The Hall of BAHL

Sports is and always has played a significant role in my life. I have found that most all of life's lessons are learned between the lines. Discipline, individual responsibility, teamwork and sportsmanship are among many opportunities presented within the games that offer guidance to prosper in life.

Over the years, there have been many individuals associated with sports that I have looked up to, been a fan of, owned a jersey of or just pulled for. These are my guys, and although it has not always been a road without bumps for many, these are my guys. In an effort to recognize these folks, I have formed The Hall of BAHL.

Individuals making this list may or may not be the greatest ever players, coaches or ambassadors, but they are my favorites.

Each year, I will induct five members into The Hall of BAHL. In honor of my good buddy and Sportsman Big Ole BudFeiser, who we lost in 2011 and who I grew up playing sports with, each class will annually be announced on his birthday, June 13.

The inductees for the 2015 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

DICK HOWSER

It is not often in sports when some of your favorite people get to play integral roles for your favorite college and professional teams, but for me, Dick Howser was such a man.  Howser was the first All America baseball player at Florida State University, twice earning the honor as a shortstop.  Howser was signed by the Kansas City Athletics, and earned rookie of the year honors.

After his playing career ended, he joined the New York Yankees as third base coach, even managing a game during the 1978 season.  Howser came home to Florida State to become manager in 1979, but was hired away to become the Yankees skipper in 1981.  He was then hired to manage the Kansas City Royals, who he led to many division titles which culminated in wining the 1985 World Series.

While managing the 1986 All Star Game for the American League, players and announcers noticed Howser was not himself.  He stepped aside for treatment for what was diagnosed as a brain tumor.  Howser tried to return to the Royals in 1987, but it was not to be due to his condition.

Howser died back in June of 1987at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., just two years after leading the Kansas City Royals to their first World Series victory, won in 1985 over the St. Louis Cardinals in the I-70 Series. He was buried in Tallahassee, Florida.

'No matter how you prepare for this day, when it actually happens, it's a shock,'' said George Brett, the Royals' third baseman. ''You just hate to see him go. He's going to be missed.''

In 1988, during a preseason game where the Kansas City Royals came to Tallahassee to play the Seminoles, a game I was fortunate to attend and have a commemorative bat from, FSU names the on campus baseball stadium in honor of Howser as Dick Howser Stadium was born. As reported by Seminoles.com, "As part of the stadium dedication, Kansas City all-stars George Brett and Bo Jackson helped unveil a new $150,000 matrix scoreboard and a bronze bust of Howser.

Hoswer has had his number retired by both the Florida State Seminoles and the Kansas City Royals, with bronze statues at both baseball parks.  I have visited both of these personally, and they are beautiful tributes to an individual who is among the most beloved people to grace those places.



It is an honor to induct forever Royal Dick Howser, an unconquered Seminole, to the Hall of BAHL.

WARRICK DUNN

Back in Baton Rouge, LA, Florida State commit Warrick Dunn was dealt a tragic blow as his mother, Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge police officer, was shot to death in the line of duty.  This tragic event, which made Warrick head of his household, could have derailed many a young man, but Smothers did not raise such a man. Dunn held steady on his commitment to Florida State, where he became one of the most gifted players ever to wear the garnet and gold.

Dunn possessed blazing speed and was member of the FSU track team, but it was his cat quickness with great vision that he was noted for.  Dunn was stellar in evading would be tacklers and was brilliant catching the ball out of the backfield.  More important, although soft spoken, Dunn was a team leader, a young man of great character who was a role model for his teammates and fans.

Dunn helped Florida State win the schools first National Championship in 1993, and in integral play in that season was a tough win at Florida, where Dunn took a swing pass from Charlie Ward and raced for a score late to capture the win.



Dunn closed out his FSU career as the school leader in career rushing yards, most rushing yards in a season and became the only Seminole to rush for over 1000 in three consecutive seasons.  Dunn's number 28 jersey has appropriately been retired by Florida State.

Dunn played in the NFL for over a decade, beginning and ending with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a few years as an Atlanta Falcon in between. Dunn was the offensive rookie of the year with Tampa Bay, and was a three time Pro Bowl selection.  Beyond the field, Dunn won several citizenship awards, including winning the prestigious Walter Peyton Man of The Year Award.

