The Great Together Seminoles...1993

By Jim Joanos

Ten seasons ago Florida State won its first national championship in football. The accomplishment changed the image of Florida State football. Since then, the Seminoles have been regarded as among the elite of college football.

Scott Atwell labeled the 1993 team, "The Great Together Seminoles". That legendary team will have a reunion in Tallahassee on September 19 and 20, 2003, the weekend of FSU's football game against Colorado. Recently, I had some fun going back over some video tapes, media guides, programs, books, and magazines to refresh my recollection. Here are twenty very memorable events of that fabulous season.

1. Preseason Injuries. FSU entered the preseason ranked number one in most polls. However, some major injuries soon reduced the optimism. Tiger McMillon, the running back who had led the team in rushing in 1992, Steve Gilmer, expected to be the starting free safety, and Corey Fuller, who was challenging for the starting job at right corner back, all three sustained serious knee injuries and were lost for the season. Incredibly, all three of the injuries occurred in the first week of practice before the team ever put on pads. Many believed that FSU's promising season had already been doomed before it began. In retrospect, the injuries may have served to pull the team closer together. The team's closeness was its dominant characteristic throughout the year.

FLORIDA STATE 42, KANSAS 0

FSU literally got off to a "hot start". In the Kickoff Classic played at the Meadowlands of New Jersey, the Seminoles thumped Kansas. For us fans, the temperature in the stands was at 100 degrees. On the artificial turf where the players were with their helmets and all those pads it reached 120.

2. The Stand. A series of defensive plays in the second quarter which has since been referred to as "The Stand" set the standard for the season. The stand featured FSU defensive players Alonzo Horner, Todd Rebol, Ken Alexander, Derrick Brooks, Derrick Alexander, Todd McIntosh, James Roberson, and Jon Nance. Kansas had moved to FSU's nine yard line relatively easy. But then they met resistance. Kansas backs were repeatedly stuffed but penalties gave them more chances. When it was over and FSU got the ball back, Kansas had failed to score on ten consecutive plays inside the nine, including six within the one yard line. There has never been another defensive stand in the history of FSU football, that compares to what happened that day.

FLORIDA STATE 45, DUKE 7

On a very muddy field in Durham, North Carolina, FSU took Duke apart.

3. Pooh Bear's run. Quarterback Charlie Ward, passing for 272 yards, and Sean Jackson running for 107 yards including one 54 yard touchdown sprint were among the offensive stars of the game. However, it was 250 pound freshman fullback Clarence Williams' run of 47 yards and a touchdown in the third quarter that stole the show. "Pooh Bear", as he was called, immediately became a fan favorite.

FLORIDA STATE 57, CLEMSON 0

In the first game at home in the newly expanded Campbell Stadium, FSU's offense scored at will against Clemson while the defense got its second shutout in three games. In compiling 634 yards and 57 points of offense, there were lots of offensive big plays. A 78 yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Danny Kanell to tight end Lonnie Johnson was special.

4. Bentley's Tackle. However, it was kicker Scott Bentley's tackle that many remember most. In the second quarter after an FSU touchdown, one Clemson player blocked the PAT attempt and a Clemson safety picked it up and headed for the FSU goal outrunning several FSU players until Bentley caught him at the FSU 15.

FLORIDA STATE 33, NORTH CAROLINA 7

5. "The Biggest Game in North Carolina History". In a widely publicized game, thirteenth ranked North Carolina gave number one FSU all that it wanted in the first half, but in the third quarter FSU took control and overpowered UNC for the remainder of the game played at Chapel Hill. FSU's "fast break offense" was especially effective.

Late in the third quarter with FSU up 20 to 7, linebacker Derrick Brooks put the game safely away for FSU with 49 yard interception return for a touchdown. It was Brooks third touchdown in four games, placing him among the scoring leaders for FSU.

FLORIDA STATE 51, GEORGIA TECH 0

In Tallahassee, Florida State totally dominated the Yellow Jackets before another 74,000 plus crowd.

