FSU and the BCS

I was sitting around Sunday afternoon reflecting on Florida State's 30-20 victory over Virginia Tech when the "crawl" on the channel I was watching indicated the new BCS Standings were out. I didn't pay much attention after seeing who was ranked in the top 5 or 6 … pretty much knew who would be there.

I turned away to grab my bottled water (it was not yet 5 p.m.) and when I refocused I could not believe what I was seeing:

FSU is currently Number 15 in the BCS!

Now, don't think I have succumbed to the notion that the Seminoles "are back" and The New Dynasty is under way. This is not an indication that all is now corrected. I don't drink Kool-Aid. And certainly not the flavor far too many are gulping down after this 2008 Edition's 6-1 start.

Rather, I simply could not believe I was actually seeing Florida State again noted in the rankings … it has been a while. For you conspiracy fanatics, it most certainly must be related to the fact that the BCS Commissioner for this year is ACC Commish John Swofford!

Florida State is not the 15th best team in the country - not yet.

However, because the ACC is more erratic than the Stock Market, the Seminoles have moved over to the left seat (for you airplane folks) regarding playing in Tampa at the end of the regular season.

Win the rest of your league games, and you will play in your second ACC Championship Game (and I can follow Gene Deckerhoff around in Raymond James - I have never broadcast a game from there and might get lost in the press box without some assistance). How many of us thought that a possibility a couple of weeks ago?

Can this Seminole squad win their remaining conference games? Didn't think so after three games. But I do now.

Wake has done FSU the huge favor needed by not maintaining its level of play. The Yellow Jackets have lost a little bit of the novelty and nuance of their running game here recently. Boston College can play well … and can play not-so-well … but you have them at home.

Though Maryland has played well of late, and Byrd Stadium is not a fun place late in the year, they are beatable. Clemson is without much direction right now with Tommy out and now being led by someone who goes by a name that sounds like a toddler gave it to him (every time I hear Dabo I think of Fred and Barney - no wait, that's Dino … never mind). While you always want to beat the Gators, winning right after Thanksgiving is not a requirement to play in early December.

Florida State is one of the Top 25 teams in the country - right now.

And … considering back-to-back 7-6 seasons … that is huge progress.

This team has a feel about them that is reflective of a young and self-assured, but not over-confident, group. They have an understanding of the reward and have embraced the concept of hard work and selflessness.

This group has yet to panic during a difficult situation. And they have a certain camaraderie that hasn't been seen here in Tallahassee for quite some time. The kids appear to like not only each other, but the staff as well. If not the staff individually, at least the direction the staff has them headed in and the goals laid out for them to achieve.

One area of concern would be injuries. Nicks and bruises, as well as some serious stuff, is to be expected - but hopefully not epidemic.

Coach Bowden has demonstrated, for about the hundredth time in his career, his ability and willingness to adapt and change as the game has evolved and offenses have transformed. Allowing Coach Fisher the same latitude and freedom on the offensive side of the ball as Mickey has enjoyed for many years on the other side speaks volumes as to the confidence Jimbo has earned in just under two years.

The new level of competition between the new offensive staff and the "mature" defensive staff has resulted in practices and scrimmages that might actually be somewhat easier that the games themselves. Playing the games is fun - for the players and also for the fans.

Bobby has done a great job in managing the egos that accompany the talent level of this staff -- Frank Broyles Award recipient (best assistant in the country) Andrews; Former Head Coach - Amato; Super Bowl Winner - Haggins; Head Coach-in-waiting - Fisher; Offensive Line Coach (considered the best in the country) - Trickett; NFL NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year - Dawsey; Super Bowl Winner - Carter … and that is not to slight any of the rest of the staff.

A young but hungry, and maybe a little more mature (than kids in the most recent past) group of players. An aggressive and competitive, talented, and diversified (some young, some old, some very experienced, some still learning) group of coaches. And a conference that is more unpredictable than any of us can remember, might set up nicely for Florida State to finish the year in the Top 15.

Talk about it on the

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