In honor of his mother, Dunn began a program to build houses through his Home for the Holidays program as part  of his foundation Warrick Dunn Charities which helps single parent families attain home ownership through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity. "Warrick Dunn Charities has awarded millions in furnishings, food and other donations to single-parent families and children across the nation to combat poverty, hunger and ensure families have comfortable surroundings and basic necessities to improve their quality of life."

Warrick Dunn was a great football player, but perhaps he is even a greater individual.  Seminole Nation is very proud to have Warrick as one of our best players and representatives of our beloved University. Throughout his life, Dunn has exhibited the principles and values that honor the core beliefs of the Seminoles, perhaps a live illustration of the unconquered.

It is a thrill to have FSU and Tampa Bay standout Warrick Dunn among those in the Hall of BAHL.

JIMBO FISHER

For the Florida State faithful, it was most difficult to part ways with legendary football coach Bobby Bowden, who built not only the Florida State football program, but played a significant role in the growth of the university itself.  But for most, there was only one choice to follow Bowden's path, and that was Jimbo Fisher.

Fisher had a strong relationship with Terry Bowden, who Fisher played quarterback for and later coached with, ending up at Auburn together as part of the Tigers undefeated 1993 season.  Fisher would continue to polish his craft before becoming offensive coordinator under Bobby Bowden at FSU.  Fisher developed a keen ability to groom the quarterback position, but learned a great deal about team structure and leadership during a stint at LSU, where Fisher was offensive coordinator when the Bayou Tigers won the national title.

Fisher started strong at FSU, and while there were some growing pains, which included a couple of head scratching losses, a culture of winning was being built by Fisher.  If you would ever speak to Jimbo about what he calls the organization, you would promptly recognize that Fisher has complete control and confidence in his mission in developing young men in the pursuit of excellence. Nothing is left to chance in the development of the organization, and young men are held accountable to the team and themselves.  The team is a family, and this is not by coincidence.

When Fisher was introduced as head coach at FSU, he said "Empowered, confident athletes are winners. My goal is to get the structure, the staff and the support resources in place to facilitate a winning plan and get players into the structure and start effecting change. Now."  The grade in accomplishing that plan is A+.

Fisher quickly set the tone, and after losing four games in each of his first four seasons, the Seminole jumped up a few levels and won the 2013 National Championship with a victory of Auburn. In addition, quarterback Jameis Winston won the Heisman Trophy.  Before losing in the College Football Playoff to Oregon, the Seminoles has ran off a school record 29 game winning streak.

Fisher has returned Florida State to the national elite, with stellar recruiting as young men want to come and be a part of the working to achieve greatness.  Jimbo is a favorite of the FSU faithful, and he can remain parked in Tallahassee as long as he wishes.

Florida State head football coach Jimbo Fisher is welcomed into the Hall of BAHL.

ERIC CROUCH

Eric Crouch was the third Nebraska player to win the Heisman Trophy winning the coveted award in 2001 after a brilliant senior campaign which culminated in the 'Huskers losing to the Miami Hurricanes in The Orange Bowl.

The Omaha Millard North product compiled a 35-7 record as starting quarterback for Nebraska, and left left Nebraska in possession of 32 school records.  At the time, Crouch was one of just three quarterbacks in NCAA history rush for 3000 yards and pass for 4000 yards in a career.

Crouch broke top ranked Oklahoma's back on a reverse 41 yard touchdown catch, pummeled a would be Iowa tackler on the way to paydirt and delivered a blow to Hall of Famer Ed Reed in a losing effort in The Orange Bowl.  But, Crouch really dazzled the faithful with a breathtaking touchdown run at Missouri, an integral part of the highlight reel that helps secure a Heisman.



Crouch remains in Nebraska and close to the program, doing work for FOX Sports and the Big Ten Network.  I had a chance to meet him in New York City on Heisman weekend one time, while he did not have the look of  an elite athlete, lest there be no doubt he is one of the best players in the storied Nebraska football history.

Crouch vs. Notre Dame

Crouch vs. OU/Getty image

BAHL Revere is pleased to induct Nebraska's Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Eric Crouch into the BAHL Hall of Fame.

CHRIS WEINKE

Chris Weinke came to Florida State an unusual way.   After originally signing a letter of intent to play football at Florida State out of after Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul, MN, Weinke ended up spending six seasons in the minor leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays.  Coach Bobby Bowden promised his scholarship would be honored if he decided to come, Weinke retired from the Blue Jays and arrived at FSU at the age of 25.

