Florida State football’s recent social media posts of its Cheez-It Bowl win captured attention for a variety of reasons. The main focus of its bowl game rings was not for the Noles’ first bowl win in six years, but that it claimed “State Champions” after sweeping Miami and Florida for the first time in six years and only the 16th time in 76 seasons. While the title of “state champion” may be meaningless in itself, it highlights the importance of rivalries and traditions in college football as we navigate a period of unparalleled change in college sports.
Traditions and rivalries with trophy games and other rewards for beating foes become even more important during college football’s current period of change, including conference realignment, the name, image, and likeness and transfer portals. Florida State had multiple national championships, Heisman winners, and bowl wins but always end successful seasons with rival victories. FSU is prideful of beating Florida and Miami, which is foundational for success at Florida State.
The Hurricanes and Gators are the reason why college football pundits say Nick Saban is the GOAT and not Bobby Bowden, even though FSU played in five national championship games during the Dynasty run between 1987 and 2000. While the 2013 Florida team that the Noles beat has a plaque in the Sod Cemetery, even winless Hurricane flags fly over the practice fields in Tallahassee during Miami week because beating the Florida Gators and Miami Hurricanes is essential for the Noles’ success.
Overall, the article concludes that Florida State’s state championship title is worth celebrating, especially as a culmination of rival victories instead of a meaningless label.
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