Osceola32 5

HELLO, HEI 5MAN

JAMEIS WINSTON WINS FSU’S THIRD HEISMAN TROPHY, LEADS NO. 1 ’NOLES TO BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME AGAINST AUBURN JANUARY 2014 VOLUME 32, No. 5 $3.95

Go online now at magazine.theosceola.com for fast, secure and convenient credit card ordering.

Share your love of the Seminoles this Holiday Season with a gift subscription to Osceola. Add a personal message below, or online at magazine.theosceola.com

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’

JAMEIS WINSTON AND FLORIDA ORIDA STATE STA TAT ATE ENTERS SEASON’S HOMESTR HOMESTRETCH REETTCCH H WITH INSIDE TRACK TO TITLE ITLE GAME IN PA PASADENA

DECEMBER 2013 VOLUME 32, No. 4 $3.95

SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS (all options include Express Editions and Football Yearbook) $49.95 - Osceola Magazine - 1 Year - (2nd Class Postage) $96.95 - Osceola Magazine - 2 Years - (2nd Class Postage) $71.95 - Osceola Magazine - 1 Year - (1st Class Postage) $141.95 - Osceola Magazine - 2 Years - (1st Class Postage) Go online now at magazine.theosceola.com for fast, secure and convenient credit card ordering.

YOUR BILLING INFORMATION:

IF A GIFT, RECIPIENT’S INFORMATION:

NAME

NAME

ADDRESS

ADDRESS

CITY

CITY

STATE

ZIP

HOME PHONE

STATE

EMAIL

EMAIL

CELL PHONE

CELL PHONE

ZIP

HOME PHONE

GIFT MESSAGE

Go online now to order: magazine.theosceola.com or make check payable to: Osceola, Subscription Service Dept., P.O. Box 1498, Shelbyville, KY 40066-1498 or call 1-800-524-9527

Go online now at magazine.theosceola.com for fast, secure and convenient credit card ordering.

The Osceola is published

by Landmark Community Newspapers, 2623 Regency Rd., Lexington, KY 40503. Periodicals postage paid at Lexington, KY and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send

Contents

JANUARY 2014 * VOLUME 32 * NO. 5

address changes to

EDITOR Tim Linafelt

Osceola, 601 Taylorsville Road, Shelbyville KY 40065.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Bob Ferrante Jim Henry

Osceola (USPS 673-510) is

STAFF Keith Jones Andrew Burgess Colin Hackley

June, July/Aug) by

ADVERTISING Tim Francis (800) 524-9527, ext. 111

published 10 times a year (monthly: SeptemberApril, bi-monthly: May/ Florida Newspapers, LLC, 601 Taylorsville Road, Shelbyville, KY 40066.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Shelbyville KY and at additional mailing offices.

Subscriptions: $49.95

DELIVERY Brad Rovetta

per year.

2013 FSU FOOTBALL Sept. 2 / at Pittsburgh* / W, 41-13 Sept. 14 / NEVADA / W, 62-7 Sept. 21 / BETHUNE-COOKMAN / W, 54-6 Sept. 28 / at Boston College* / W, 48-34 Oct. 5 / MARYLAND* / W, 63-0 Oct. 19 / at CLEMSON* / W, 51-14 Oct. 26 / NC STATE* / W, 49-17 Nov. 2 / MIAMI* / W, 41-14 Nov. 9 / at Wake Forest* / W, 59-3 Nov. 16 / SYRACUSE* / W, 59-3 Nov. 23 / IDAHO / W, 80-14 Nov. 30 / at Florida / W, 37-7 Dec. 7 / Duke / W, 45-7 Jan. 6 / Auburn / 8:30 p.m.

More than a Magazine PRINT | The Osceola Magazine The Osceola, the original publication dedicated to FSUathletics, is in its 30th year of publication, now with 12 issues, including our annual football yearbook.

’NOLES ENTER 2011 WITH AN EYE ON CHARLOTTE – AND MAYBE MORE POSITION PREVIEWS OPPONENT SCOUTING ACC RETROSPECTIVE RECRUITING ROUNDUP

2011 FLORIDA STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING

SEPTEMBER 2011 VOLUME 30, No. 1 $8.95

E.J.

1.800.725.4321/magazine.theosceola.com

DIGITAL | The Osceola Magazine

2011 FLORIDA STATE

OPPONENT PREVIEWS

Wake Forest Demon Deacons last season, allowing 35.8 points per game and a total of 5,168 yards. FSU contributed 485 yards in a 31-0 win.

Wake switched to a 3-4 defense last season but still lost nine of its last 10 games. There’s really nowhere to go but up.

Outside linebacker/defensive end Kyle Wilber had 65 tackles and six sacks. Strong safety Cyhl Quarles had 71 tackles last year.

JOSH HARRIS

QUICK FACTS Head Coach: Coach Jim Grobe is entering his 11th season at Wake Forest, and is 62-60 during his time in Winston-Salem. He has a 95-93-1 overall record in 16 seasons.

2010 Final Ranking: Unranked Top Returners: Offense: RB Josh Harris (126-720 yards, 7 TDs), QB Tanner Price (1,349 yards, 7 TDs, 8 interceptions) Defense: DB Chyl Quarles (71 tackles, 1 interception), DE Kyle Wilber (65 tackles, 6 sacks), DT Nikita Whitlock (44 tackles, 10.5 TFL) All-time series: Florida State leads the series 23-5-1, and topped the Demon Deacons, 310, last year in Tallahassee.

Fast Fact: This year will mark the first ever meeting between Lousiana-Monroe and Florida State. This year will mark the Last Post-season Appearance: Wake Forest defeated Navy, 2919, in the 2008 EagleBank Bowl.

They have missed the postseason each of the past two seasons.

Last Atlantic Coast Conference Championship: Wake claimed its second ever ACC title in 2006.

The Demon Deacons previously won the league in 1970.

Our new digital edition of the magazine can be viewed on your computer, iPhone or iPad. The digital edition allows you to view the Osceola before it hits your mailbox — perfect for a subscriber who doesn’t want to wait for the mail.

THE BOTTOM LINE Hard to believe that it’s already been five years since Riley Skinner & Co. were the class of the ACC with 11 wins, a conference title and a stunning 30-0 shutout of

PHOTO BY BRIAN WESTERHOLT/SPORTS ON FILM

HOW THEY RUN Wake features one of the rising tailbacks in the ACC, Josh Harris. As a freshman in 2010, he ran for 720 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 5.7 yards per rush.

Yes, Wake loves the tricky, misdirection running game that every defense hates. And the Deacons have at times run it well.

Wake ran for 103 yards last season in Tallahassee, but the Deacons needed 43 carries to do it. Three games later, in a loss to Virginia Tech, Harris ran for 240 yards.

The Deacons return four starters on the offensive line, all of them seniors. The likely starter at center, Garrick Williams, is a junior.

“Josh Harris has a lot of speed

and ability, and when he sees a hole he makes sure to hit it,” said 6-foot-3, 320-pound senior guard Joe Looney.

HOW THEY PASS This is how bad the passing attack was in 2010: Wake didn’t throw for 100 yards in six games.

The Deacons tried, but they just couldn’t complete passes.

Quarterback Tanner Price was forced to play as a freshman but struggled. He completed 56.8 percent of his passes but had more interceptions (eight) than touchdowns (seven).

Wide receiver Chris Givens caught 35 passes for 514 yards and four touchdowns last season.

HOW THEY DEFEND Wake’s defense was awful

FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium.

But Wake is showing that it is, well, back to being Wake (three wins in 2010).

“Last year was youth,” Wake coach Jim Grobe said. “We had 13 freshman start at least one game for us. We can’t do that at Wake Forest. We have to develop players.”

Grobe thinks the turnaround will occur this season. The Deacons return 17 starters, so they should be better. But they also play nine teams that were in a bowl last season (including a home game with Notre Dame), so it could be tough for Wake to jump to six wins and bowl eligibility.

“There’s something going on right now that I feel pretty good about,” Grobe said.

“It’s a hungry team. They were embarrassed about last season.

They will be a much better football team.”

2010 RESULTS (3-9)

9/2 PRESBYTERIAN, W, 53-13 9/11 DUKE, W, 54-48 9/17 at Stanford, L, 68-24 10/25 at Florida State, L, 31-0 10/2 GEORGIA TECH, L, 24-20 10/9 NAVY, L, 28-27 10/16 at Virginia Tech, L, 52-21 10/30 at Maryland, L, 62-14 11/6 BOSTON COLLEGE, L, 23-13 11/13 at N.C. State, L, 38-3 11/20 CLEMSON, L, 30-10 11/27 at Vanderbilt, W, 34-13

2011 SCHEDULE

9/3 at Syracuse 9/10 NORTH CAROLINA STATE 9/17 GARDNER-WEBB 10/1 at Boston College 10/8 FLORIDA STATE 10/15 VIRGINIA TECH 10/22 at Duke 10/29 at North Carolina 11/5 NOTRE DAME 11/12 at Clemson 11/19 MARYLAND 11/26 VANDERBILT

- Bob Ferrante

56 | OSCEOLA |SEPTEMBER, 2011

To Access: magazine.theosceola.com

JAMEISHEISMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

INSIDE Tim Linafelt: This year’s ’Noles do it their way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ward welcomes Winston to the club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Baseball coach Martin reacts to Winston’s big night . . . . . . . . . .16 ’Noles make waves at college football awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Jeremy Pruitt builds nation’s top defense in first year . . . . . . . . . 20 Jim Henry: Ward, Weinke and Winston make a winning trio . . 22 What’s old is new again between 1993, 2013 teams . . . . . . . . . . 24 Seminoles meet Auburn with national title on the line . . . . . . . 28 Auburn’s Malzahn makes metoric rise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Seminoles and Tigers by the numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Bob Ferrante: Jimbo Fisher has built more than just a team . . 32 Keith Jones: Winston wise to keep through past month . . . . . . 34 Eric Luallen: FSU, AU set to resume memorable series . . . . . . . . 35

OSCEOLA Express

ON THE COVER

Get all your weekly Seminole news, stats and comments from coaches and players in advance of the week’s football game in Osceola Express. Published each Wednesday during football season, it’ll get you ready for Saturday’s action.

To Access: magazine.theosceola.com

INTERNET | TheOsceola.com Follow FSU 24 hours a day at theosceola.com and our new partner 247Sports.com. Get breaking news, game reports, recruit databases, recruit rankings, video highlights and photo galleries. The Osceola’s memberonly message board, Unconquered, is one of the most active forums in college sports. $9.95 per month. 7-day free trial.