Weinke was the starting quarterback for Florida State in 1998-99.  After leading the Seminoles to a 9-1 record in 1998, Weinke was forced to sit due to a neck injury suffered late in the year.  Healthy, Weinke returned to lead the Seminoles to an undefeated season culminating with FSU winning it's second National Title with a 46-29 victory over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.


As president of the Seminole Club of Greater Orlando in 1999, I was able to attend this game, a game in which Weinke had a stellar performance.  Beyond winning the National Title and Heisman Trophy, Weinke left FSU holding records for the most passing yards and touchdowns in a career in compiling a 32-3 record as the starting quarterback.

Weinke had numerous plays which could compile a lengthy highlight reel, perhaps Weinke is best known for this backbreaking play against Clemson, deemed "The Play Fake".



Weinke played several years in the NFL most notably with the Carolina Panthers.  Since his retirement, Weinke has dabbled in many arenas and is now quarterbacks coach of the St. Louis Rams after being head coach at IMG Academy in Florida.

Florida State remains special to Chris Weinke, and he is no stranger to the program, attending many events and games while cheering on our beloved Seminoles.  Weinke is a very special player in the history of FSU football, and among the hearts of Seminole Nation.

Chris Weinke, Heisman Trophy winning quarterback of the Florida State Seminoles, is welcomed as part of the 2015 Hall of BAHL class.

Read The Facts

While interviewing legendary former Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden on his radio show earlier this week, ESPN's Paul Finebaum noted that in his mind former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, the first pick in the recent NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was an embarrassment to Florida State University, and asked Bowden to comment.

Bowden made some candid comments which have caused quite a stir, blowing up social media and pitting FSU fans against one another.  A Google search gave indication Bowden considered Winston "an embarrassment" to FSU. Even Tampa Bay Buccaneer coach Lovie Smith expressed his disappointment in Bowden.

Problem is, Finebaum appeared to misrepresent Bowden in a Tweet and Smith and most everyone else failed to read the entire quotation.

Read the entire quotation:

"Well, I think it's a consensus among Florid State fans, and boosters that he was an embarrassment in a lot of ways to the university," Bowden said. "He won a lot of ball games, probably one of the best football players that ever attended Florida State, but he hurt himself off the field. The good news is that he's young enough to get over that, ya know it, and he's gotta do that. He just can't make those junior high school decisions that he made while he was in college."

Coach Bobby Bowden is being taken out of context. Bowden's comments were quite true, as Winston has embarrassed the fan base on a handful of occasions, yet were inspirational about his future and not a condemnation of his past. We all hope Jameis makes more sound decisions as he grows as an individual.

Furthermore, folks, particularly those deemed millennials, need to not go popping off after hearing parsed sound bites from a liberal media without getting command of the facts first.  When I hear people making political commentary, from top level members of the mainstream media to folks I meet sitting at the bar who offer general commentary on a subject I know to be false, I am reminded of the words of Ronald Reagan:

"Well, the trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so."

And don't think for a moment that the goings on behind this misdirection and distortion of the facts through out the media landscape is not political.  Recall Bob Costas lecturing America on gun control?

Is FSU Target of Political Left?

It was shortly before President Obama was elected in 2008, when comments made by Michelle Obama got her yanked off the campaign trail, as these comments, if appropriately analyzed by a curious media, would pull the mask away from the blank canvas many considered Barack Obama to be and alert the nation to some of the real, hidden objectives.

Please take a listen to the following commentary from Michelle Obama while in Puerto Rico in 2008:

 

"Barack knows that we are going to have to make sacrifices; we are going to have to change our conversation, we're going to have to change our history, our traditions. We're going to have move into a different place as a nation", said Mrs. Obama.

Might changing of traditions include the demise of football in America?  Without question, the game of football is under attack from the political left, all the way up to the White House.  President Obama has publicly admonished the use of the nickname Redskins by the Washington Redskins of The National Football League, and through his associates, most notably Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D:NV), have gone after Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, a republican, for both failing to bow to political pressure and for having the audacity to not support Obama and his vision of American.  The NFL remains under attack.

Fast forward to what is happening to Florida State University in college football, the currently undefeated defending national champions.  Last fall, star quarterback Jameis Winston, a redshirt freshman, was leading the Seminoles to their undefeated championship season when he was questioned about a sexual assault.

