Last season was supposed to be our season. After a coaching staff revamp and the promise of old coaches coming back to Bobby’s side, we were poised for at least an ACC title. Or so we thought. As the season opened and we fell early to Miami, a sure win against a struggling team, the garnet and gold covering was peeled back from the eyes of every fan. This team was no different. This season would be no different.
After a stunning loss to Kentucky in the Music City Bowl to end last season, Coach Bowden began preparing for one of his most memorable seasons–his last season. Ending 33 years of coaching at Florida State and currently holding the record for most wins by a Division I coach (373 victories as of the end of last season), Bobby will hand the reigns over to offensive coordinator and assistant coach Jimbo Fisher. But at age 79, he has one last season left in him.
Bobby has much of the same squad to work with. A struggling quarterback, a runningback searching for a breakout season, a rookie offensive line, and a group of players who seem to have more energy off the field than on. Star wideout Preston Parker will start the first two games of the season on the bench following a suspension for a felony gun charge in the offseason. Six starters will also sit out the first three games due to involvement in the academic dishonesty scandal that brought much undesired attention to Florida State last season.
But come September 6, Doak Campbell will be focused on one goal–giving Coach Bobby the final season he deserves. After 12 ACC titles and 2 National Championships, it’s what he has earned. Bowden transformed Florida State, the one-time all-girls school with little sports program, to a major powerhouse contender in the ACC.
Let’s hope his last season will be worthy of his first 33.
Looks like Jimbo Fisher has taken a little more control of the team with the naming of Ponder as the starting QB. I am looking forward to cheering the ‘Noles on this weekend at Doak!
The transition has begun. Will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Im just excited Weatherford has been put on the back burner. We need someone better. Bobby deserves someone better in his last year.
Enjoy your time at Doak! I will be back there in 50 days. Cannot wait.