Florida

This one mattered. Yes, your favorite team was 4-6 and we were playing a Florida team where both teams had a losing record for the first time since 1959. We were playing at noon again for the umpteenth time this season, and we literally had the "H Team" on the broadcast. I guess the group that handled the post parade Dog Show was booked. But, their season is over at 4 and 7. For the second time in five seasons, the lizard has only four wins. Our kids had a chance to be pre-Bowden awful, but chose the alternative. Heading into November at 2-5, it did not feel like this was possible. But, the Bowl streak is not dead yet and 41 years of a winning record is also in play. But, aside from all that record keeping flotsam, this was Florida, at Florida, and we have to live with these people every damn day. And now, we can just smile, and pretend to care as they moan about their soggy cornflakes.

It was James Blackman's best day at the office to date. The stats won't agree, but in person, the kid was impressive. Without question, the highlight of the day was one play after serving as a human pincushion on a violent sack, he stands in the pocket like a stone and on 2nd and 19 with the game in doubt, delivers a dime to a nickel. Number 5, unselfishly being the teammate everyone loves, makes the dagger over-the-shoulder catch that led to a Cam score and an orange and blue rush to Interstate 75. James had at least four drops, and really only missed one throw - the amped up toss to a wide open Auden early. Other than that, he was money. The touchdown rocket to Noonie showed off the strength and the third read dump to Jacques that turned into a conversion showed the maturity upstairs. He may never be able to feel a rush, but this kid can flat out throw the rock. Although it was nice to see a supportive Deondre on the sideline this week, we will see what kind of leadership damage his recent selfishness has wrought with his teammates and coaches.

Speaking of kids that make you proud to be wearing garnet, how about Jacques Patrick. Season ending knee surgery. Nah, he comes back two weeks later. Plays behind the best back in FSU history for his first two years, then when it is his turn, the Noles land the best RB in the country who everyone but his mother thinks is going to be starting on Opening Day. So, when the kid does take over, who is his biggest cheerleader? On third and an Uber in the fourth, Patrick tipped the driver by carrying three dudes in orange the last four yards to convert. He limped off the field multiple times, but kept coming back willing his team to another win at Jimbo Fisher Field.

Before we leave the offense, let's not forget the cerebral stylings of Ryan Izzo. Knowing that making a tough grab would give us a first down in field goal range, he intentionally drops the ball that split the eight and one on his jersey. Why? Because, he and he alone knew that a punt would tee up a quick backbreaking pick six just seconds later. Not to be out-MENSA'd, Matthew Thomas, while cruising untouched into the end zone, made an incredible decision to botch a celebratory dive on the one. Then, playing chess when the rest of us are mired in checkers, he grabs a celebration penalty to push us back to the 16. He, and he alone, knew we would score eventually while taking another 4 minutes off the 4th quarter clock. Brilliant football IQ. I have no idea how this kid struggled with grades at FSU.

The streak of quarters without any offensive lineman holding our boys with their hands in the dirt has now hit 20. No problem. Brian Burns, Derek Nnadi and Josh Sweat just dominated again. Burns has rediscovered that he is unblockable, and after poor Felipe Franks was hogtied by Nnadi for the third time, he just figured it was more efficient for his future to throw it to us. Less hits, less time on the field, more press conference time comparing himself to Tom Brady. Our young secondary continued to impress, although this was not an especially tough assignment. Levonta Taylor found a nice bounce in the air for one pick, and was immediately lifted even higher by his high school teammate Mr. Nnadi. Then with that confidence, Taylor executed our first zone oskie of the season for a pick six. If we can find some linebackers in Bowl practice, this defense could be nasty next season.

The special teams was not noteworthy and that is awesome. Logan was solid, making yet another tackle when the 10 guys ahead of him all missed. Ricky got a chance to kick a field goal after eleven extra points last week. DJ did not drop anything and we only had one guy thrown out of the game. A good day overall.

For those of you who have sworn off the Swamp forever after horrendous past visits (and we have had more of these than I can count), this was the day to have come back. We parked on campus about a half mile from the Stadium gates in a beautiful courtyard. And we were alone…for the entire pregame tailgate. Not a garish tent or fan in sight. We thought maybe we were a day early. The walk to the game, normally a gauntlet of unique insults about our parentage and players, was more peaceful than communion. Even the new 4th period tradition in Gainesville of singing "I won't back down", was followed almost immediately by a Nole TD and about 20,000 blue wearing folks backing down to their car. Just a lovely nonconfrontational afternoon. Zowie, the benefits of a half decade of winning.

So, we head to the game we have been looking forward to since…oh hell…even I can't pull that off. The Warhawks are coming to town and I would guess about 50,000 Noles will be there to greet them. 35 years of Nole football alumni will however all be tuning in from around the nation willing this group to not let them down. As Championship game and playoff fever grip the college football universe, FSU will open the day while 99% of football fans are finishing up their yard work. Not us…up at 5 and tailgating in style. Last chance for you interlopers to steal some free food in the circus lot from your idiot hosts. Please do…