After an investigation by the state attorney, the state attorney's office found the evidence did not support charging Winston with any crime.  While many in the media were in uproar, Winston went on to win The Heisman Trophy while guiding the Seminoles to their third National Championship.

Since that time, Winston has had some lapses in maturity, walking out of a grocery store without paying for crab legs he ordered and yelling obscenities, sexual in nature which is certainly inappropriate considering the charges which considered against him, in the FSU student union.

No doubt, while Winston is stellar on field, he is at times immature off it, failing to accurately gauge the temperature outside in this era of appropriate non-tolerance of assault against women.  Although the Winston case was and is a factor, the blowup surrounding Baltimore Raven running back Ray Rice, who struck his girlfriend and now wife in an elevator and who has been suspended from the NFL ever since, has been at the forefront publicly.

But has the left found Winston as a vehicle to punish political opponents, be they individuals, agencies, or even public universities? Don't laugh.  I am wondering, as I review a series of events.  Maybe you should too.

In 2008, as reported by The Tampa Bay Times, "A foundation bankrolled by Libertarian businessman Charles G. Koch has pledged $1.5 million for positions in Florida State University's economics department. In return, his representatives get to screen and sign off on any hires for a new program promoting "political economy and free enterprise."  The article references "a separate grant from BB&T (formerly run by John Allison, who is supporter of Rand philosophies) funds a course on ethics and economics in which Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" is required reading. The novel, which depicts society's collapse in the wake of government encroachment on free enterprise, was recently made into a movie marketed to tea party members".

In my opinion, Atlas Shrugged, should be required reading for students within the economics department. The writings of Ayn Rand are an excellent defense of capitalism, although in my view they lack a necessary moral component.

The political left reviles the Koch Brothers, thinking anything they touch is evil.  As such, the interaction of the Koch brothers with the FSU Economics Department has stirred up plenty of controversy, with the progressive left labeling it a clandestine takeover of Florida State University.

Fact are always stubborn things, and never mind the Economics Department is still run by the many of the same folks, inclusive of the Dean of the College of Social Sciences Dr. David Rasmussen and Dr. James Gwartney, that were running things when I graduated from there in 1987. 

The department was always centered on free markets drawn upon from the Austrian economic models, and although Keynesian model coursework was engaged upon, social justice through economic policy was not deemed a logical and efficient mechanism of theory.

Not only has the debate centered upon the Economics Department, even FSU's Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Science has come under fire, for the truth about climate change may derail many a progressive dream of citizen control. 

Liberal and progressive ideology is bankrolled by groups and individuals all across the nation in public universities, hiring faculty to teach these theories nationwide.  See Ward Churchill and Austan Goolsbee.

The relationship between the Koch Brothers and Florida State University recently came to a head in the form of additional attacks as the university engaged in a search for a new president with Eric Barron accepting the same position at Penn State.  Representatives from the left, inclusive of students and media outlets, lambasted FSU as John Thrasher, an alumni and republican in the state senate, became the leading candidate.  A lack of transparency, the fact he is a conservative and that he may have gotten political donations from the Koch brothers were among the reasons cited.  Facebook pages and websites, (with support from leftist organizations such as MoveOn.org), sought to force FSU to eliminate Thrasher from consideration.  At the conclusion of the rocky search, Thrasher was hired as the fifteenth president of the university.

In the background have been countless insinuations and accusations surrounding the football program, most of which was without merit. Some weeks back, four competing "sports" outlets, Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, ESPN and The New York Times each released a detailed report citing transgressions on a Friday evening.  Since when do competing firms sync up for the release of a report to share eyeballs? They don't, unless there is orchestration.

It is worth noting, nothing of material significance was found to be of consequence within these reports.

With respect to Winston, few if anyone has actually read the report surrounding the sexual assault case.  Any reasonable assessment of the facts of the case will lead the reader to easily conclude that the accuser lacks credibility.

The reports of investigators continuing to investigate Winston is simply staggering.  Recent accusations, primarily from ESPN, told a tale of Winston getting paid to sign autographs, which would make him ineligible for collegiate competition.  However, after months of stories of this action blasted all over the sports media, it is now reported that the items he supposedly autographed are fake, not actually having his signature.

Winston signs thousands of autographs, as I have personally witnessed on many an occasion.  In fact, at a baseball game FSU played at Stetson University in Deland, FL, ESPN reporter Marty Smith stood two feet away from me watching Winston sign hundreds; for free.