Visit the NEW TheOsceola.com

HELLO, HEI 5MAN

Jameis winston wins FsU’s third heisman trophy, leads no. 1 ’noles to bcs national championship game against aUbUrn JANUARY 2013 VOLUME 32, No. 5 $3.95

Jameis Winston joined an exclusive club by becoming Florida State’s third winner of the coveted Heisman Trophy. Winston, a redshirt freshman quarterback, won in a landslide over candidates from Alabama, Texas A&M, Auburn and others. Winston will now lead the top-ranked Seminoles to Pasadena, Calif., where they hope to topple No. 2 Auburn and claim their third national championship.

COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HEISMAN TRUST

J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4 | O S C E O L A | 3

Roses were the theme of the night on the Florida State sideline as the Seminoles wrapped up their 45-7 win over Duke in the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte, N.C. Kelvin Benjamin (left) and the Seminoles now have their sights set on a national championship.

They’ll play Auburn for it next month in Pasadena, Calif.

PHOTO BY TRAVIS REGISTER

Jameis Winston provided one final Heisman moment before the votes were cast, running and then leaping over a Duke defender for a touchdown that broke open FSU’s blowout win over the Duke Blue Devils in Charlotte. The Seminoles have now claimed two straight ACC titles.

PHOTO BY TRAVIS REGISTER

It’s a lonely field for Duke RB Josh Snead, who looks up to find himself surrounded

by FSU defenders Telvin Smith (22), Ronald Darby (3), Timmy Jernigan (8) and Jalen Ramsey (13).

PHOTO BY TRAVIS REGISTER

From the Editor

twitter: @Osceola_Tim

Seminoles celebrate as Fisher’s vision comes full circle

BY TIM LINAFELT

Fisher on down to his senior class, Heisman favorite quarterback and beyond – had irreversibly rewritten the narrative.

Jimbo Fisher’s Seminoles are the unanimous No. 1 team in the nation.

In a few weeks, they’ll play SEC champ Auburn for the national championship.

“It was just a reckoning,” senior linebacker Telvin Smith said.

SOONER OR LATER, THEY WERE BOUND TO RUN out of Powerade coolers on the Florida State sideline.

As the seconds ticked down on No. 1 Florida State’s 45-7 victory over No. 20 Duke in the ACC Championship Game a few weeks ago, just about every member of the Seminoles’ coaching staff fell prey to a shower of ice, water and high-fructose corn syrup in the midst of 40-degree temperatures in downtown Charlotte.

“I just felt like everyone else was doing their coaches, so why not do our coach?” Devonta Freeman said after he and fellow running back James Wilder Jr. doused coach Jay Graham.

Not that anyone minded.

In clinching their first appearance in the BCS National Championship Game in 13 years, the Seminoles partied like it was, well, 1999.

Senior safety Terrence Brooks clutched an oversized rose between his teeth, a nod to the title game’s host site, the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, Calif.

Players danced, hugged and swam through a sea of confetti as quarterback and Jameis Winston preached from the post-game podium that they still had work to do.

Even newly minted celebrity Frankie Grizzle-Malgrat, the FSU ball boy better known as “Red Lightning” thanks to his bright-as-a-tomato hair and beard, took part in the revelry on the field at Bank of America Stadium.

“It’s surreal, man,” senior receiver Kenny Shaw said.

“It’s what we came here for and we finally got it.”

It was hardly an easy road.

A program that won a combined 22 games in the three seasons before Jimbo Fisher took over as head coach required a thorough renovation.

A year ago, after a 12-2 season, an ACC title and a victory in the Orange Bowl, the Seminoles were needled by national media who said that this was as good as things would get for this program.

That season-breaking losses to the North Carolina States and Virginias of the world, the likes of which FSU had suffered often in Fisher’s first three seasons, were here to stay.

But by the time the clock hit zero here on Saturday night, Florida State – from

In clinching their first appearance in the BCS National Championship Game in 13 years, the Florida State Seminoles partied like it was, well, 1999.

1 0 | O S C E O L A | J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4

“We tried to put ourselves back to where we were supposed to be.”

In the 13 years following the end of Florida State’s “dynasty” era, the program has been followed by the same, dogged question: When will Florida State be “back?”

We asked it as the Seminoles slogged through a decade that actually featured more highlights – in the first half of it, anyway – than people tend to remember.

We doubted it when Florida State sunk to once unthinkable depths in the late-2000s, regularly losing to perennial ACC bottom-feeders while its chief rival hoarded Heisman Trophies and national championships.

And as the program started to show signs of life under Fisher, we still wondered if he was the right man for the job after its occasional stumbles.

It turns out, though, that we were asking the wrong question all along.

These Seminoles were never interested in placing themselves alongside their predecessors from the ‘80s and ‘90s. They’re making their own way.

It’s fitting, then, that Florida State will play for the national championship game at the Rose Bowl, a place where no FSU team has ever played.

No, the Seminoles aren’t back.

They’re going somewhere they’ve never been.Tim Linafelt is the Osceola’s editor.

Email him at tim@theosceola.com

Hei5man Trophy ChampsSportsBowl Florida State vs. Notre Dame / Citrus Bowl / Dec. 29 / 5:30 p.m. / ESPN

Jameis For Three WINSTON JOINS WEINKE, WARD IN FSU FOOTBALL LORE

C

BY TIM LINAFELT harlie and Chris have company.

Jameis Winston, Florida State’s redshirt freshman quarterback, wrote his name in both school and college football history Saturday night by winning the 79th Heisman Trophy.

Winston, at 19 years, 342 days, the youngest Heisman winner, breezed past a field of finalists that included last year’s winner, Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel, as well as Alabama’s A.J. McCarron, Auburn’s Tre Mason, Boston College’s Andre Williams and Northern Illinois’ Jordan Lynch.

He joins Charlie Ward (1993) and Chris 1 2 | O S C E O L A | J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4

Weinke (2000) to form a trio of Heisman winners from Florida State, which lays claim to both the oldest and youngest players to win the Trophy.

“It’s a blessing. I don’t even know what’s going on right now,” Winston said while fighting back tears. “Honestly. I’m so happy. I’m so overwhelmed by this whole thing. This is the first time I’ve been speechless in a long time.”

A former five-star quarterback prospect from Bessemer, Ala., Winston entered his first season as a starter under a mountain of hype. But he answered the hype – and effectively launched his Heisman candidacy – with a star turn in his debut at Pittsburgh.

There, Winston completed his first 11 passes on the way to a 25-of-27, five-

touchdown (four passing, one rushing) performance.

By the time the Seminoles wrapped up their second consecutive ACC championship last week, Winston had shattered records at the school, conference and national level.

His 38 touchdown passes are the most in FSU and ACC history and are the most by a freshman in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) history.

Winston’s 190.1 passer rating is the best in the country, and he ranks in the Top 10 nationally in completion percentage, touchdown passes, passing yards, passing yards per game, yards per completion, points responsible for and points per game.

He’s also the first freshman to

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TH EHEISMAN TRUST

quarterback his team to 13 wins and has a chance for 14 when he leads the topranked Seminoles into next month’s BCS National Championship Game against No. 2 Auburn.

“My team just won one award tonight,” Winston said, “and hopefully we can hold up that crystal ball.”

Winston’s season, though, isn’t just measured in his numbers, but also by how he accumulated those numbers.

The 6-foot-4, 228-pound, dual-threat quarterback dazzled with his ability to evade defenders, escape the pocket and, more often than not, find an open receiver for a highlight-reel play.

He did it against Bethune-Cookman with a twisting, defender-splitting scramble into a falling-down touchdown pass to receiver Kelvin Benjamin. And again a few weeks later when threw a Maryland defender off his back, scrambled to his right and found tight end Nick O’Leary in the back corner of the end zone for a leaping TD. But the best of Winston’s best might have come at the end of the second quarter in Chestnut Hill, Mass. It was there, against the Boston College Eagles, that the Seminoles faced the biggest threat to their undefeated season.

FSU started slow and fell down 17-3 before Winston brought the Seminoles back, first with a 56-yard touchdown strike to receiver Rashad Greene and later with a 10-yard scoring strike to fullback Chad Abram. With the clock running down on the half, Winston made the play that will be played on his highlight reel for years to come – and that was shown several times during ESPN’s TV coverage of the Visit the NEW TheOsceola.com

“This is the first time I’ve been speechless in a long time.”

Heisman ceremony.

Winston received a shotgun snap with 1 second remaining and was immediately besieged by Eagles defenders. He slipped out of the reach of one, threw off another and stepped into a deep throw – right as a third defender collided into his chest – that hit receiver Kenny Shaw in stride for a 56-yard touchdown that propelled the Seminoles to a 48-34 victory, their closest of the season.

“It couldn’t have been more on the money,” Shaw said. “I knew he could get it there. He can throw it probably on his knees to the end zone.”

Winston played the final quarter of the regular season under the shadow of a sexual assault investigation that was made public despite the fact that he’d been neither arrested or charged with a crime.

He played three games while the Florida state attorney’s office conducted its investigation and appeared completely unaffected by any off-field issues, leading the Seminoles to blowout wins over Syracuse, Idaho and Florida.

Two days before the ACC Championship Game, state attorney Willie Meggs announced that Winston would not face

charges and that the case was closed. The Seminoles went on to rout Duke, 45-7, clinch their first-ever 13-0 record and a chance to win FSU’s third national title.

The investigation didn’t cost Winston the Heisman, but it did lead 115 voters to leave him off their ballots entirely, meaning he could’ve won by an even larger margin.

“I knew that I did nothing wrong,” Winston told reporters this week in New York. “I knew that I could respect the process and that I would eventually be vindicated.”

Come Saturday night, when Winston and his fellow finalists descended upon the Best Buy Theater in Times Square, the only remaining suspense surrounded Winston’s margin of victory and who would finish second.

That turned out to be Alabama’s McCarron, who had 79 first-place votes.

Lynch finished third, followed by Williams, Manziel and Mason.

As has often been the case since Labor Day, this night belonged to Winston, who on Saturday traded in his garnet and gold uniform for a black suit with peak lapels, white shirt and black-and-blue plaid tie.

He listened as Heisman Trustee Jim Corcoran called his name, flashed his nowtrademarked grin and made his way on stage where he lifted his 25-pound trophy.

He gave a short, emotional speech in which he repeatedly spoke of “trusting in the process” -- a mantra of FSU coach Jimbo Fisher’s.

He used the phrase to describe his days as a youngster in Bessemer and also his decision -- aided by FSU’s baseball coaching staff -- to say no to pro baseball and become a two-sport athlete in Tallahassee.

And Winston said he trusted the process again over the past month, when his name made headlines for reasons other than football.

“I trust in the process that evaluates facts and its truth is delivered with positive outcomes,” he said.

As Winston spoke, cameras cut to his parents, Antonor and Loretta, and to Fisher, who smiled while wiping tears from his eyes. He made reference to them, his high school coach, FSU baseball’s Mike Martin and Mike Martin Jr., and former FSU assistant Dameyune Craig, who now coaches at Auburn.

