His voice still resonates with enthusiasm and hope, enough to let someone know Bobby Bowden hasn't lost passion as Florida State's iconic football coach.
He mentions the progress with the offense. The better understanding among his remodeled coaching staff. The improved recruiting efforts in February. The optimistic outlook he maintains for the team.
"We're still a team of potential, a team that hasn't done it yet," said Bowden, following spring practice "But I do see potential out there."
While the Seminoles had a relatively smooth spring, devoid of serious injuries, they're still left with a lot of uncertain questions. Their list of issues grew in April when receiver Preston Parker, the team's top offensive player last year and the overall MVP of a disappointing 2007 season, was arrested near West Palm Beach for carrying a concealed weapon and having marijuana in his vehicle.
His case will be resolved, but it's the last thing FSU needed after an offseason dealing with the academic fraud resolution and complete overhaul of the athletic administration.
Still, natural optimism enters the 2008 outlook. Will hope translate into performance for the Seminoles?
For the eighth consecutive year, Florida State begins a season far removed from the Top 10, the perceived title contenders, the elite plateau of college football. It's a place the Seminoles once occupied as if they had a trademark.
But the current facts are stunning. Florida State finished the past two seasons unranked. The Seminoles have twice finished 7-6. Consider, they lost only 13 games during the entire decade of the 90's, which produced two national championships.
Their last win in a BCS bowl game was beating Michael Vick and Virginia Tech in the Jan. 4, 2000 Sugar Bowl to finish No. 1.
All this for a program once boasting an unbeaten bowl record for 14 straight years.
"We've got work to do to change who we are as a football team," said offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, the head-coach-in-waiting when Bobby Bowden retires. "There's work. That's going to take time. It doesn't just magically happen.
"It's still the same guys. They just have to get better and keep growing."
That's the daunting challenge facing Florida State. Will it happen? Can it happen?
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
By NOSTRADAMUS. The NBA Finals are over, and golf is now finished since Tiger is on an injury sabbatical. What do we have left? Football. Real football. College football, to be exact. Time to get your mean on.
In the next 60-some days before the college football season kicks off on August 30, I'll try to give you the low down about the season at h
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How about Walter Dix? I've heard his name so much during the last 3 years? I am proud he will be running for the USA team? If he was our running back, he might have been pretty good? Maybe he can get on the relay team and hopefully be #1 in the 200 meters?
With Fisher getting ready to take over in 3 or so years, it seems like he has increasing control over which coaches are being brought in. Lilly, Dawsey, Carter, and Trickett will all presumably keep their spots or move up in rank, but the defensive side is less secure. I'm of the belief that Mickey will retire with his good friend Bobby. That leaves the possibility of Amato taking over the defense
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In 1981, the Seminoles played consecutive road games at Nebraska, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and LSU and won three of them.
Knew that a long time ago an completely forgot about it. Every time I see that, it amazes me more and more. You want to build a national power? THAT'S how you do it! Take your show on the road and beat the big boys in their own backyard. It's no c
ok guys......we have already begun the next year of recruiting. Most of the web sites out there havent even ranked many players yet. However, as of today we have 2 commitments. They are Jaccobi McDaniel, and Willie Downs. Jaccobi is a 5star DT...........one of the top 10 best in the country........Willie is a 4star safety, receiver, and athlete. If anyone hears any ru
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I don't necessarily agree with it, but how convenient he will be back for the ACC opener against Wake? Just goes to show you that winning is the only thing that really matters. 50 hours of community service and 12 months probation for carrying a concealed weapon