Recently, The New York Times released a report indicating favoritism by the Tallahassee Police Department regarding a traffic citation issued to cornerback PJ Williams.  With seemingly no action to investigate as President Obama sadly runs roughshod over our Constitution, The New York Times appears well staffed in Tallahassee, fabricating targeted news unfit to print. Guilty until proven innocent is now en vogue with the media.  FSU responded quickly and with assertion, and the story seems to have gone away.

The New York Times is agenda driven to be sure.  In the aftermath of a tragic shooting at the Strozier Library on the Florida State campus, in describing the story, The Times made reference to the issues surrounding the football team (fabricated), which has zero relevance to the actions of a disturbed individual.

ESPN continues to blatantly target FSU as well. In a recent report of talented Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota receiving a traffic ticket, it was the picture of Winston that was presented, and no, he was not involved.  This was not an error, but rather an orchestrated opportunity to tarnish FSU.

Why are all these media outlets exhausting all efforts to take down Florida State. While one could envision Sports Illustrated, FOX Sports and certainly ESPN performing investigative sports reporting, I find it offensive that The New York Times cannot find enough in Washington to keep them busy without the gray lady taking up hotel rooms in Tallahassee.  I wonder who is directing their investigative action, and why?

But then again, perhaps due to the relationship between Florida State and the evil Koch brothers, we can find a logical reason these competing interests are relentless in their investigative attacks on FSU.  It appears Florida State University may be getting attacked by the political left, who gleefully employ the tactics of their mentor Saul Alinsky; achieving goals by any means necessary to punish political enemies both financially and in the court of public opinion.

No worries. Florida State University remains The Unconquered!

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

Treon Harris

After saving the Florida Gators on the road at Tennessee on Saturday, frosh QB Treon Harris is suspended for a potential domestic sexual assault. 

University of Florida President Bernie Machen issued a statement on the indefinite suspension of Harris, and given the political times we currently live in, that seems appropriate.

It is worth noting charges have NOT been filed, but in this boiling environment surrounding domestic violence, anybody and everybody is guilty until proved innocent.

I am a rival Seminole, so nobody at UF asked me, nor cares what I think.  But, given the current climate, I agree that Harris should be suspended pending completion of the investigation. I did not see it this way a little over a year ago when Florida State University did not suspend Jameis Winston pending completion of the investigation.  Unless you were against FSU, you did not either. 

This has not stopped the UF faithful from slinging barbs at the FSU brass, who are lacking leadership over the past year to be kind, in the aftermath of the allegations against Harris.

Domestic violence, particularly sexual assault, are very serious crimes.  If there is a positive to the recent slew of cases we have become aware of, it is that allegations in this area need to taken more seriously.  Thankfully, they are.

If found guilty, Harris should suffer the legal consequences of his action.

However, I do see a slippery slope I find most uncomfortable.  Many in the media, inclusive of the sports media which includes Mike Bianchi of The Orlando Sentinel, have loudly proclaimed Harris should never play another down at UF.  Should the allegations have merit, and Harris is charged, I have little doubt this will be the case.

It is noted that if he violated a code of conduct behavior matrix set by UF, they have every right to remove him from their team and university if deemed appropriate, for they are not bound by legalities for the privilege to represent the University of Florida.

However, major opportunities in life hang in the balance for Harris, and if he is not charged, he should be able to resume his career.  Perhaps the UF administration knows something I don't, but we seem to be swinging a big stick when the facts of the allegation remain uncovered, which will have a major affect on the life of Harris.

In the eyes of the media, and perhaps the UF brass who are taking great lengths to steer clear of potential bad press or protests, Harris seems guilty until proven innocent. Perhaps I am a growing minority, but at least for the time being, I thought in America, it was the other way around.

Controlled Destiny

Florida State Seminoles 2013 BCS Champions

Oddsmakers had established the number one ranked undefeated Florida State Seminoles as a ten point favorite in the final Bowl Championship Series National Championship against the SEC Champion Auburn Tigers at the Rose Bowl on Monday night.

The smart money was placed on FSU, and with good reason, as the Seminoles ran roughshod over each of their opponents, scoring a minimum of 37 points in each game and winning by an average of over 40 points per contest, which included an eye popping 51-14 win in a clash of unbeatens at Clemson, who ended the season as Orange Bowl Champions.