“This Heisman isn’t just for Jameis Winston. It’s for Florida State,” Winston said. “I love everybody in here. I’m so blessed right now. It means so much to me.”

J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4 | O S C E O L A | 1 3

Charlie Ward greets Jameis Winston as he joins the Heisman fraternity

C

Welcome to the club

By Bob Ferrante

1 4 | O S C E O L A | J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4

harlie Ward had a feeling that Jameis Winston would win the Heisman Trophy.

Florida State’s first Heisman winner, from exactly 20 seasons ago, has seen firsthand the talent that Jameis Winston has shown, as Ward has watched every Seminoles game either on TV or in person.

Ward is impressed by Winston’s composure, ability to read defenses, arm strength and mobility. But Winston’s consistency has set him apart from other college quarterbacks.

“He’s been steady pretty much all year,” Ward said a few days before the Dec. 14 Heisman ceremony. “That’s probably one of the reasons why he’s going to win the Heisman. Heisman winners are steady throughout the season.”

Ward first met Winston a few years ago at a USA Football all-star game in Houston.

A high school coach in the Houston area, Ward was helping coach the U.S. team.

Even though Winston didn’t play, Ward was able to talk with the prep star and get to know him over the course of a few days.

He saw talent in the Alabama native then, but Ward isn’t surprised at how well Winston has adapted and progressed at the college level.

“The development of quarterbacks is a lot more advanced in this day and age,” Ward said, pointing to summer 7-on-7 tournaments and quarterback camps. “If you can get a guy that is willing to put in the time to be successful and have the skill level to be successful, then you are going to have this type of development and growth at an early age.”

Winston has impressed from the start of his Florida State career, beginning with a 25-of-27 night in which he threw for 356 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-13 win at Pittsburgh on Labor Day. He threw for 300 yards in seven of 13 games, but perhaps more impressive is that he helped No. 1

Florida State (13-0) score at least 37 points in each game.

Just 13 games into his college career, Winston has pieced together arguably the finest season ever by a Florida State quarterback. He has thrown for a schoolrecord 38 touchdowns and his 3,820 passing yards is second on the single season list to just Chris Weinke’s 4,167 from his senior season of 2000 (in which he won the Heisman).

Winston has also completed 67.9 percent of his passes, which puts him just fractionally behind the school record 68.0 that EJ Manuel had as a senior in 2012.

Ward won a national title on Jan. 1, 1994, when Florida State knocked off Nebraska 18-16 in the Orange Bowl. Winston was born five days later in Bessemer, Ala., near Birmingham.

The only football Winston ever saw Ward play has been on ESPN Classic or YouTube. Ward jokes that he’s old enough to be Winston’s father, but he enjoys being

a big brother or mentor to Winston.

“I just try to share with him my life, help him through his journey,” Ward said.

“There are a few people that he’s trusted, former athletes that have been able to share their experiences. And I think that’s been very helpful.

“He’s listened and been respectful to the wisdom that he’s been given. Coach (Jimbo) Fisher, (quarterbacks coach Randy) Sanders, myself and other mentors that he has, he’s willing to listen.”

Ward said that Winston is often leaning on his raw ability but says “he is getting the ball to the right guys at the right time.” He sees the opportunity for Winston to push himself even further to improve in years to come.

Florida State’s Heisman fraternity grew from two to three on Saturday night.

Ward is proud of Winston and what he’s accomplished in 2013.

“He’s the real deal,” Ward said.

HOW THEY COMPARE Charlie Ward // Chris Weinke // Jameis Winston Charlie Ward, 1993

6-2, 190; fifth-year senior 264-380; 69.5 percent; 3,032 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 157.8 passer rating; ACC player of the year, consensus All-American, Davey O’Brien Award, Johnny Unitas Godlen Arm Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year Award; Won 1993 national championship with 18-16 win over Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.

Chris Weinke, 2000

6-4, 232; senior 266-431; 61.7 percent; 4,176 passing yards; 33 touchdowns; 11 interceptions; 163.1 passer rating; ACC player of the year; Davey O’Brien Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Sammy Baugh Trophy; Won 1999 national championship with a 46-29 win over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl, played for the 2000 national championship against Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl.

PHOTO BY COLIN HACKLEY

Jameis Winston, 2013

6-4, 228; redshirt freshman 237-349; 67.9 percent; 3,825 passing yards; 38 touchdowns; 10 interceptions; 190.2 passer rating; All-time ACC and FSU leader for touchdown passes in a single season; Most touchdown passes by a freshman in FBS history; ACC player of the year; ACC rookie of the year, Davey O’Brien Award, Walter Camp Award, first freshman to lead a team to a 13-0 record, will play for the 2013 BCS National Championship on Jan. 6 against Auburn in Pasadena, Calif.

Visit the NEW TheOsceola.com

JameisHeisman 2013 HEISMAN VOTE 1 Jameis Winston, 2,205 (668) 2 AJ McCarron 704 (79) 3 Jordan Lynch 558 (40) 4 Andre Williams 470 (29) 5 Johnny Manziel 421 (30) 6 Tre Mason 404 (31) 7 Bryce Petty 127 (4) 8 Derek Carr 107 (6) 9 Braxton Miller 91 (4) 10 Ka’Deem Carey 70 (2) NORTHEAST 1 Winston 2 Williams 3 McCarron 4 Lynch 5 Manziel MID-ATLANTIC 1 Winston 2 McCarron 3 Williams 4 Lynch 5 Mason SOUTH 1 Winston 2 McCarron 3 Mason 4 Manziel 5 Lynch MIDWEST 1 Winston 2 Lynch 3 McCarron 4 Williams 5 Mason FAR WEST 1 Winston 2 McCarron 3 Lynch 4 Williams 5 Manziel

J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4 | O S C E O L A | 1 5

Martin: ‘It was a great night for Florida State’

BY BOB FERRANTE Mike Martin has coached dozens of All-Americans and four Golden Spikes Winners. Now entering his 35th year in the business, he’s used to seeing his players honored for their achievements on the field.

A fan of many sports, Martin found himself watching the Heisman Trophy presentation on Dec. 14 with a vested interest as his pitcher-outfielder-designated hitter from the spring won the most prestigious individual honor for how well he played on the football field for Florida State this fall.

“It was just a great night for Florida State, one that I’ll certainly always remember,” Martin said. “It’s the first Heisman trophy (winner) I’ve ever had.”

1 6 | O S C E O L A | J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4

Winston didn’t play football in 2012, so the first time that FSU fans ever saw him on the field was in the spring. He went 1-2 with a 3.00 ERA and two saves, recording 21 saves in 27 innings. Winston also hit .235 with seven doubles and 21 runs scored, often playing right field and showing off his arm strength in nailing runners at both third base and home plate.

But this fall, FSU’s baseball staff and the players turned spectators and watched Winston excel on the football field.

Winston threw for a school and ACC record 38 touchdowns, and the freshman had 3,820 passing yards in leading the No. 1 Seminoles to a 13-0 record.

“Anytime that you’ve had a player as long as Jameis was with us last season, to excel

in another sport and have success is very meaningful to us,” Martin said. “The way that he has handled everything is a credit to him and his family. And his teammates.

“He had people on our baseball team that were right there for him. And that makes all of us a family.”

Martin has seen all of FSU’s football games this season, either at Doak Campbell Stadium or on TV. And Martin, along with members of the baseball staff, plan to make the trip to California for the BCS championship game on Jan. 6 when FSU plays No. 2 Auburn (12-1).

“Don’t know where I’m going to be sitting yet, but I’m certainly excited to be going and watch them play for a title,” Martin said.

After the football season, Winston will rejoin his baseball teammates as they prepare for the 2014 season. Coaches can begin working with players in early January, and full-squad workouts will begin on Jan. 24.

Opening Day is Feb. 14 at home against Niagara.

While fans have speculated that Winston may be limited to being just a pitcher or hitter in 2014 to help him rest or prevent an injury, Martin said he and Jimbo Fisher haven’t discussed that. Winston’s role is still to be determined – as a pitcher, for example, he could be used in middle relief, as a set-up man or closer. Martin said he’d like to see where all of the players best fit once practice begins.

“If coach Fisher comes to me and says, ‘Let’s guard against this. Let’s be aware of this,’ then certainly we’re going to take that in,” Martin said. “We’re going to listen. If there is no concern in that area, then we want to do what Jameis is comfortable in doing.”

Martin feels that while everyone may fear an injury to Winston, that it also may be exaggerated. He said they will be cautious not to have Winston throw too many pitches and give him ample rest between outings, but that’s typical of any pitcher, too. And Winston could get hit by a pitch in the batter’s box, so there are risks no matter what position he plays. It’s the nature of sports, Martin said.

Winston came to FSU to be a two-sport athlete, and it’s clear that he will be doing that moving forward.

“We’re going to treat Jameis just like any other member of our baseball team,” Martin said. “If I didn’t, Jameis would really be mad. He doesn’t want to be treated any differently.”

Bryan Stork Rimington Trophy / Most Outstanding Center

Jameis Winston Heisman Trophy Walter Camp Award Davey O’Brien Award ACC Player of the Year ACC Rookie of the Year ACC Championship Game MVP

Roberto Aguayo Lou Groza Award / Top Placekicker 1 8 | O S C E O L A | J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4

SEMINOLES CLAIM THEIR PLACE AMONG NATION’S BEST

BY TIM LINAFELT Jameis Winston is going to need a bigger trophy case.

The Florida State quarterback turned Thursday's College Football Awards show into a prelude for Saturday's Heisman Trophy presentation, winning the Walter Camp Player of the Year and Davey O'Brien (top quarterback) Awards.

The redshirt freshman, considered the overwhelming favorite become FSU's third Heisman winner, joined Charlie Ward as the only other Seminole to win the Walter Camp honor. Ward and Chris Weinke are also FSU's only previous winners of the Davey O'Brien Award.

Ward (1993) and Weinke (2000), of course, are also FSU's only Heisman winners, too.

Winston and the top-ranked Seminoles will face No. 2 Auburn next month in the BCS National Championship Game.

“With a team like that,” Winston said, “anyone can do it.”

Winston went 2-for-3 on the night; Alabama's A.J. McCarron earned the Maxwell Award as the best overall player.

Winston, though, wasn't the only Visit the NEW TheOsceola.com

Seminole to step into the spotlight, though. FSU senior Bryan Stork took home the Rimington Trophy, presented to the nation's top center, and freshman kicker Roberto Aguayo became FSU's third-ever recipient of the Lou Groza award.

FSU senior defensive back Lamarcus Joyner was also nominated for the Jim Thorpe Award, but the honor went to Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard.

And junior tight end Nick O'Leary was a runner-up for the Mackey Award, which instead went to Washington's Austin Seferian-Jenkins.

