On Dec 29, 2022, the Florida State Seminoles took a huge step towards returning to relevance and prominence by beating Oklahoma in the Citrus Bowl. The very next day a new goal was set.
Starting QB Jordan Travis, along with standouts Jared Verse, Trey Benson, and Johnny Wilson, announced their return to Tallahassee for another season. Top transfers, Keon Coleman, Braden Fiske and Jaheim Bell, chose the Noles over other recruiters and, with that, the new goal was undeniably clear. Florida State was back and ready to contend for a National Championship.
This became clearer when over the course of 12 regular season game wins and an ACC championship the coaches, players, and fans bought into the message Mike Norvell dictated - “Keep Climbing”. Moreover, this message was felt and seen when Jordan Travis, lost for the season due to injury, spun the inquisitive narratives “can Florida State overcome this loss?” and “are they still the same team as before?” The answers to these questions were yes and no, respectively.
After losing Travis, FSU won its final 3 games with both a second and third string quarterback. During that time the team transformed. The defense became the identity of the team. The defense became the heart and soul. In the 11 quarters after the Travis injury the FSU defense allowed only 1 touchdown while compiling 18 sacks and 36 tackles for loss.
After dominating Louisville in the ACC Championship the Noles had, not only, done their part but everything asked of them to secure a spot in the playoffs. On that same day in Atlanta, 2-time Natty winner Georgia was upset by #8 Alabama; potentially, ending their own chances at accomplishing THEIR goal to win 3 straight national championships. But, their opportunity of a 3-peat was ended on the field. Where football games are determined…..usually.
On Dec. 3rd, 2023 the day after FSU’s journey was set to continue and Georgia’s ended; the seemingly impossible happened. A 13-0 Power 5 conference champion was vaulted by, not one, but two 1-loss teams. The goal was snatched. The target taken. Not on the field of play, but in a board room.
Whatever reason the College Football Playoff committee chose to give for the exclusion of FSU, many can see the dollar signs written on the wall, and as FSU took on Georgia in the Orange Bowl, the same dollar signs flashed as several FSU players chose to opt out of the game. Several, headed for the draft, have an opportunity to change their lives in a way many could never imagine. Even those drafted in later rounds can see the chance of signing $5 million dollar deals. The business makes sense for them.
The abundance of players choosing to opt out of the Orange Bowl is not an indictment on Norvell and the FSU buy-in, but more of a testament to what Norvell and his staff promised to these players. Come to Tallahassee and play for a title. I’ll also get you to the next level. Both of those goals were in reach until one of them wasn’t, through no fault of anyone in Garnet and Gold.
As the 2023 season closes out, and the 2nd and 3rd stringers for FSU are currently down 60 to a Georgia team, that Joe Tessitore constantly reminds us is laser focused, I speak for majority of Seminole Nation when I say this team owes us nothing. They gave us one of the best seasons in Florida State history. They played for each other and for a chance to be immortal. Not for camaraderie and an Orange Bowl. And for that they will remain Unconquered.
Go Noles.
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