However, the public embraced a perceived team of destiny in the SEC Champion Auburn Tigers, who had dethroned defending champion Alabama along the way. Auburn started out slowly, but really became a force after the offense of new head coach Gus Malzan took hold and confidence built.  Then, there was the fact that the SEC, the nations premier conference, by far, had won seven consecutive BCS titles, with Alabama or Auburn winning the previous three.

After FSU took the opening drive, with alarming difficulty, down for a field goal, Auburn took charge, announcing they had come to seal their fate of destiny. Although the Tigers failed to own the line of scrimmage, they did a wonderful job of mixing the run and pass to puzzle the Seminoles, particularly with mid range passes in the middle of the field to post three scores.

Additionally, Auburn confused FSU's Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jameis Winston, with the FSU starting slow for the third consecutive game. While it does not jump out at you on the stat sheet, the Tigers punting game pinned Florida State deep on a number of occasions, forcing the Seminoles to start drives deep in their own territory, which exponentially increases the difficulty in scoring.

Florida State continued to fight, grabbing a touchdown just before the half to close the deficit to 21-10.   However, after receiving the second half kick, FSU gained nothing and had to punt. But the Seminole defense stuffed the Tigers in the third period.

Leading 21-13 to begin the fourth period, Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall, who had played brilliantly, forced a pass which was picked off by FSU cornerback PJ Williams, giving FSU a badly needed break.  The Seminoles responded, cutting the lead to 21-20. A potential opportunity to go for two was nullified by a mind boggling unsportsmanlike penalty on FSU running back Devonta Freeman.

The Tigers responded by scoring a field goal to take a 24-20 lead.  However, freshman Lavonte Whitfield, a world class printer from Orlando Jones HS, sprinted 100 yards for a touchdown on the ensuing kickoff to give FSU its first lead in moons, 27-24.

Auburn came to win, and trailing after the kick return, the Tigers mounted a very impressive drive, capped off by a thundering 37 touchdown run by tailback Tre Mason, a Heisman finalist who ran for 195 yards on the evening.  The Tigers were ahead 31-27, with 1:19 to play.

Jamies Winston went to work, hitting a few short passes, before connecting with Rashad Greene, who split two defenders a raced 49 yards downfield to give the Seminoles the file position to get the win.  As the degree of difficulty rose, Auburn was hit with a legitimate pass interference penalty giving FSU a first down and goal. Winston then hit Kelvin Benjamin over the middle for a touchdown, giving the Seminoles a 34-31 lead.

Kelvin Benjamin catches winning score from Jamies Winston
PHOTO/USA TODAY

Would Auburn, the team of destiny, be able to pull off yet another incredible win with 0:13 seconds remaining?

The Tigers would not.

Florida State took control of destiny on the beautiful evening at the Rose Bowl, winning the 2013 BCS National Championship. 

It seemed fitting, with FSU having lost to an SEC team in Tennessee in the first BCS Championship, to win the last BCS Championship against an SEC team in Auburn.

This game was emotionally tasking for the Seminole faithful.  FSU played tight much of the game, Winston was erratic and the receivers dropped a number of passes. FSU was the victim of many penalties and non penalties and decisively lost the field position battle. A poor punt with even worse coverage set up one Tiger score, while a Winston fumble set up another.  Auburn effectively victimized the FSU defense with mid range passes, and took it to the Seminoles in the line of scrimmage.

Auburn was completely as advertised, a very strong team clicking on all cylinders.  However, in the end, Florida State made the plays that were needed to win the game, including driving the field in less just over a minute for the winning score.  Winston hit nine of last ten passes to close the game.

FSU Coach Jimbo Fisher
PHOTO/CBS Sports

Congratulations to Coach Jimbo Fisher, the coaching staff and players for daring to be elite, keeping composure and delivering under fire when everything was on the line.  It was a great season, and the Seminoles finished the year unbeaten at 14-0 and are the 2013 National Champions, the third title for the Seminoles.

Job well done!