Stork learned he'd won the Rimington Trophy during a pre-show, red-carpet ceremony. The Vero Beach native spent the early portion of his career switching between center, guard and tackle before finally settling in the middle.”

“This is the Heisman for centers so it’s very exciting for me,” Stork said. “I’ve worked very hard these past five years, but I also wouldn’t be here without my teammates and my coaches, especially my offensive line coach, Rick Trickett.

“We still have one more game to play,

so I’m focused on that, but this is a great honor and I’ve really enjoyed being here in Orlando.”

Aguayo entered the season as an assumed question mark, a redshirt freshman set to fill in for one of the most successful kickers in FSU history.

The Mascotte native then proceeded to break record after record on his way to perhaps the finest kicking season in FSU history.

Aguayo is 19 for 20 in field goal attempts and 90 for 90 on extra points.

His 147 points are an ACC and FSU record, and are more total points than FSU's opponents have combined to score against the Seminoles this season.

He joins Sebastian Janikowski (1998, 1999) and Graham Gano (2008) as Seminoles to have won the award.

“Kicking University, that's what it is,” Aguayo told the Tallahassee Democrat.

“I knew coming in I had big shoes to fill.

Hopefully I filled them pretty well coming here and winning this Groza Award.”

J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4 | O S C E O L A | 1 9

A succesful experiment PRUITT WASTES NO TIME BUILDING NATION’S TOP DEFENSE

F

lorida State's defense was expected to go through some growing pains after losing seven starters to the NFL, including a pair of first-round picks in defensive end Bjoern Werner and cornerback Xavier Rhodes.

Three of four defensive assistant coaches left for other jobs.

There were a few speed bumps early, especially during a 48-34 win at Boston College on Sept. 28. Since then, the Seminoles have allowed just 79 points in the last nine games.

Despite the turnover, Florida State's defense has improved, and much of the credit goes to first-year coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.

Coach Jimbo Fisher lured Pruitt, who won a pair of national titles as Alabama's defensive backs coach, to Tallahassee to replace Mark Stoops (who 2 0 | O S C E O L A | J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4

had left to take over as Kentucky's head coach).

Pruitt was one of five finalists for the Broyles Award, presented annually to the nation's top college assistant coach.

While he didn’t win, it was a reward for how well Pruitt has done in his first year at FSU. “I want to thank him (Fisher) for going out on a limb and hiring a guy that’s only been a college assistant for three years,” Pruitt told reporters at a Broyles Award banquet in Little Rock, Ark. “Think about that. I was defensive backs coach at Alabama, where everybody in the country knows who the DB coach is, and that’s Nick Saban. I’m not ashamed to say it. He is the DB coach. Everybody knows it. All you have to do is run the film.

“For Coach Fisher to go out on limb to offer me a coordinator job, I owe him a lot.

For him to believe in me and have faith, I’m truly thankful for that.”

No. 1 Florida State (13-0) finished off a perfect regular season and kept No. 20 Duke off the scoreboard until the final minute in the ACC championship game.

The attention has often been on quarterback Jameis Winston and a prolific offense that has averaged 53 points per game.

But the Seminoles have also enjoyed one of their best defensive seasons in a decade.

They lead the nation in scoring defense (10.7 points per game), the lowest total since Florida State allowed just 10.2 points per game in 2000.

"He's had a great year,” Fisher said of Pruitt. “Our defense has had a great year.

It's been a huge part of our success, what we're doing on defense."

Pruitt has turned a very good Seminoles defense into an even better one in 2013 with more aggressive schemes.

He loves to blitz, often sending cornerback Lamarcus Joyner after the

quarterback, and he likes to show multiple defensive fronts.

In the days after Pruitt was hired in January, Rhodes and Werner decided to leave FSU after their junior years.

Joyner and linebacker Christian

around him, it was kind of easy for all the guys buy into it.

That's exactly why we're having success this year, because of that trust factor."

Pruitt also got Florida State to buy into something else -- the need to force more turnovers. Florida State had just 11 interceptions and 10 fumbles in 2012, numbers that put them in the middle of the pack in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

"As good as Florida State played defensively last fall, one of the things where we really could improve is getting turnovers," Pruitt said in August.

His players listened and have delivered.

The Seminoles have 25 interceptions, which leads the nation. While they have more than doubled last year's interception total, Florida State has also recovered nine fumbles.

The combined 34 turnovers places the Seminoles in the top 5 in the FBS. Just about everyone has had a part in the interception party, as 16 players have at least one. True freshman Nate Andrews has four interceptions, Telvin Smith has three, while Ronald Darby, P.J. Williams, Terrence Brooks and Joyner have two apiece.

"Pruitt is amazing," Brooks said. "His defense is really good. Everyone is really buying into it."

Andrews, initially thought to be facing a possible redshirt season, has found playing time both as a fill-in starter and as a backup (he has 31 tackles) defensive back. Another true freshman defensive back, Jalen Ramsey, has started every game while recording 44 tackles and an interception.

"They're going to be really good in the future," Brooks said of the underclassmen. "Probably better than we are, to tell the truth."

The defense is improving as the season progresses. While the Florida State secondary is considered one of the best in the nation, Fisher said the defensive linemen and linebackers deserve plenty of credit for the increased interception totals.

"Those guys are able to run and put pressure on the passer, and we’re able to do the things we do," Fisher said.

Florida State was one of the nation's top defensive teams the past few seasons under Stoops. He took the defense from one that was ranked 100th in scoring defense in 2009 to a top-10 group.

Now, with Pruitt, Florida State has the nation's top defense.

"We've got a great group of guys as far as character," Joyner said.

"We're all in it together."

“To see him come in and to see his hunger to get this program better ... it was a great experience,” senior Lamarcus Joyner said.

Jones debated their decisions, and in many ways it was Pruitt who talked made the rising seniors comfortable with the new defensive schemes that he would be employing.

"Jimbo laid out what he wanted defensively," Pruitt said at the Broyles event. "This is what we want to be. This is what we've got; this is who we are. Our seniors were coming back, they grasped it and they took it and ran with it."

Convincing a few more seniors to stay was key in maintaining stability even though both changed positions. Jones is now often a rush end, and he has 47 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss this season. Joyner moved from safety to corner, a switch that he hoped would help raise his NFL draft stock.

Joyner was an All-ACC first-team pick, recording 60 tackles and a team-leading five sacks.

"I just remember having a conversation with Coach Pruitt over the phone, and from that conversation I knew what kind of character man he was," Joyner said. "To see him come in and to see his hunger to get this program better and install his defense and his philosophy around here, it was just a great experience.

"It was almost that love-at-first-sight thing, just meeting him and just speaking with him. Just the intelligence he has and the care and the love he has for the game and to make kids better Visit the NEW TheOsceola.com

J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4 | O S C E O L A | 2 1

JIMHENRY

Ward, Weinke and Winston form a winning fraternity CHARLIE WARD AND CHRIS WEINKE, SCOOT ON OVER. Jameis Winston is now part of your exclusive fraternity.

How cool is that?

Florida State has three Heisman Trophy winners in the house following Saturday’s ceremony in New York City, Winston, a 19-year-old redshirt freshman, is the youngest player to receive college football most coveted individual award.

Talk about bookends.

In 2000, at 28, Weinke became the oldest person to receive the trophy.

And, of course, you have Ward, one of the program’s most heralded two-sport stars. And the only Heisman winner to play in the NBA. Ward, Weinke and Winston.

It has been said before - and worth saying again.

Three W’s equal three winners.

They are three different guys, too.

Ward follows his heart with the help of God’s guiding hand.

Weinke is a successful businessman, coach and teacher who has remained in football.

Winston might go down as the best of all, according the numbers, but his personality and smile are off the charts.

Ward was the first winner in 19993.

He is not a history buff though.

He is not consumed by records or accomplishments.

He is certainly grateful for his talents, mind you.

Yet, in the same fresh breath of air, Ward’s quick to add that his success, no matter how extraordinary, wasn’t possible without teammates, coaches and his personal faith.

“I was surprised and shocked for some the awards I was up for and won,” Ward said of his 1993 college football season and roll call of name plates that included: The Heisman Trophy (most outstanding player), the Davey O’Brien Award (top quarterback), the Maxwell Award (player of the year) and the James E. Sullivan Award (top amateur player).

“It was definitely amazing, and something I couldn’t fathom,” Ward said.

That’s Charlie.

Unassuming. Polite. Not driven by an ounce of ego or fame.

That’s part of the reason Ward loaned his 1993 Heisman Trophy to the public library in his hometown of Thomasville, Ga., 20 years ago. Private and reserved, he also didn’t want folks marching through his parents’ home to see the award.

Ward may ask the library for it back one day, but he’s not in any rush.

It might sit there for another 20 years, on display near the children’s books like it is today, hopefully inspiring other small-town youngsters to chase their dreams.

Ward continues to chase his dreams, too, at age 43.

It has been said before - and worth saying again.

Three W’s equals three winners.

Charlie Ward, Chris Weinke and Jameis Winston are all different guys, too.

2 2 | O S C E O L A | J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4

He recently resigned as the head football coach at Houston Westbury Christian after six seasons.

Ward enjoys coaching and mentoring youth, and wants to continue the combo if he finds the right fit for himself and his family.

At the moment, Ward’s looking into coaching opportunities in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.

Ward, despite his small-town roots, enjoyed his first trip to the Big Apple 20 years ago.

His entire family accompanied him and stayed in the Downtown Athletic Club, home, at the time, to the annual awarding of the Heisman Trophy and located in lower Manhattan.

Ward admits the best part – aside from meeting past Heisman winners and childhood heroes Tony Dorsett (Pittsburgh, 1976) and Mike Rozier (Nebraska, 1983) and winning the Heisman – was visiting the city’s landmarks.

“All of us had never been a part of something like that, enjoying the sights and scenes of New York City,” Ward said.

Ward also watched a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.

Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, John Starks and the fellas were in blue, orange and white that evening.

Ten months later, Ward was a point guard and their teammate on the Knicks, and remains the only Heisman winner to play in the NBA. Weinke wanted to shake Winston’s hand when he arrived in the Big Apple.

He wanted to talk football with Winston.

Maybe a little baseball, too.

Just two Florida State quarterbacks – one old school, one new school – together sharing stories.

“He is really something special,” Weinke said.

“I mean, how many bad quarters of football did the kid play this year?”

An index, middle and ring fingers’ worth maybe? FSU coach Jimbo Fisher’s probably the only one who really knows, because it’s not the kid’s style to boast.

Instead, Winston credits his offensive line, his running backs, his receivers, Jimbo and fans.

He also finished with a flurry despite being the focus of a sexual-battery investigation that has now been removed.

Winston’s numbers talked the talk and walked the walk, setting Football Bowl

Subdivision records for passing yards and passing touchdowns by a freshman.

