Photo Credit: JP Souffront
Written by Paula Avila
Tallahassee, FL – The all-time college football leader in victories and legendary coach, Bobby Bowden returned to Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 26 as the No. 2 Florida State Seminoles defeated the N.C. State Wolfpack 49-17. This marked the first time coach Bowden returned since he retired following the 2009 season. Bowden was greeted on the field by some of his former players and an exceptionally loud and excited crowd. Instead of the traditional Chief Osceola planting the spear in midfield before this game, Bobby Bowden did the honor as he caused a nostalgic and happy reaction all throughout the stadium. “People say, Coach, do you miss football? I say no, I miss our fans.” Bobby Bowden told the fans before planting the spear.
The Seminoles were quick to take control of the game after Terrence Brooks intercepted Brandon Mitchell during the second offensive play of the game by N.C. State and gave way to Jameis Winston and the Seminoles’ offense to capitalize on the play as Karlos Williams ran it in for an 18 yd. touchdown. “He has really grown up and developed. He’s turning into one heck of a football player in all facets, he really is.” Stated FSU Head Coach Jimbo Fisher regarding Brooks’ play.
Heisman candidate, Jameis Winston had an outstanding first quarter as he threw for 229 yds. and led the Seminoles 35-0 before the end of the quarter. This is the fifth time Winston throws for over 200 yds. in the first half against an ACC opponent. This is also the most passing yards in a single quarter since Chris Weinke threw for 238 yds. against Duke in 2000. Winston finished the game with a total of 292 yds. and 3 touchdowns after only playing for just over half of the game. “He’s accurate, he’s got good players, they run a good scheme, they protect him…that’s what a championship team looks like.” said NC State Head Coach, Dave Doren.
Of the 34 times Florida State has faced North Carolina State, the Seminoles have won 23 times including Saturday night’s victory. The last time the Wolfpack were able to pull off a victory in Tallahassee was in 2005. “ We are just trying to take each game, game-by-game…what happened to us last year kind of ruined the season for us. We just wanted to come out in this game and start fast, which we did, and end fast.” Stated FSU DT Jacobbi McDaniel.
This is the fifth time Florida State has over 500 yds. in a single game, and the Seminoles’ 556 yds. against N.C. State are the third –highest of the season.
The Seminoles will host undefeated rival and No. 7 Miami next Saturday night as Tallahassee welcomes former Nole Lee Corso and his ESPN College Gameday Crew. This will be the second time Florida State is featured on College Gameday this season and in the past three weeks. “That’s what I came here for…just the big-game atmosphere, playing football for Florida State. We’re going to prepare the same and do everything the same, but it’s a rivalry game so they’re going to come with it and we’ve got to come with it too.” Commented Winston on the upcoming game.