6. Warrick Dunn's Coming Out Party. The FSU freshman sensation at running back, Warrick Dunn, came into his own, scoring three touchdowns in this game. In the third quarter, he scored on a 14 yard run and a 7 yard pass completion. Then, in the fourth quarter, he scored again on a running play from 4 yards out.

FLORIDA STATE 28, MIAMI 10

FSU got off to a quick start and held on to win the Miami game convincingly before the Doak Campbell crowd of 77,813 which set a new attendance record.

7. Ward to Frier for 72 yards. This game was filled with big plays by FSU. On FSU's first possession, running back Sean Jackson had a 69 yard touchdown run to put FSU ahead. Then Miami came back and tied it up 7-7. Still in the first quarter, with a third down and ten to go from the FSU 28, quarterback Charlie Ward was chased out of the pocket by Miami's Warren Sapp. He scrambled and then discovered wide receiver Matt Frier who had gotten free. He tossed him the ball, and from then on, it was a foot race between Frier and the pursuing Miami defenders. Seventy-two yards later, FSU was ahead for good.

Miami threatened to come back late in the game, but a 40 yard touchdown interception run by Seminole defensive back Devin Bush closed the door. Bush had also made a jar rattling hit earlier in the game on a Miami receiver jarring the ball loose and preventing a long reception. After the game, Miami's Coach Dennis Erickson called Ward, "the best football player in the country". Many others would say likewise before the year was over.

FLORIDA STATE 40, VIRGINIA 14

FSU's next game was at Virginia against the 15th ranked Cavaliers. FSU had total command in the first half building up a 30-0 lead but let down somewhat in the second half giving up two touch downs for the first time of the season. The Noles nevertheless came away with a big victory and did nothing to diminish their number one ranking.

FSU opened the scoring on its second possession. From the FSU 14, quarterback Charlie Ward passed to Tamarick Vanover who had gotten behind the defenders. Vanover cradled the ball and ran the rest of the way for the reception that gave Ward his longest touchdown pass during his career at FSU.

8. Ward's Somersault. While the 84 yard pass play from Ward to Vanover, was the most important statistically, fans most likely remember a different play. In the last minute of the first half, quarterback Ward from the Virginia 18 went back to pass, found everybody covered and then scrambled toward the goal, finishing the touchdown run by somersaulting into the end zone. The play was shown over and over on television.

FLORIDA STATE 54, WAKE FOREST 0

In Doak Campbell Stadium, the Seminoles scored at will against Wake Forest and racked up the defense's fourth shutout of the year. Sean Jackson and Warrick Dunn led Seminole ball carriers who gained 414 yards during the game. Dunn had a touchdown run of 63 yards. The defense by way of a Clifton Abraham's 29 yard interception run also scored. But the biggest memory of the game was an injury and it is not a pleasant memory.

9. Charlie Ward goes down. Shortly before halftime, Charlie Ward was tackled hard and did not get up immediately. He had to leave the game. The 66,000 plus fans were stunned. The concern continued throughout the game as Jon Stark came in and finished up as FSU's quarterback for the game. It turned out that some cartilage had been bruised between Ward's sternum and his ribs. He would miss only the last half of the Wake Forest game and all of the Maryland game but the fans did not know that then so they left the stadium quiet worried.

FLORIDA STATE 49, MARYLAND 20

9. Kanell's first start. Danny Kanell started his first game at Maryland as an FSU quarterback and did exceptionally well, throwing five touchdown passes. He completed 28 of 38 passes for 341 yards. He had no interceptions. The offense did well but the defense showed some vulnerability to the Maryland offense led by quarterback Scott Milanovich. The game was, therefore, tougher for FSU than expected. Perhaps, the defense was distracted with thoughts of their next game, to be held two weeks later.