Better yet, since it’s a team game, Winston has led the Seminoles to a 13-0 mark, a No. 1 ranking and a spot in the BCS Championship game on Jan. 6 in Pasadena, Calif., against Auburn.

“The guy is the best player in college football,” Weinke said.

It takes one to know one, regardless of the generation gap Weinke capped his remarkable back-toschool story when he won the Heisman in 2000 as a 28-year-old.

He had spent six years playing minor league baseball before returning to school in 1997.

“You feel like you are the most important person in the world,” Weinke said.

The busiest, as well.

Weinke, director of football at IMG Academy in Bradenton, says he honestly can’t remember many of the details from his ceremony 13 years ago.

He recalls being in awe when he walked into the room with the portraits of former winners on the wall.

He remembers seeing Archie Griffin, who to this day is the only two-time winner in Heisman history.

Visit the NEW TheOsceola.com

He remembers being really, really nervous.

“More nervous than any football game I ever played in,” Weinke said.

When his name was called, the 6-foot-5 Weinke smiled, stood up and walked into history.

A few minutes later, he was immediately whisked away for interviews, handshakes, hugs and a new life.

“From that point forward, you are always introduced as a Heisman Trophy winner,” Weinke said. “Even saying that now, it means so much.

“The further you are removed from it, the more special it becomes.”

Winston will return to Tallahassee on Tuesday with crystal-clear vision: To become the third Heisman winner since 2009 to capture a national championship.

Auburn quarterback Cam Newton (2010) and Alabama running back Mark Ingram (2009) were also double winners.

Weinke wasn’t as fortunate in 2000.

The Seminoles lost to Josh Heupel and the Oklahoma Sooners, 13-2.

Weinke did not throw a touchdown pass for the first time that season.

Weinke has faith in Winston.

He says the teenager makes plays that are usually reserved for veterans. Winston has a feel for the game, too, from throwing the ball with accuracy, throwing it with anticipation and having total command of the offense.

Weinke likes that Winston plays with emotion, but he explained that when the ball is snapped until the whistle blows, Winston is curator calm and collected.

“A lot of things he does, you can’t teach,” said Weinke, who met Winston two years ago when Winston played in a high school football all-star game.

Winston, a pitcher-outfielder, also played baseball last spring for the Seminoles and says he wants to continue to play both sports.

Balls and strikes can wait.

“You look at the body of work he has put together from the first game, and at the level he has sustained it, he’s really special,” Weinke said.

Actually, all three are special.

No wonder FSU is bursting with pride..

Jim Henry is a former senior writer and general manager of the Osceola.

He is currently the assistant sports editor at the Tallahassee Democrat.

J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4 | O S C E O L A | 2 3

What’s old is new again SEMINOLES OF 1993, 2013 MEET AT HISTORY’S DOOR / By Jim Henry Editor’s note: For our final “Flashback ’93 feature, Jim Henry, who covered the 1993 Seminoles, takes a look at both teams and chats with members of the ’93 team about this year’s squad.

I

t's still too early -- at least by a few weeks -- to tell if this Florida State football team is the best in program history.

Sure, the undefeated and topranked Seminoles (13-0) are on pace to be the highest-scoring team in the history of college football.

They’ve scored at least 37 points in every game this season. That’s never been done before.

They’ve won every game by at least 14 points. That’s only been done one other time in FBS history.

2 4 | O S C E O L A | J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4

“Florida State is back where it’s supposed to be,” former tailback Warrick Dunn said.

“Back in the national spotlight.”

They are on pace to have three 1,000yard receivers and a 1,000-yard rusher.

That’s only been done one other time as well.

But, remember, old times are good times, too.

Make that great times.

The 1993 Florida State Seminoles were honored prior to the team's homecoming game against Syracuse earlier this

season. The celebration honored the 20th anniversary of the Seminoles’ first national football title.

Coaches and players from that team – including Bobby Bowden, Charlie Ward and Derrick Brooks – shared smiles, hugs and stories during a two-hour reception the night earlier at the Varsity Club inside Doak Campbell Stadium.

It might be 20 years ago on the

and tailback Warrick Dunn.

Bentley's 22-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining proved to be the difference in FSU's 18-16 victory over Nebraska in the Orange Bowl for the national title.

Dunn, like Bentley, was a productive freshman on that team and helped the

Administrators from that time who showed included Bob Goin (athletic director), Wayne Hogan (assistant athletic director), Dr. Brian Mand (assistant athletic director) and Andy Urbanic (assistant athletic director).

Coaches in attendance included Mickey Andrews (defensive coordinator) and Jim Gladden (outside linebackers).

Stan Wilcox, the Seminoles' current athletic director, welcomed the group.

(Opposite page) Bobby and Ann Bowden "It was so much fun and well stand at midfield, surrounded by done," said Hogan, who resides members of FSU’s 1993 championship tema. Left, Heisman winner Charlie Ward in Atlanta and was recently an waves to fans. Below, Warrick Dunn calls athletic administrator with the shots during his senior season.

Georgia Tech.

"Most of those players I haven't seen since that season, or when I left (FSU) in 1995. "It was a fun, loud raucous gettogether. Just so special.”

Ward, who captured the program's first Heisman Trophy that season, arrived near the end of the reception from his hometown of Houston.

Hogan said Ward, despite his polite, quite demeanor, can still captivate an audience.

Ward wore a long-sleeve Seminole (basketball) shirt and cap.

"Charlie looks exactly like he did 20 years ago," Hogan said and laughed.

"He hasn't changed a bit.

He walked into the room like he was any other guy off the street. Once people realized he was there, everyone wanted to see him. The guy can captivate an entire room without Seminoles make history. saying a word."

"Oh, man, it was so exciting to see Other players, of course, traded good those guys after so long," said Derrick natured barbs.

Alexander, a sophomore defensive end Bates said it was the receivers and on the 1993 team who is a high school defensive backs who gained the weight, coach in the Tampa area. while the offensive linemen lost it from "It was fun to talk about what we their playing days. accomplished. You look around and we Alexander said Brooks remains had some very special players on that confident. Brooks was a heralded team. We were so dominating on both linebacker on the 1993 team who played sides of the football."

14 seasons in the NFL and is expected to

HAPPY HOMECOMING

calendar, but it doesn't seem that long ago to many.

Including yours truly.

I've had the opportunity to cover FSU athletics since 1987, when I was a sports writer for the Tampa Tribune.

The 1993 FSU team set the standard for all other Seminole teams to follow.

And it was so wonderful to see so many familiar faces.

"It was great – like I was back in college," said Chad Bates, a freshman offensive lineman on the 1993 team who lives in West Palm Beach.

"It was like a family reunion; you just talked about the old times."

The team had plenty to talk about.

An estimated 50 players showed for the reception that included food, drinks, speeches and video highlights of the championship season. The group swelled to more than 100 including wives, children and family members.

Notables who did not make the reception included kicker Scott Bentley

Visit the NEW TheOsceola.com

J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4 | O S C E O L A | 2 5

be a first-ballot entry into the 2014 Hall of Fame.

During a heart-felt speech, Brooks specifically recognized Andrews and credited the coach for defining his illustrious career.

"Derrick will tell how good he was, but he does in such a humble way you can't get mad at him," Alexander laughed. "I am telling ya, we had so much fun."

Jesus Hernandez, who resides in Miami and is a successful CEO, was a sophomore offensive tackle on the 1993 team. He arrived in the United States as a child with his mother from Cuba.

“Coach (Bowden) remembered my name and he remembered I was from Cuba, so it was all good,” Hernandez said and laughed.

“It has been such a long time, but it also seemed like yesterday.

You felt like you catch up in two seconds.”

Alexander, however, said the reunion was also a dose of reality.

"Man, we are a bunch of old guys now," Alexander said. “I feel it (Saturday morning).”

"It made me feel like it was 20 years ago."

While Dunn missed the ceremony, he has watched the program closely from afar.

Sixteen years after it played in the first Bowl Championships Series title game, FSU will play in the final one.

Dunn is California Dreamin', too.

"There were so many people who were bashing the program," the former Florida State tailback said of the Seminoles' struggles, specifically from 2005 to 2009, when the program was a pedestrian 3827.

"Florida State is where it's supposed to be. Back in the national spotlight."

And back on the front porch with serious curb appeal.

Athletics, specifically football, are said to be the front porch of universities that welcome visitors inside to see what else they have to offer.

A well-run athletics program attracts interest, support and money.

Football rules in the south, and Florida

2 6 | O S C E O L A | J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4

State coach Jimbo Fisher has skillfully directed the Seminoles' return to national prominence.

Undefeated FSU and No. 2 Auburn (12-1) meet for the national title on Jan. 6 in Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif.

The Seminoles certainly have that St. Bobby flair and genre about them.

Confident. Talented. Dominating.

Dang fun to watch.

Dunn was on FSU's first national championship team in 1993 under coach Bobby Bowden. That team set the standard for others to follow.

Six years later, the Seminoles' 1999 national title team was the first in college football to go wire-to-wire as No. 1.

This is a new era with a new leader.

Jimbo's philosophy has taken root and blossomed.

Sure, Fisher remains intense, controlling and demanding.

Fisher might say he's the same guy, that he thinks the same way and believes in the same things that he did four years ago when he took over as head coach.

The process doesn't change, right?

Yet, there has been a subtle difference in style.

Seminole players have alluded to it over the course of the season, and even Dunn has noticed it from afar.

At least from the press box, Fisher's

belief in his organization, from top to bottom, has translated into a calmer, justas-confident coach.

"I think he has done a good job adjusting; he's had to adjust as a coach," Dunn explained.

Dunn is a businessman, philanthropist, former NFL player and a loyal Seminole.

Dunn, who deals daily with strategies, tactics and cultural attitudes, likes what he sees at FSU. Fisher replaced six assistant coaches and 11 NFL draft choices from last season. No. Big. Deal.

The Seminoles are a complete team – offense, defense and special teams. The coaching has been superb, the gameplanning sharp.

Jameis Winston became the program's third Heisman Trophy winner, too, last weekend in New York City, joining Ward and Chris Weinke (2000).

"He plays with confidence," said Dunn, whose roommate 20 years ago was the program's first Heisman winner in Ward.

"The way he plays, he feels like he's entitled to be where he's at. I belong here.

I am supposed to be here. I am supposed to be the best."

While Dunn added that Winston hasn't gotten the Seminoles this far by himself, the fact is, the Seminoles are here. With the chance to prove they are the best.

Again, after 14 years.

Dunn will be in California, ready to mingle with fans in this BCS goingaway party.

Dunn will participate in a pregame tailgate, sponsored by PrimeSport, a global sports travel and event management company.

Dunn’s true legacy in life really doesn't involve football, but he still takes absolute joy in FSU's success.

“It’s so good to hear everyone talking about Florida State again, all the positive things being said,” Dunn said.

Just like 20 years ago.

