Hello,
I’m Mike Ferguson and the editor of Noled Out. This is the first time that I will speaking directly to you in first person since we first launched in April. I just wanted to use this opportunity to thank anyone who has ever taken the time to look at the site. Whether you’ve enjoyed what we’ve had to say or whether you think we’re a bunch of hacks, we’re glad you took the time to check us out. I also want to give a special thanks to the Bloguin network for building this platform for us to share our knowledge, opinions and insight.
While Noled Out is just in its infancy, we have hopes for big things in the future. We’re also hoping to expand what is currently a very small staff.
My daughter Trinity and I prior to the 2014 BCS National Championship.
On Thursday, I concluded my 10-part “Reasons for Seminole Resurgence” series. As you are all aware, last season marked the first time in 14 years that Florida State won the national championship. For some of you who like myself, grew up during the glory years of Florida State football, last season was a long time coming.
I remember being eight years old when I watched Warrick Dunn go down the sideline in Gainesville. I was nine when the “Choke at Doak” happened to conclude the 1994 regular season. I was a freshman in high school when FSU outscored Virginia Tech 18-0 in the fourth quarter to give head coach Bobby Bowden his first and only perfect season in Tallahassee. For people like myself, who grew up in the Seminoles’ hey-day, I like to call us, “spoiled Seminole children of the ’90’s”.
For those of us fortunate enough to grow up in that era, we may have taken Florida State’s football success for granted. After being one of the few remaining bodies in the student section while Wake Forest blanked the ‘Noles 30-0 in 2006 and sitting in the rain as Tim Tebow ran circles around us in 2008, I’ve certainly learned better. In regards to the way that head coach Bobby Bowden was forced out in 2009: well, that’s still too tough to talk about.
As difficult as what had become known as a “lost decade” was, it taught me to take nothing for granted and made what happened last season all the more special. As a graduate of Florida State University and a follower of the Florida State athletic programs for more than two decades, I had the fortune of giving press coverage of last year’s BCS run for isportsweb.
During our “Reasons for Seminole Success” series, we looked at the events that led to Florida State’s return to the top of college football. Some span long periods of time while others spanned just a single day. Nevertheless, they were all important toward Florida State regaining its place among the nation’s elite.
As I’m sure most of you are, we here at Noled Out are very excited for the start of the 2014 season. With a plethora of talent returning and a stellar recruiting class, big things appear on the horizon for years to come in Tallahassee. With Coach Fisher’s recent success, we’re hopeful that these last few years help bring about a new generation of spoiled Seminole children including my own.
As for you reading, thanks again for taking the time out of your day to see what we have to say. Whether you love the ‘Noles, hate the ‘Noles, have kind words, criticism or ideas for an article, your comments are always welcomed. Thanks again for reading and be sure to “Like” us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter.
Here’s a look back at our countdown:
Reason #10: Hiring Jimbo Fisher
After embattled offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden was bought out by boosters late in 2006, Florida State hired former LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher. Fisher quickly improved the FSU offense and was named the head coach in-waiting in 2008. While the decision to name Fisher as the legendary Bobby Bowden’s successor was questioned for a while, time has proven it to be more than the correct move.
Reason #9: 2009′s Strong Finish
The 2009 season is not one that we’ll look back on with fondness, but after a 2-4 start, the Seminoles won five of their final seven games. The strong finish not only kept the nation’s longest bowl streak alive, it preserved a 33rd straight winning season, sent Coach Bowden out a winner and built momentum for the start of the Fisher era.
Reason #8: Maintaining a Championship Atmosphere
While a once proud program had become marred by 7-6 seasons, cheating scandals and disappointing finishes, Florida State remained one of the biggest names in the country. Tallahassee remained one of the best places to be on a fall Saturday and the athletic facilities remained second to none.
Reason #7: Emphasizing Defense
As offensive-minded coaches fail to do too often, Jimbo Fisher never failed to overlook the importance of a great defense. Building up that side of the football allowed for Florida State’s return to the top of the ACC and eventually, the country.
Reason #6: Fisher’s First Class
While Coach Fisher’s first recruiting class wasn’t his best, it brought aboard a number of key pieces that brought about Florida State’s resurgence. Defensive stars like Christian Jones, Telvin Smith and Lamarcus Joyner showed tremendous leadership as seniors as the Seminoles captured their first national title in 14 years.
Reason #5: Beating Florida
Florida State lost six straight meetings to rival Florida from 2004-09. In that span, the Gators won a pair of national championships and three BCS games while Florida State captured just one ACC title and went without a BCS bowl victory. 2010’s match-up in Tallahassee was a 31-7 triumph in favor of the Seminoles and with it, came a major power swing for supremacy in the Sunshine State.
Reason #4: Ability to Rise to the Occasion
Through what was a down period for Florida State, the Seminoles always remained capable of playing with the nation’s best. Whether it was Virginia in 2004, Virginia Tech in 2005, Boston College in 2007 or BYU in 2009, FSU was never a program that could be taken lightly. Managing to win the occasional big game in the worst of times kept the program afloat.
Reason #3: Winning the ACC
After winning the ACC in 12 of its first 15 years in the conference, Florida State went six seasons without claiming a conference crown. After a 10-2 finish to the regular season in 2012, Florida State withstood a late Georgia Tech rally to take home the ACC title.
Reason #2: Stability at QB
From 2001-07, Florida State started six different quarterbacks due to struggles at the position. Christian Ponder would lead Florida State to a 10-win season in 2010 before E.J. Manuel led FSU to an ACC title two years later. Ultimately, Jameis Winston took the Seminoles to the promised land in 2013.
Reason #1: Signing Jameis Winston
Winning the recruiting battle for Alabama native Jameis Winston would give Florida State the elite signal-caller that it had sought for so long. As a freshman, Winston would lead Florida State to a 14-0 campaign while becoming the school’s third Heisman Trophy winner. Winston capped his freshman season by leading a come-from-behind victory against Auburn for the BCS National Championship.