10. Shopping at The Footlocker. Meanwhile, two big spenders from out west had come into Tallahassee with the apparent goals of partying a bit and trying to lure some of the Seminoles into commitments regarding future NFL agent arrangements. They succeeded in bringing big time embarrassment to seven or so of the players and to the FSU football program because the players accepted gifts of athletic shoes, winter coats, and other items during a shopping tour on the day after the Maryland game at a local sports store. They also enjoyed a meal provided at a local eatery. A mystery continues to this day as to where the wandering revelers obtained the money that they spent in Tallahassee that weekend. In retrospect, the gifts provided to the players involved were not that large when compared to the payments of cash to numbers of athletes at other universities that have been reported since. However, several months after the season had ended, a Sports Illustrated writer made a big cover story out of the event and followed it up with additional stories. FSU fans learned early that being on top brings a lot of attention. To this day many FSU fans boycott Sports Illustrated and will not subscribe nor purchase copies of the publication.

NOTRE DAME 31, FLORIDA STATE 24

11. The Game of the Century. In South Bend, Indiana, number one FSU and number two Notre Dame met on the football field. It was a great game. FSU outperformed Notre Dame in statistics, 26 to 20 in first downs, 403 to 347 in total yards. However, FSU played very poorly in the second quarter. As a result, Notre Dame obtained the only thing that really counted, the victory. The most memorable event of the game to FSU fans was the Seminole desperation drive in the last 51 seconds of the game. It started on the Seminole 37 and ended with third and ten on the Notre Dame 14 when time ran out. FSU fans were devastated after the loss and believed that the national championship dream for FSU was over. But when the polls came out on the following Monday, some optimism was regained as FSU only dropped to second place. Some hoped for a rematch with Notre Dame at a neutral site. Few could expect what did happen.

12. The Upset of the Century. On the very next Saturday at the same Notre Dame Stadium, Boston College beat Notre Dame by way of a late field goal. Many FSU fans listened to the game on the way to Campbell Stadium for the NC State game. By the time the game in Tallahassee began, the stadium was in a most festive mood as the Seminoles were very much back in the national championship picture.

FLORIDA STATE 62, N.C. STATE 3

Nothing happened in the game against the Wolfpack to diminish the lively spirit that resulted from the Notre Dame loss to Boston College. The Seminoles scored first and often. The Wolfpack had six turnovers. When it was over, FSU had thoroughly thrashed NC State. It was the FSU seniors last game at Campbell Stadium.

FLORIDA STATE 33, FLORIDA 21

Florida State went to Gainesville for the last game of the regular season knowing that a victory would probably mean a chance to play for the national championship. The game started out as FSU fans expected with the Seminoles scoring first on a touchdown reception by Tamarick Vanover. Bentley kicked two field goals in the second quarter to stretch the lead to 13 to 0. But Florida scored a TD later in the same quarter to cut it to 13-7 FSU, at halftime. FSU scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to increase the lead to 27 to 7 which made FSU fans rather comfortable. But then, in the fourth quarter, the Gators playing at their home place made a long drive and scored a touchdown. FSU came back and drove down the field but then a fumble gave the ball back to Florida. The Gators came back with another long drive and suddenly the game was at 27-21 with Florida having momentum and lots of time left. But FSU would not be denied.

13. The Play of the Decade: Ward to Dunn. After the kickoff, FSU tried two passes but both fell incomplete. The Gator crowd roared. It was deafening. With third and ten from their own 21 yard line, the Seminole offense seemed destined to stall, but then it happened. Charlie Ward got the ball, faded a little to the left, dodged two would be tacklers, and then arched a short pass to Warrick Dunn. Tamarick Vanover made a great block and Dunn did the rest. The speedy one took off and outran the other Gator defenders in completing the 79 yard touchdown play. That did it. FSU held the rest of the game, and looked forward to playing for the national championship.