Take The Seminoles With You! Activate your

FREE FULL ACCESS account today!

(Actual iPhone / iPad screens shown above)

As a valued subscriber to our magazine you also have FREE FULL ACCESS to our online suite of products including: INCLUDED!

Osceola E-Edition: A FREE online duplicate of the glossy magazine you can read on

your PC/MAC, iPhone/iPad, and Android* device. Available to view for FREE before your printed copy arrives!

INCLUDED!

Osceola Express: This FREE online only edition is published regularly throughout the season, and is jam-packed with the latest news on your Seminoles. You can expect: • • • • • •

Complete Coverage of FSU Basketball & Football In-Depth Recruiting Coverage Coach & Player Features Game Previews & Analysis Columns from the Experts AND much, much more!

You can unlock free full access in minutes by activating your account online!

1

Go to: magazine.theosceola.com and click on “Register for E-Edition/Express”

2

Enter your Subscription Account ID # and Street Address (Enter exactly as they appear on your label)

3

Click continue, and fill in the information on the following page to activate your account.

********** ALL FOR ADC 400 S29 P122 0000 EXPIRATION DATE: 0000 Joe Seminole Subscription Account ID 12345 Seminoles Road Tallahassee, FL 32310

Your account is now registered for FREE FULL ACCESS! Return to magazine.theosceola.com at any time to read the E-Edition or Express at no additional cost. Just look for Access E-Edition or Access Express under VIEW, and enter with the email and password you created during registration.

Thanks so much, and let us know if you need any further help.

Osceola Staff magazine.theosceola.com support@theosceola.com Visit the NEW TheOsceola.com

*Android 2.2 or higher with Flash required. Not compatible with all devices.

J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 3 | O S C E O L A | 2 7

BCSNationalChampionship

Florida State vs. Notre Dame / Citrus Bowl / Dec. 29 / 5:30 p.m. / ESPN

ChampsSportsBowl

COMING UP

ROSES

’NOLES MEET OLD FOE IN PASADENA FOR NATIONAL TITLE

F

BY TIM LINAFELT lorida State's road to a third football national championship will indeed go through the Southeastern Conference.

The Seminoles, a unanimous No. 1, will officially face SEC champ Auburn on Jan. 6 at the BCS National Championship Game in Pasadena, Calif.

"I didn't care who (the opponent) was,” FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said. “I'm just glad Florida State's there."

A Seminoles-Tigers matchup wasn't on anyone's radar as recently as last month.

But near-miraculous wins over Georgia and then-No. 1 Alabama thrust Auburn into the discussion.

2 8 | O S C E O L A | J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4

Then previously unbeaten Ohio State rendered a week's worth of debate moot by falling, 34-24, to Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game, clearing AU's path for a meeting with Florida State.

FSU will be the latest to challenge the SEC's streak of consecutive national championships, which is up to seven. But unlike most of those seasons, the challenger is also expected to be a decided favorite.

“I feel like it's not the ACC conference versus the SEC conference. It's Florida State vs. Auburn,” FSU senior Lamarcus Joyner said. “It's a bunch of great, talented group of kids over here vs. a great, talented group of kids.

“There's no doubt in my mind that they're a great football team, but it's us versus them.”

Although FSU and Auburn haven't met on the football field since 1990 – AU leads the all-time series 13-4-1 – there are still plenty of connections between schools that are located only about 200 miles apart.

Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher began his major college coaching career at Auburn, where he served as the quarterbacks coach from 1993-1998. Fisher coached under Terry Bowden, son of legendary FSU coach Bobby, and helped guide the Tigers to an 11-0 record in '93, but, due to NCAA probation, the Tigers were banned from TV and postseason play.

The Seminoles went on to claim their first championship that same year.

“I always tell Florida State this: we should have had half of that National Championship in '93,” Fisher said with a

laugh. “ We were the only undefeated team in the country. But that was great years at Auburn. I enjoyed my years at Auburn, I really did.”

While at Auburn, Fisher mentored Dameyune Craig, a quarterback who led the Tigers to 18 wins as a starter in 1996 and '97 and set a school record for total yards in a single game with 588.

When Fisher took over as head coach at FSU in 2010, he hired Craig on his first staff. Craig served as FSU's quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator for three seasons before leaving to become the co-offensive coordinator at his alma mater prior to the 2013 season.

“There's a man that me and Coach Fisher both love on that coaching staff, his name is Dameyune Craig” FSU quarterback Jameis Winston said. Winston is plenty familiar with Auburn, too. He shares his hometown, Bessemer, Ala., with former AU great Bo Jackson and grew up in the shadow of the Auburn-Alabama rivalry.

And he also credited Craig as a big reason he ended up leaving the Yellowhammer State for Tallahassee.

“Me being from Alabama,” Winston said, “I'm going to be excited to play this game.”

Florida State vs. Auburn 1954 1956 1957 1960 1962 1963 1972 1974 1975 1976 1977 1983 1984 1985 1987 1989* 1989 1990

AU 33 AU 13 AU 29 AU 57 AU 14 AU 21 AU 27 AU 38 AU 17 AU 31 FSU 24 AU 27 AU 42 AU 59 FSU 34 FSU 13 FSU 22 AU 20

FSU 0 FSU 7 FSU 7 FSU 21 FSU 14 FSU 15 FSU 14 FSU 6 FSU 14 FSU 19 AU 3 FSU 24 FSU 41 FSU 27 AU 6 AU 7 AU 14 FSU 17

Auburn leads series 13-4-1 * ­— 1989 Sugar Bowl

BOWL PICKS BCS National Championship 1 Florida State vs 2 Auburn Orange Bowl 12 Clemson vs 7 Ohio State Cotton Bowl 13 Oklahoma State vs 8 Missouri Sugar Bowl 11 Oklahoma vs 3 Alabama Fiesta Bowl 15 UCF vs 6 Baylor Rose Bowl 5 Stanford vs 4 Michigan State Capitol One Bowl 19 Wisconsin vs 9 South Carolina Gator Bowl Nebraska vs 22 Georgia Chick-fil-Bowl 24 Duke vs 21 Texas A&M Alamo Bowl Oregon vs Texas

Visit the NEW TheOsceola.com

Tim Linafelt

Bob Ferrante

Chris Nee

Tom Liscio

Florida State

Florida State

Florida State

Florida State

Ohio State

Clemson

Ohio State

Clemson

Oklahoma State Missouri

Oklahoma State Missouri

Alabama

Alabama

Alabama

Oklahoma

Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

UCF

Stanford

Stanford

Stanford

Michigan State

South Carolina South Carolina South Carolina Wisconsin Georgia

Nebraska

Georgia

Nebraska

Texas A&M

Texas A&M

Texas A&M

Texas A&M

Oregon

Oregon

Oregon

Texas

J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4 | O S C E O L A | 2 9

AU’s Malzahn experiences metoric rise Former high school coach has Tigers set for No. 1 FSU in BCS National Championship game

BY BRYAN MATTHEWS AuburnUndercover.com AUBURN, Ala. -- Eight years and one week ago, Gus Malzahn was leading Springdale (Ark.) High School to the Class 5A state championship.

Now, in his first season as head coach at Auburn, he’s coming off a win in the SEC Championship game and preparing the second-ranked Tigers to take on No. 1 Florida State in the BCS National Championship game.

It’s been a ballistic ascent for Malzahn in the coaching ranks.

He’s faced some adversity, but earned his way to the top.

Houston Nutt gave Malzahn his big break on Dec. 9, 2005, naming him Arkansas’ offensive coordinator, but much of the focus at the time was on the Springdale Five, a group of five talented recruits headlined by quarterback Mitch Mustain.

Four of Malzahn’s former players including Mustain and wide receiver Damian Williams followed him to 3 0 | O S C E O L A | J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4

Arkansas, but both transferred to USC after Malzahn left a year later to become offensive coordinator at Tulsa.

Malzahn’s year at Arkansas was marked with turmoil as Nutt chose to run a more traditional offense.

It was with the Golden Hurricane that Malzahn was able to unleash his offense unhindered for the first time at the college level.

Tulsa led the nation in total offense in 2007 and 2008. His 2007 offense was the first in NCAA history to have a 5,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and three 1,000yard receivers.

Malzahn spent the next three years as offensive coordinator at Auburn, helping the Tigers to the 2010 BCS National Championship.

After leading Arkansas State to the Sun Belt conference championship in his first year as a college head coach, Malzahn was back in Auburn where he’s engineered one of the biggest turnarounds in NCAA history, and already broken many of

Auburn offensive records he helped set in 2010.

Gone are the ‘high school coach” comments,

which

Malzahn

actually

embraced.

He remains proud of his roots. Now, it’s Malzahn being linked to any big college job that comes open.

Malzahn,

who

abhors

distractions,

quickly put an end to a false report he had interest in a potential Texas job by quickly signing a contract extension last week.

It certainly sounds like he’ll be pacing Auburn’s sidelines for many years to come.

“This where I want to be. I love Auburn,” Malzahn said. “You start hearing rumors about this stuff, I didn’t want our players or coaches or fans to wonder how I felt. I wanted to be here and I’m one blessed guy to be the head coach of the Auburn Tigers.”

HOW THEY GOT HERE

SEMINOLES - TIGERS

BY the NUMBERS 689 53.0 338 132 184 22 2,696 3,047 351 474 5.7 207.4 41 4,186 268-407-13 10.3 15.6 322.0 40 6,882 881 7.8 529.4 27-701 34-340 25-525 26.0 10.0 21.0 11-4 71-634 48.8 36-1,468 40.8 34.1 121-7,325 60.5 41.3 29:38 80/145 55% 2/3 67% 33-248 0 90 19-20 0-0 67-69, 97% 90-90, 100% 527,947

SCORING Points Per Game FIRST DOWNS Rushing Passing Penalty RUSHING YARDAGE Yards gained Yards lost Rushing attempts Avg. Per Rush Avg. Per Game Rushing TDs PASSING YARDAGE Comp-Att-Int Avg. Per Pass Avg. Per Catch Avg. Per Game Passing TDs TOTAL OFFENSE Total Plays Avg. Per Play Avg. Per Game KICK RETURNS PUNT RETURNS INT RETURNS KICK RETURN AVG. PUNT RETURN AVG. INT. RETURN AVG. FUMBLES-LOST PENALTIES-Yards Avg. Per Game PUNTS-Yards Avg. Per Punt Net punt avg.

KICKOFFS-Yards Avg. Per Kick Net Kick Avg. AVG. TIME OF POSS 3rd-Down Conv.

3rd-Down Pct. 4th-Down Conv.

