The Florida State University football team, also known as the Seminoles or ‘Noles, has a rich history of postseason success. FSU has made 38 bowl game appearances since 1955, with a record of 28-10 in those games. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Seminoles’ bowl game history, including some of their most memorable matchups and standout performances.
Early Bowl Game Appearances
FSU’s first bowl game appearance came in 1955, when they faced the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Sun Bowl. The Seminoles lost that game 37-13, but it was the start of a long tradition of postseason play for the team.
Throughout the 1960s and 70s, FSU made a number of bowl game appearances, including the Tangerine Bowl, the Peach Bowl, and the Gator Bowl. Some of the team’s most notable performances during this time included a 40-17 victory over Oklahoma in the 1965 Gator Bowl, and a 31-26 win over Texas Tech in the 1977 Tangerine Bowl.
The Bowden Era
In 1976, Bobby Bowden took over as head coach of the Seminoles, and he would go on to lead the team through some of its most successful seasons. Under Bowden’s leadership, FSU became a perennial powerhouse, with numerous conference championships and national rankings.
During Bowden’s tenure, the Seminoles made 28 bowl game appearances, winning 14 of those games. Some of their most memorable bowl game performances during this time included a 31-12 victory over Nebraska in the 1993 Orange Bowl, and a 46-29 win over Virginia Tech in the 2000 Sugar Bowl.
Recent Years
Since Bowden’s retirement in 2009, the Seminoles have continued to make regular bowl game appearances under head coaches Jimbo Fisher and Willie Taggart. In 2013, FSU won the national championship, capping off an undefeated season with a 34-31 victory over Auburn in the BCS National Championship Game.
More recently, the Seminoles have struggled somewhat in bowl game appearances, losing five of their last six games dating back to 2016. However, the team’s strong overall performance over the past several decades ensures that they remain one of the most respected and accomplished programs in college football.
Conclusion
The Florida State University football team has a long and storied history of postseason success, with 38 bowl game appearances over the past several decades. From early matchups against Texas Tech and Oklahoma to more recent victories in championship games, the Seminoles have established themselves as one of the most successful programs in college football. While recent bowl game performances have been somewhat mixed, there’s no doubt that FSU will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in postseason play for years to come.
FAQs
- What is the Seminoles’ overall record in bowl games?
- FSU has a record of 28-10 in bowl games.
- Who is the Seminoles’ all-time leading passer in bowl games?
- That honor belongs to Chris Weinke, who threw for 1,581 yards and 10 touchdowns in five bowl game appearances.
- What was the Seminoles’ most recent bowl game appearance?
- FSU’s most recent bowl game appearance was in the 2019 Sun Bowl, where they lost to Arizona State.
- How many national championships has FSU won?
- The Seminoles have won three national championships, in 1993, 1999, and 2013.
- Who is the Seminoles’ all-time leading rusher in bowl games?
- That honor belongs to Dalvin Cook, who rushed for 422 yards and five touchdowns in three bowl game appearances.