As football season begins, Florida State University (FSU) kicks off with a great start! The first game started against the once fifth-ranked Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers in Orlando. This is the second year straight that FSU and LSU have begun the season with a neutral-site contest.
Despite the game taking place in Orlando instead of being a home game, the crowd was filled with people decked out in garnet and gold. I’d say this was the first clue that FSU came with a mission to win. This was a highly anticipated game between two competitive teams — it was sure to be nothing short of amazing.
Though I wasn’t there in Orlando, I could still feel the intensity of the game and the love from FSU’s crowd while I watched at home. As the game started, it seemed to be evenly tied and both teams’ fans were at the edge of their seats waiting for someone to take the lead.
Luckily for us, we grabbed onto that lead with a score of 45-24 by the fourth quarter and there was no coming back for LSU. After this game, not only did our confidence boost but so did our ranking, putting us at No. 4. This undoubtedly set the tone for the season with key players like Keon Coleman, Jordan Travis, and Jared Verse putting on a great performance that will lead us to the playoffs.
With the defeat of LSU, there was high anticipation for FSU to keep this streak going. Everyone I encountered was so excited for the first home game of the season on Sept. 9, especially after last week’s win. I knew for this game the crowd was going to be filled with FSU fans, but being there exceeded my expectations. People of all ages came together to support the team and help lead them to victory. I couldn’t spot a single Southern Miss fan in the stands wishing their team success.
As I made my way to the stadium, I made sure to get there early. I couldn’t miss out on getting close seats for the first home game. I secured my seating and got to see our Seminoles dominate Southern Mississippi and obtain yet another win. The game appeared to be a win for FSU before it even began; the stadium was filled with Seminole fans and the euphoria from the top-five triumph in Orlando was still raging.
Unlike the LSU game, there wasn’t an even playing field. Florida State took over the entire game, giving no glimpse of hope to Southern Miss fans, eventually finishing with a score of 66-13. Experiencing it in person, I almost felt sad for Southern Mississippi and hoped our team would grant them mercy toward the end of the game.
We showed our strength this past game and will carry it with us against other strong teams. Our head coach, Mike Norvell, seems to have a plan this season that will keep us undefeated. I think I speak for all Florida State students when I say the Seminoles will remain unconquered!
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