4th-Down Pct. SACKS BY - Yards MISC YARDS TDs SCORED FGs- ATTEMPTS ON-SIDE KICKS RED-ZONE SCORES PAT-ATTEMPTS ATTENDANCE

Visit the NEW TheOsceola.com

Auburn’s Road to the BCS National Championship Game 522 40.2 309 215 80 14 4,364 4,599 235 676 6.5 335.7 46 2,205 159-258-7 8.5 13.9 169.6 18 6,569 934 7.0 505.3 36-866 29-341 13-112 24.1 11.8 8.6 28-11 65-531 40.8 50-2,126 42.5 40.2 92-5,913 64.3 40.1 30:07 77/169 46% 8/15 53% 28-201 103 69 14-19 2-3 51-57, 89% 62-63, 98% 685,252

Aug. 31 / WASHINGTON STATE / W, 31-23 Sept. 7 / ARKANSAS STATE / W, 38-9 Sept. 14 / MISSISSIPPI STATE / W, 24-20 Sept. 21 / at LSU / L, 35-21 Oct. 5 / OLE MISS / W, 30-22 Oct. 12 / WESTERN CAROLINA / W, 62-3 Oct. 19 / at Texas A&M / W, 45-41 Oct. 26 / FLORIDA ATLANTIC / W, 45-10 Nov. 2 / at Arkansas / W, 35-17 Nov. 9 / at Tennessee / W, 55-23 Nov. 16 / GEORGIA / W, 43-38 Nov. 30 / ALABAMA / W, 34-28 Nov. 30 / Missouri / W, 59-42

Tigers’ Statistical Leaders PASSING Nick Marshall 128-212, 60.4 percent, 12 TDs, 5 INTs RUSHING Tre Mason 283-1,621, 5.7 YPC, 124.7 YPG, 22 TDs Marshall 156-1,023, 6.6 YPC, 85.2 YPG, 11 TDs RECEIVING Sammie Coates 38-841, 22.1 YPC, 64.7 YPG, 7 TDs Ricardo Louis 26-297, 11.4 YPC, 22.8 YPG, 2 TDs Marcus Davis 22-191, 8.7 YPC, 14.7 YPG TACKLES Chris Davis 69 tackles, 2.5 TFLs Cassanova McKinzy 66 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks Jermaine Whitehead 62 tackles, 1.5 TFLs Dee Ford 26 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 8.5 sacks INTERCEPTIONS Robinson Therezie 4-99 Ryan Smith 3-4

J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4 | O S C E O L A | 3 1

BOBFERRANTE

Fisher hasn’t just built team — he’s built a program THERE WERE PLENTY OF TIMES IN THE 2010 SEASON when we saw the frustration from Jimbo Fisher, the steam building inside over the struggles of reshaping Florida State’s football program.

In November 2010, FSU’s promising 6-1 start began to turn very ugly.

There were back-to-back losses, first at North Carolina State on a goal-line fumble in the final minute, and then after failed defensive efforts and missed field goals at home against North Carolina.

FSU was 6-3 and slipping back to its late-2000s form.

Fisher then let loose a geyser of emotions at his Monday press conference following the loss to the Tar Heels.

“This team has to learn to develop a killer instinct,” Fisher said in a raised voice during a lengthy rant.

“And not hope to win but understand how to win. There’s nobody on this football team that has. There’s nobody on this football team that has reached that level and understands what it takes.”

Fisher was essentially calling out his players. He was challenging them to prepare and practice harder, to play smarter.

The wins and losses from 2010 reminded us that the rebuilding job wouldn’t be achieved in a season.

Fisher knew that it would take time (a process) and that it would take the right mind-set by the players (a culture).

It was clear that Fisher and his staff were on the right track, though. And it was evident that the players were responding to the challenge. Or at least those that didn’t want to put in the effort that the coaches desired either graduated or didn’t stick around.

Fisher and his staff recruited better, but it was more than just winning the services of five-stars and four-stars.

It was finding the right athlete who was willing to not just bring his talent to Tallahassee but would be coachable and would be self-motivated. And it wasn’t about making himself better, but also those in his position group and then the team.

The results began to show the progress but every season there was a stumble or two.

It was a not-so-subtle reminder that FSU was improving year-to-year but not yet achieving what it should as a program.

That’s why fans took the 2012 losses so hard. FSU was supposed to have learned plenty from the losses. This was a veteran team with a senior quarterback, playmakers and pass rushers. But those losses at N.C. State and against Florida were a reminder of what happens when you let your guard down and don’t prepare well.

Remove 11 players that were drafted, including a pair of first-rounders in quarterback EJ Manuel and cornerback Xavier Rhodes.

Remove seven starters on defense.

Take away six assistant coaches.

3 2 | O S C E O L A | J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4

Through all those losses, FSU made progress in 2013 and is 13-0.

A season in which there have been 13 wins and all but one of them a completely dominating performance.

“What I love about what we’re doing right now, we’re becoming a program,” Fisher said after the ACC championship game victory.

“I’ve always said that teams come and go. Programs sustain the test of time.

“We had 11 guys drafted last year, 14 guys signed pro contracts.

We’re able to come back with the senior leadership and some young guys that incorporate the program and our assistant coaches. And that’s what we want. We want to be a program, not a team.”

These Seminoles had to lose at first to understand how much more they needed to push each other and themselves to win.

The players are having fun out on the field, of course, but what drives them more often than not is that they hate to lose.

The losses of 2012 shaped the winning of 2013.

“We did envision this after last season because we left a lot out there on the table,” linebacker Telvin Smith said. “We felt it was so much that we were supposed to accomplish.”

What FSU has accomplished is building a program that aspires to do something special.

Part of it is the chase for the national title.

But the other aspect is restoring the program to where it once stood.

Back to being a program that’s one of the best in the nation.

Bob Ferrante covers Florida State athletics for the Osceola, the Palm Beach Post, Fox Sports Florida and the Lakeland Ledger. Email him at bobferrante17@gmail.com

KEITH JONES

Winston wise to remain silent despite allegations I HAVE BEEN SUED. I have been served with a summons.

I have given depositions; have testified under oath in a court of law; even been an expert witness in a civil case.

When it comes to the law, less in more.

Every individual that covered or even commented on the Winston sexual battery situation, complaining that he would not answer questions related to the case or provide a statement, has never had to deal with a “legal issue.”

The few media folk that simply presented the facts and did not insinuate a conspiracy theory or cover-up nor implied special-treatment or worse, have most likely been subjected to some form of a legal issue. The latter folks know how this works.

People expressing opinions on this case who have never been subjected to “The System” have about as much validity in their comments/thoughts as a single, childless person giving parenting advice. Or me telling a heart surgeon how to perform by-pass surgery.

The same individuals that are criticizing Willie Meegs and his conduct during his press conference appear to be the same ones applauding the claimant’s attorney’s press conference.

Not because of any new information being revealed.

Not because it was newsworthy, but because it was Jerry Springer-like.

And yes, I said claimant (could have used accuser) and not victim. You are a claimant/accuser until charges are filed and there is a conviction; then you become a victim. Ask former Seminole defensive lineman Travis Johnson, who was charged with rape in 2003 and subsequently acquitted.

Wait until the case against Greg Dent is concluded.

In my civil case, the former client was a plaintiff until the jury found me not liable. Afterward, the former client was still a plaintiff, not a “compensated party.”

You don’t allow yourself to be potentially set up by ignoring the simple truth that less is more when it comes to our legal system. You keep your mouth shut and you let the professionals handle it.

So why in the world are we surprised that Jameis Winston has not “said anything” about this situation?

The Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, advises individuals suspected (not even charged yet!) that, “you have the right to remain silent … and any and everything you say can be used against you in a court of law” (where there are at least some rules – there are no rules in the court of public opinion).

Had Winston said something – something stupid – during the investigation, we would have labeled him foolish.

At the same time, while not commenting publically, some say he is hiding something. It doesn’t work both ways. Who remembers Peter Warick’s famous, “… it’s not like I shot the president!” comment?

Visit the NEW TheOsceola.com

I have read the reports that were released.

I have listened to the press conferences.

Based on the facts as presented and not the speculation, I believe (my personal opinion!) that nothing more than a hook-up occurred.

Now … from a moral standpoint, both parties can be judged by the standard(s) you individually subscribe to or believe in.

You can shout your opinion on that issue from the mountaintop.

What Jameis did was disrespectful and a sin by my value system. Yes, I still open the car door for my wife.

You may feel differently. And that’s fine. But that is a far separate issue from whether a crime occurred.

Or whether Winston is guilty just because he refused to address the issue.

He was wrong to hook-up (or whatever the kids call it these days) … he was right to keep his mouth shut.

See, media folks just want a story.

They want something salacious to “sell” to make a profit.

Journalists want the truth – there’s a difference.

And hats off to the professionals whose sole mission was the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

I am neither. I am a commentator. I am a broadcaster. I describe what I see and/or give you my opinion on what I see. You are free to agree or disagree. But I don’t purport to be speaking for you or anyone else. I speak for me.

I am reminded of a classical question once asked of a public figure.

The veteran reporter inquired of the recently-elected official, “Sir, is your wife aware that you are cheating on her?” As the official began to protest, the reporter shouted, “Sir, it is a yes or no question!”

Would you answer that question or just remain silent … I thought so.

Keith Jones is a former Seminole football player and currently serves as a color analyst for Raycom Sports.

J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4 | O S C E O L A | 3 3

ERICLUALLEN

’Noles, Tigers set to add to already memorable series IN WHAT SEEMED LIKE THE UNLIKELIEST OF SCENARIOS PRIOR to the start of the 2013 campaign, the Florida State Seminoles are 13-0 and playing for a National Championship. It has been a long wait to return to what was once an annual expectation. Now the Seminoles must contend with the Auburn Tigers, who upset the season-long No. 1 ranked Crimson Tide from Alabama before beating the Missouri Tigers in an SEC Championship matchup no one foresaw.

This will be the first meeting between the Seminoles and the Tigers since the 1990 season when Auburn prevailed 20-17. A series that for a time showed promise as a nice regional rivalry blew up in controversy over the forced resignation of a Bowden and the canceling of a contract. In the 1980s, Florida State and Auburn played six times, with each notching three wins. Some tremendous memories were created for both sides.

There was the 1984 shootout in Tallahassee which Auburn won 42-41 after scoring with less than a minute to play. There was the Auburn blowout in 1985 on the plains which still gives Seminole fans nightmares of Bo Jackson. The ’Noles returned the favor with a 34-6 win at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 1987. And no Seminole fan will ever forget Deion Sanders’ interception of a Reggie Slack in the endzone to clinch a 13-7 win in the 1989 Sugar Bowl.

The teams met again in 1990 and then were set to resume competition in 1999. The resignation of Bobby Bowden’s son Terry midway through the 1998 season set off a chain of events that led to that contract’s cancelation. The Tigers eventually replaced Bowden with Tommy Tuberville. In February, 1999, Auburn athletic director David Housel chose to exercise a $500,000 buyout clause rather than honor the Tigers commitment to play Florida State. That left the Seminoles with a hole to fill quickly on their schedule and no way to recoup the exposure of a national television audience on ESPN. Many Florida State fans still carry scars from that cancelation.

