Initially seeking a spark from Willie Taggart only to end the relationship early after a 9-12 record. The program then suffered sand kicked up in its face mask as it turned down overtures from Deion Sanders and later a prized recruit to Coach Prime once at Jackson State. Enter Mike Norvell and a slow start to respectability.
Last season’s 10-3 record including an early victory over LSU began to show signs of Sod Cemeteries of the past. Strong victories in and out of conference matched with depth on both sides of the ball. These were great markers but all fell short of a national title run not witnessed in Tallahassee since the days of Famous Jameis.
With tonight’s win, is it now time to put FSU in that upper room category?
Of course, their record deems them worthy. But after suffering a setback when QB Jordan Travis suffered a heartbreaking injury the previous week against N. Alabama, their depth was on display.
Junior quarterback Tate Rodemaker was not spectacular stat-wise but managed the game well enough to allow RB Trey Benson to score three times to push the Noles ahead for good.
Additionally, the Gators are having similar growing pains as the Noles of a few years back and may not be the best measure for a tough opponent. However, the eye-catcher for the Noles was how they got up from taking two early punches on the road.
Surviving setbacks in Travis and an early road deficit are marks not seen by a Seminole team for some time and leave fans wondering how far this team can go.
Reasons for pessimism:
The Noles are 12-0 but play in a conference with many members looking at the front door. No longer a solid member of college football’s elite power conferences, the ACC may lack the cache to push a conference champion into the CFP. If they secure a conference championship and enter the final 4-way dance, there are doubts as to how much punch they have with a backup signal caller in Rodemaker.
Reasons for optimism:
The Noles hope goes well beyond the outcome of this season. Florida State can hang their hats on the heart and depth that has been on display throughout this season. They may stumble next week or be shut out of the final 4, even if the ACC crown is achieved.
However, this team will not be remembered as much for possible stumbles going forward but for the team that may have cracked the glass for a near breakthrough.
The Sod cemetery became a mockery after the Noles fell to Jacksonville State in 2021 early in Norvell’s tenure. It stood as an ode to a bygone era when State’s Bobby Bowden “aw shucked” his way into 2 National Championships (the second by way of BCS) and 14 straight 10+ winning seasons.
Now under Mike Norvell, Florida State (@FSUFootball) may be on the brink of returning to a perennial power.
– by David Mitchell
*photo courtesy of Nolefan.org
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