2013 All America Team

The Color & Pageantry

2013 Post Season ALL AMERICA TEAM

Offensive Player of the Year
Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

OFFENSE

WR     Mike Evans, Texas A&M
           6'5, 225, SO, Galveston, TX (Ball)

WR     Brandin Cooks, Oregon State
           5'10", 186, JR, Stockton, CA (Lincoln)

WR     Amari Cooper, Alabama
           6'1", 202, SO, Miami, FL (Northwestern)

TE      Eric Ebron, North Carolina
           6'4", 245, JR, Greensboro, NC (Smith)

OL      Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
           6'5", 305, SR, Missouri City, TX (Elkins)

OL      David Yankey, Stanford
           6'5", 315, SR, Roswell, GA (Centennial)

OL      Bryan Stork, Florida State
           6'4", 300, SR, Vero Beach, FL (Vero Beach)

OL      Cyril Richardson, Baylor
           6'5", 340, SR, Fort Worth, TX, (North Crowley)

OL      Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama
           6'6", 311, Hyattsville, MD (DeMatha)

QB      Jameis Winston, Florida State
           6'4", 228, FR, Bessemer, AL (Hueytown)

RB      Andre Williams, Boston College
           6'0" 227, SR, Schnecksville, PA (Parkland)

RB     Bishop Sankey, Washington
          5'10", 203, JR, Spokane, WA (Gonzaga Prep)

RB     Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona
          5'10", 207, JR, Tuscon, AZ, (Canyon del Oro)

Defensive Player of the Year
Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
Photo/CBSSports.com

DEFENSE

DE     Trent Murphy, Stanford
          6'6", 261 SR, Mesa, AZ (Brophy)

DT     Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
          6'0", 285, SR, Pittsburgh, PA (Penn Hills)

DT     Timmy Jernigan, Florida State
          6'2" 292, JR, Lake City, FL (Columbia)

DT     Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota
          6'6" 311, SR, Minneapolis, MN (Washburn)

DE     Michael Sam, Missouri
          6'2", 225, SR Hitchcock, TX (Hitchcock)

OLB   Anthony Barr, UCLA
           6'4", 245, SR San Pedro, CA (Loyola)

ILB    CJ Mosely, Alabama
           6'2", 238, SR, Mobile, AL (Theodore)

ILB     Telvin Smith, Florida State
            6'3", 220, SR, Valdosta, GA (Lowndes County)

OLB    Marcus Smith, Louisville
            6'3", 252, Columbus, GA, (Hardaway)

DB      Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
            5'11", 197, SR, Dry Branch, GA, (Twiggs County)

DB      LaMarcus Joyner, Florida State
           5'9", 190, SR, Fort Lauderdale, FL (St. Thomas Aquinas)

DB      Ha Ha Clinton Dix, Alabama
            6'1", 208, JR, Orlando, FL (Dr. Phillips)

DB      Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
            6'0", 200, SR, Huntsville, TX (Huntsville)

DB      Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
            5'10", 185, JR, Chino Hills, CA (Chino Hills)

SPECIALISTS

K         Roberto Aguayo, Florida State
            6'1", 203, FR, Mascotte, FL (South Lake)

P          Austin Rehkow, Idaho
            6'3", 202 FR, Veradale, WA (Central Valley)

KR       Ty Montgomery, Stanford
             6'2", 215, JR, Dallas, TX (St. Marks)

NC       Myles Jack, UCLA
             6'1", 225, FR Belleview, WA (Belleview)

HONORABLE MENTION:

QUARTERBACKS:  Johnny Manzeil, Texas A&M, AJ McCarron, Alabama, Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois, Bryce Petty, Baylor, Braxton Miller, Ohio State, Derek Carr, Fresno State, Blake Bortles, UCF and Connor Shaw, South Carolina.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt, Jarvis Landry, LSU, Allen Robinson, Penn State, Sammy Watkins, Clemson, Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State, Willie Snead, Ball State, Jeremy Gallon, Michigan, Odell Beckham, Jr., LSU, Antwan Goodley, Baylor, Cody Latimer, Indiana, Allen Hurns, Miami and Davante Adams, Fresno State.

TIGHT ENDS: Jace Amaro, Texas Tech, Nick O'Leary, Florida State, Devin Funchess, Michigan, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington and C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa.

RUNNING BACKS: Tre Mason, Auburn, Kapri Bibbs, Colorado State, Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska, Todd Gurley, Georgia, Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin, Tyler Gaffney, Stanford, Jeremy Langford, Michigan State, Mike Davis, South Carolina, James White, Wisconsin, TJ Yeldon, Alabama, Henry Josey, Missouri and Carlos Hyde, Ohio State.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma, Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State, Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA, Antonio Richardson, Tennessee, Cameron Irving, Florida State, Tre Jackson, Florida State, Jack Mehwort, Ohio State, Ryan Groy, Wisconsin, Taylor Lewan, Michigan, Greg Robinson, Auburn, Hroniss Grasu, Oregon, James Hurst, North Carolina, Brandon Scherff, Iowa and Reese Dismukes, Auburn.