Even without the history of these schools with one another, this figures to be an intriguing matchup. The oddsmakers have labeled the Seminoles a strong favorite with the number as high as 9.5 points, depending on where you look. But in spite of the Seminoles’ overwhelming edge among the crew in Las Vegas, the media seems to be favoring the Tigers. In what can only be assumed is opinion colored by the SEC’s recent dominance in national title games, many of the scribes and talking heads don’t seem to think much of FSU’s chances. When you break things down between these two teams, it isn’t a stretch to say the Seminoles have a decided edge in athletes. FSU has received the recognition to back this up so far with the postseason honors rolling in. Jameis Winston has won top honors in the ACC as well as the Davey O’Brien award, the Walter Camp award and the most prestigious individual award in college football, the Heisman Trophy. Bryan Stork won the Rimington Award, given annually to the top center in the nation. And Roberto Aguayo was awarded the Lou Groza award as the top kicker in the country.

The Seminoles ran roughshod through their schedule with no win by less than 14 points and only one win by less than 27 points. Auburn had a slightly more difficult path through their schedule. After an early season 35-21 loss to LSU, the Tigers finished with nine wins in a row, though they needed help from two of the luckiest wins in recent memory in the world of college football. A tipped pass and an uncommon return of a missed field goal for a touchdown kept this from being a three-loss team.

One of the big questions with this game will be which team benefits the most from the long layoff between conference title games and the BCS Championship on Jan. 6. I would have 3 4 | O S C E O L A | J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4

to give the edge to Florida State. With nine straight wins and the emotion of the victories over Georgia and Alabama, Auburn is rolling full of momentum. The layoff could take some of that away.

I also believe it gives Seminole defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt a little extra time to scheme for Auburn coach Gus Malzhan’s run-heavy offense. Florida State hasn’t faced an offense like Auburn’s this season.

Malzhan is good at keeping teams off balance and seems to have the perfect quarterback in Nick Marshall to run his schemes. While Marshall isn’t a great thrower, he is good enough to keep teams honest if they go all in to try to stop a very good running game led by both Marshall and Heisman finalist Tre Mason. Those two have combined for more than 2,600 yards rushing so far this season. FSU has been very stout on defense all year, against both the run and the pass, but I will not be surprised to see some struggles against the looks Auburn shows. But this is where I think the extra time will benefit the Seminoles. I expect them to be able to effectively adjust on the fly and eventually slow down, if not stop, the Tigers.

While the Seminole defense hasn’t seen an offense like Auburn’s from a scheme prospective, I don’t believe Auburn has seen an offense that executes like FSU’s.

And Auburn has not been stellar on defense this season.

While Florida State averages almost eight yards per play the Tiger defense has allowed six yards per play. That will not get it done against Winston and his stable of running backs and receivers. Auburn has given up 35-plus points four times this season while the Seminole offense was held below 40 for the first time this year in their 37-7 road win in Gainesville. I don’t see this matchup ending well for Auburn.

If Florida State comes out focused and ready to play I don’t really see this being a close game. And focus has been a strength of this team all season long. They faced a number of games where focus could have been elsewhere and never once faltered.

And ultimately, in a game for all of the proverbial marbles, I expect Florida State to win and win big.

Eric Luallen is a former FSU football player and is currently the play-by-play voice of Seminole baseball.

Subscribe Online at magazine.theosceola.com

Your Subscription Includes: BJJO BJOERN BJO OER RN WER RN W WERNER’S ERNER’ RN R’S S UNLIKELY UNL LIKELY LIK KELY L JOURNEY J URNEY JO RNEY Y TO O FOOTBALL FO OOTBA OO OTTBA O BA ALLL LL

Osceola Magazine

OTBALL OT TBA TB BAL ALL LL PR P PREVIEW R REV EV VIEW VIEW

NC NCH WAY WA AY FOR FO O FLORIDA FLO LOR LO ORIDA RIDA A STATE’S STTA STA A URN U RN TO FOOTBALL RN FOO FO OTTBA O ALL GLORY AL GL

est

Saturday, 6 p.m., Tallahassee, Ta Fla

OFFAND RUNNING

WILDER, SEMINOLES POWER PAST FCS OPPONENTS, CONFERENCE SLATE ON DECK

Game Four:

No. 4 Florida State vs. No. 10 Clemson

Saturday, 8 p.m., Tallahassee, Fla.

r with witth wi th Wake Wake Forest F re Fo res esstt on deck es dec ec

SHOWDOWN ’Noles blast Wake Forest as date with Clemson looms large

INSIDE TODAY AC ACC CC CC

of ND of

TTHOMPSON’S THOM H HOM OM MPS MP PSO SO ON’S N’’S AWAK AWAKENING AWA AW WA WA AK K

Nea Nearly N Ne e rl ear rly ly a year yea ye y ear after aft af fte ft te err his hiss injury, Chris Ch hris ris Thompso Thompson Thom Thom Th hompson o p omp psso so on n iss ready read re ead ad d to meet Wake Wa ke Forest Fo ore or res esstt once oncce ce again aga ag ga ain n

CLEMSON BREAKDOWN

Advantages and concerns for the Seminoles and Tigers, depth charts and numerical rosters

Game Two:

No. 6 Florida State vs. Savannah State

A look l k back b k at five f Florida l d StateClemson memories before the next showdown

THOMPSON’S MAGICAL DAY Chris Thompson had a storybook ending to his journey against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons

’Noles cruises past MSU but lose star Jenkins to season-ending foot injury.

Advantages and concerns for the Seminoles and Tigers, depth charts and numerical rosters

FISHER Q&A

FSU coach Jimbo Fisher offers his thoughts on his roster and his team’s season opener

DECEMBER BER B ER 2 2011 011 VOLUME 30, No. 4 $3.95

NOVEMBER 2011 VOLUME 30, No. 3 $3.95

TWENTY YEARS AFTER WIDE RIGHT, FSU ENJOYS A WIN SPARKED BY REID’S RETURN TD, HOPKINS’ FIELD GOALS AND POWELL’S PUNTS IN 23-19 WIN

FRESHMEN IN THE MIX

PIT PITT, P ITTT TT, T, SYRACUSE SY YRA YR RAC ACUSE ACUS S START STA ST TA TA AR RT RT TH DOMINOES THE DO DOM OM OMINOES ES S

FSU RUNNING GAME SPUTTERING

‘‘OCTOBERFEST’ ‘O OCTO CTTO TOBER RFEST RFES ES ST’ ST T’ 30 30 YEARS Y YEA EA ARS AR RS LATER LA LAT ATTER AT E

BASEBALL BACK ON THE DIAMOND CATCHING UP WITH MONTRAE HOLLAND

PENALTIES, TURNOVERS LEAVE FLORIDA STATE AT 2-3, SEARCHING FOR WINS AND ANSWERS

Game One:

No. 7 Florida State vs. Murray State

Osceola Express

BAD NEWS FOR BRANDON SAVANNAH ST. BREAKDOWN

SPECIAL DELIVERY

SLIP, SLIDING AWAY

Saturday, 6 p.m., Tallahassee, Fla.

INSIDE TODAY FSU - CU RETROSPECTIVE

CATCHING UP WITH JOHN-FORD GRIFFIN

SURGING FORWARD

‘EVERYBODY LOVES MIKE’ HARRIS

HOOPS ON THE HORIZON

FSU RECRUITING UPDATES

FEBRUARY BRUARY B RUA RUA ARY 2012 2012 VOLUME 30, No. 6 $3.95

SEPTEMBER 5, 2012

SATURDAY NIGHT

2011 SEASON REVIEW

RASHAD GREENE’S HEROIC CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL EFFORT SENDS FSU INTO OFFSEASON WITH A BIG WIN

OCTOBER 2012 VOLUME 31, No. 2 $3.95

MAGAZINE.THEOSCEOLA.COM // SEPTEMBER 19, 2012

2012

rence re encce ence ce

The best analysis, features and more on Florida State sports.

CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL WRAP-UP

GRO RO ’NOLES ’N NOLES ES GO GO OCTOBER O CTOBER 2011 2011 VOLUME VOLU VO LUM LU ME 30, 30, No No.. 1 $3.95 $3.95

Saturday, 6 p.m., Tallahassee, Fla.

AUGUST 29, 2012

Our online newsletter is published weekly during football season, and periodically throughout the rest of the year.

Available for reading at magazine.theosceola.com

Jenkins’ injury means highlyregarded freshmen defensive ends get back in the running

RACING TOWARD SATURDAY

Manuel, Seminoles ready to tangle with Racers in season opener

INSIDE TODAY MURRAY STATE BREAKDOWN Advantages and concerns for the Seminoles and Racers, depth charts and numerical rosters

’Noles ess pow power ow owe we pass wer

INSIDE TODA FISHER Q&A

FSU coach Jimbo Fisher offers his thoughts on his roster and his team’s season opener

INSIDE THE DEPTH CHART

A position-by-position look at Florida State’s recently released depth chart

FSU DOMINANT

The Seminoles made quick w of Stanford by scoring 35 run two games Visit the NEW theosceola.com

SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 | OSCEOLA EXPRESS EX |1

magazine.theosceola.com

SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 | OSCEOLA EXPRESS | 1

Visit the NEW theosceola.com

Visit the NEW theosceola.com

SEPTEMBER 5, 2012 | OSCEOLA EXPRESS | 1

Why Wait?

Access to Any Issue, Anytime Read current and back issues of Osceola Magazine and Osceola Express anywhere you have internet access.

(all options include Express Editions)

ADDRESS CITY

EMAIL CELL PHONE

Subscribe online now for IMMEDIATE access! magazine.theosceola.com

SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS

NAME

STATE

AUGUST 29, 2012 | OSCEOLA EXPRESS | 1

ZIP

HOME PHONE

$49.95 - Osceola Magazine - 1 Year - (2nd Class Postage) $71.95 - Osceola Magazine - 1 Year - (1st Class Postage) $96.95 - Osceola Magazine - 2 Years - (2nd Class Postage) $141.95 - Osceola Magazine - 2 Years - (1st Class Postage) Go online now to order: magazine.theosceola.com or make check payable to: Osceola, Subscription Service Dept., P.O. Box 1498, Shelbyville, KY 40066-1498 or call 1-800-524-9527

Subscribe Online at magazine.theosceola.com

HELLO, HEI 5MAN

Jameis winston wins FsU’s third heisman trophy, leads no. 1 ’noles to bcs national championship game against aUbUrn JANUARY 2013 VOLUME 32, No. 5 $3.95

n

Subscribe Today!

magazine.theosceola.com 800.524-9527

0 1>

0

74470 84713

7

36 | OSCEOLA | APRIL, 2012