14. The Greatest Player in the Nation. In December, Charlie Ward won the highest award a college football player can win, The Heisman Trophy. In all, he won probably every award possible for the quarterback that season but it was the Heisman ceremony in New York City as well as the follow up in Doak Campbell Stadium that legends are made of. Ward was a total class act with humility and total dignity in the accepting the award in the Big Apple. Shortly thereafter, on a very cold night in Tallahassee thousands turned out to share his happiness when he brought the trophy to Campbell Stadium on what the Tallahassee City Commission proclaimed as "Charlie Ward Day".

FLORIDA STATE 18, NEBRASKA 16

There was one more game to be played and it took place in the Orange Bowl, against undefeated, Nebraska. FSU was ranked first in the AP poll but second to The Huskers in the Coalition Poll, the one that counted. Miami was a mess. Charlie Ward could not even get into the team hotel through the front door. They had to smuggle him through back entrances to avoid the sea of people who wanted autographs or stories. FSU was heavily favored to win the game. However, amid the media circus in Miami, the pressure, many distractions, as well as an extremely tough and talented Nebraska team, FSU was exceedingly fortunate to come out with the final victory. Nebraska led at halftime, 7-6. Between halves, Bowden urged his team to "play together". In the third quarter, fullback William Floyd scored FSU's only touchdown, and Scott Bentley kicked his third field goal to give FSU the lead, 15 to 7. But then in the fourth quarter, the Huskers got the momentum, scored a touchdown, and then with only 1:16 left on the clock, kicked a field goal to regain the lead, 16-15. But FSU quickly came back by way of some Ward and Dunn heroics, a couple of penalties against Nebraska including a late hit, and a determined FSU offensive line led by center Clay Shiver, enabling the Seminoles to get to the Nebraska five.

15. Bentley's kick. There were 21 seconds left on the clock, when freshman kicker, Scott Bentley, kicked the ball from the hold of Danny Kanell. It was a high kick and sailed right down the middle to give the Seminoles an 18-16 lead. The FSU fans in the stands went crazy. Fans at home watching on the tube did likewise. It looked very much like it was over. It was not.

16. A premature ice shower. FSU kicked to Nebraska. There were 21 seconds remaining. On a big play, Nebraska was able to get to the FSU 28 yard line but time seemed to have run out on the Orange Bowl clock. The FSU bench erupted and a big bucket of ice and liquid were dumped on Coach Bobby Bowden. Fans started to celebrate but then the officials put one second back on the clock and everything went quiet. Nebraska's extra point kicker went onto the field.

17. Nebraska's wide left. I had a hard time watching the field goal try. I stared at my feet. I had a bad feeling. At the last instant, I looked up and saw the ball hook to the left. FSU had won but all that I could do was go limp.

18. The morning after. It was a long night for me in a Miami hotel room not knowing what the polls would show. It was pretty clear that Florida State would be first in at least one poll but what about the others. It was a great feeling in the morning to get the news that FSU was number one in all of the major polls. My first thoughts went back to that night in September of 1947. I was thirteen then. Florida State was playing Stetson in their first football game in 43 years at old Centennial Field. I had the same feeling: Florida State football is special.

19. The parade. Several weeks later, on one of the coldest days of the year, the Mayor of Tallahassee proclaimed it officially, "FSU Day" or something like that. There was a big parade. Thousands of fans came. The whole FSU football team in cars and pick up trucks paraded down Monroe Street to the Capitol. Charlie Ward was in a flashy convertible with his name on the side in fancy lettering. At the Capitol, there were speeches. My favorite ones were spoken by William Floyd and Derrick Brooks. The love that the 1993 team had for each other will always be remembered.

20. A Visit to the White House. I did not get to see the team's visit with the President of the United States at the White House. Only the team and other special people were invited. But seeing the television clips was a tremendous thrill as it must have been to thousands of FSU fans. There were our guys giving Bill Clinton an FSU jersey!

Indeed, 1993 was a special season. Let's look forward to the reunion when those guys come back for a weekend.