DEFENSIVE LINE:  Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina, Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State, Vic Beasley, Clemson, Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas, Will Sutton, Arizona State, Nikita Whitlock, Wake Forest, Leonard Williams, USC, Demarucs Lawrence Boise State, Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech, Kelcy Quarles, South Carolina, Randy Gregory, Nebraska, Kareem Martin, North Carolina,  and Dee Ford, Auburn.

LINEBACKERS: Shane Skov, Stanford, Khalil Mack, Buffalo, Denicos Allen, Michigan State, Max Bullough, Michigan State, Chris Borland, Wisconsin, Myles Jack, UCLA, Kyle Van Noy, BYU, Ryan Shazier, Ohio State, James Morris, Iowa and Anthony Hitchens, Iowa.

DEFENSIVE BACKS.  Jason Verrett, Texas Christian, EJ Gains, Missouri, Ahmad Dixon, Baylor, Terrance Brooks, Florida State, Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech, Anthony Harris, Virginia, Deone Bucannon, Washington State, Chris Davis, Auburn, Ed Reyonolds, Stanford, Ty Zimmerman, Kansas State, Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois, Calvin Pryor, Louisville, Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State, Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss, Bradley Roby, Ohio State and Ross Cockrell, Duke.

KICKERS: Jeff Budzien, Northwestern, Shawn Moffitt, UCF, Nate Freese, Boston College, Michael Geiger, Michigan State, Marshall Morgan, Georgia and Marvin Kloss, USF.

PUNTERS: Tom Hornsey, Memphis, Drew Kaser, Texas A&M, and Cody Webster, Purdue

KICK RETURNERS: Chris Davis, Auburn, Ryan Switzer, North Carolina, Nelson Agholor, USC, Jamieson Crowder, Duke, Chrstion Jones, Alabama and Tyler Lockett, Kansas State.

NEWCOMERS: Jameis Winston, Florida State, Christian Hackenburg, Penn State, Austin Rehkow, Idaho, Roberto Aguayo, Florida State, Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh, Jaerd Goff, Cal, Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech, Brandon Facyson, Virginia Tech, Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida, Nate Andrews, Florida State, Zayne Gonzalez, Arizona State and Randy Gregory, Nebraska.

House of Heisman

Jameis Winston
Davey O'Brien Trohpy
CFPA Player of the Year

After a brilliant season on the gridiron, Florida State redshirt quarterback Jameis Winston is the overwhelming favorite to win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday at The Marriott Marquis in Times Square in Manhattan.

Winston has overcome some legal issues in the weeks leading up to the voting, with the district attorney in Tallahassee announcing that charges will not be files against Winston in the aftermath of a complaint of sexual assault.

Had Winston not allowed a self proclaimed lapse in maturity to cloud the picture, this young man could well have won the Heisman by the largest margin in history.

Due to the lack of a stellar season from other contenders, he still might.

Winston will be the third Heisman winner from Florida State, joining fellow winners Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke.

I do not have a Heisman vote, but if I had one, the ballot would read as follows:

1.     Jameis Winston, Florida State
2.     Andre Williams, Boston College
3.     Johnny Manzeil, Texas A&M

For some background, I have personally seen live in person the following eleven Heisman winners play at some point during their college careers:

Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska, 1972*
Billy Sims, Oklahoma, 1978*
Mike Rozier, Nebraska, 1983*
Doug Flutie, Boston College, 1984
Bo Jackson, Auburn, 1985*
Vinny Testeverde, Miami, 1986*
Gino Torretta, Miami, 1992*
Charlie Ward, Florida State, 1993*
Danny Wuerffel, Florida, 1996*
Chris Weinke, Florida State, 2000*
Eric Crouch, Nebraska, 2001

*Saw the player play during the year they won the award

In fact, two played in one game, Bo Jackson and Doug Flutie, in the 1982 Tangerine Bowl in beautiful downtown Orlando with Auburn beating Boston College 33-26.  Please see the following highlight:



Having seen Jameis Winston play live on several occasions, as advertised to be sure, I can report that he fits very well among this very talented collection of players. 

The presentation can be seen on ESPN Saturday evening at 8PM.