After his first collegiate start was a rousing success, Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel was struck by how much he missed playing in a game.
"I was surprised at how fun it was. At the college level, it was a lot more fun than in high school,'' he said.
He's hoping to continue the party Saturday when the Seminoles (5-5, 3-4 in ACC) play Maryland in their final home game at Doak Campbell Stadium. In addition to the game being senior day, it will be the final home game for long-time defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, who has announced his retirement.
At issue is whether it might also be Bobby Bowden's last home game, although he has given little indication it will be. Instead, Bowden has spoken privately and publically about returning next season. Bowden hasn't had a losing season since his first one in Tallahassee, back in 1976. He needs a win Saturday to assure it won't happen.
The Seminoles' final game is the annual rivalry game against Florida, this time in Gainesville. Should the Seminoles beat Maryland, they will extend their 27-year streak longest in the nation of going to a bowl game.
"That was not our beginning-of-the-season goal," Bowden said when asked about the bowl streak. "Our goal was to try to win the conference championship, get to a BCS bowl and see what happens."
The Seminoles have played a lot of first- and second-year players this season, fueling hope for the future. In the middle 1980s, Bowden took his lumps, especially against Florida, before the 14-year run of 10-win seasons began in 1987. Bowden would love to repeat that feat.
"I would give anything that it was," he said. "The characteristics are very much like it ... I'm going to always look at it as the glass is half full. So when I look at it, I'm going to say yes.
"This thing is going to turn around. The question is, who's going to be the head coach?"
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Florida State Seminoles
