THE TEAM University :: Florida State University Location :: Tallahassee, Florida Conference :: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) First Season :: 1947 Head Coach :: Jimbo Fisher Rivals :: Miami, Florida, Virginia, Clemson Home Stadium:: Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium All-Time Record:: 497-237-17 Postseason Bowl Record:: 26-14-2 National Titles :: 2 (1993, 1999) Conference Titles :: 17 Heisman Winners :: 2 Consensus All-American :: 41 Colors :: Garnet and Gold
THE STADIUM
Stadium Name :: Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium Nickname :: "The Doak" Location :: Tallahassee, Florida Capacity :: 82,300 Opened :: October 7th, 1950 Field Surface :: Grass
THE COACH
Name :: John James "Jimbo" Fisher Date of Birth :: October 9th, 1965 Place of Birth :: Clarksburg, West Virginia Playing Career ::
--> Salem College (1985-1986)
--> Samford University (1987)
--> Position: Quarterback Coaching Career :: --> Samford Offensive Coordinator (1991-1992)
--> Auburn Quarterback Coach (1993-1998)
--> Cincinnati Quarterback Coach (1999)
--> LSU Offensive Coordinator / Quarterback Coach (2000-2006)
--> Florida State Offensive Coordinator / Quarterback Coach (2007-2010)
--> Florida State Head Coach (2010 - Present) Head Coaching Record :: 31-10 (.756)
JAMEIS WINSTON & JAMES WILDER JR. With EJ Manuel ready to start his NFL career in Buffalo, redshirt freshman Jameis Winston takes the reins of the Florida State offense in 2013. The #1 quarterback recruit in the country in 2012, the hype surrounding the Hueytown, Alabama native is off the charts. With a cannon for an arm and superb athleticism, Winston wowed spectators at Florida State's annual garnet and gold game in the spring. Winston undoubtedly has the talent, potential, and work ethic to lead the Seminoles to great places.
Sharing the backfield with Winston will be junior running back James Wilder Jr. Wilder is an extremely talented back who's strength and power is nearly unmatched in college football. The Doak Walker Award candidate is a downhill runner who has improved every season he has been in Tallahassee. His vision and pass catching ability has improved tremendously. The only thing hindering Wilder this season is that he will be splitting time in the backfield with Devonta Freeman.
TELVIN SMITH & LAMARCUS JOYNER Although Timmy Jernigan or Christian Jones would be an obvious pick for one of the defense's most integral players, Telvin Smith may turn out to be the most important Seminole on the defensive side of the football. The senior was given complete possession of the middle linebacker spot in Jeremy Pruitt's new defense, and will surely make the most of his opportunity. After finishing third on the team with 65 tackles last year while splitting time with Vince Williams, Smith will certainly improve those numbers. One of the most dynamic and energetic playmakers on the Florida State defense, Smith is also a very emotional and vocal leader, both on and off the field.
LaMarcus Joyner elected to return to Florida State for his senior season, citing "unfinished business" as his reason. Joyner made the move to cornerback this off-season, a position he hasn't played since his freshman year on campus. However, Joyner's elite defensive ability, football IQ, and athleticism, should allow him to make a seamless transition to cornerback. Joyner will be the leader of this defense, having been a four year starter for the Seminoles.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Florida State's biggest rivalry is undoubtedly the annual regular season finale against the Florida Gators. After dominating the first nineteen games of the series, the rivalry has become remarkably even. Although the Gators lead the overall series 34-21-2, the last thirty-eight meetings have been split in favor of the Noles, 19-18-1. Often adding to the tense clash for in-state bragging rights are national championship implications, as both teams have been a mainstay in the top tier of college football.
Last Result: FSU 26-37 UF
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI After meeting for the first time in 1951, Florida State and Miami have played uninterrupted since 1966, with the Hurricanes holding a 31-26 all-time advantage. However, since the Hurricanes have become a conference foe, the Seminoles maintain a 6-3 advantage. Because of the extreme success of both of these programs, the series emerged as one of premier rivalries in all of college football, with seven national championships being won by both teams since 1983.
Last Result: FSU 33-20 Miami
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
The Seminoles also possess a rivalry with ACC opponent, Clemson. The Noles dominated the contest throughout the 90s, but 1999 marked a milestone as Bobby Bowden's son, Tommy, was hired as Clemson's head football coach, marking the first time a father and son had coached against each other in a Division 1-A clash. During Tommy's tenure at Clemson, the game was referred to as the "Bowden Bowl" with FSU claiming 5-4 record before Tommy's resignation in 2008. With Clemson becoming an up and coming power in college football with their young talent, the rivalry is sure to be turned up a notch, as ACC title game implications will come into effect whenever these two teams meet.