2022 Seminoles debut in Garnet and Gold Spring Game

Seminole fans got their first chance to take a look at the 2022 Florida State Football team on Saturday as the ‘Noles offense racked up 38 points at the annual Garnet and Gold Spring Game.

The format included two traditional scrimmage quarters followed by the “Main Event” which featured guest coaches Danny Kannell and Peter Boulware calling plays against EJ Manuel and Bryant McFadden. FSU’s offense started slow but its first signs of life came in the form of Trey Benson. The Oregon transfer running back led the way for Seminole ball carriers with 77 yards on seven touches including a long of 22.

Jordan Travis led the passing attack for Florida State, going 7-13 for 71 yards but backup Tate Rodemaker fetched the game’s only touchdown pass on 5-11 passing for 64 yards. As the offense found its groove so too did the playmakers with Lawrence Toafili, DJ Williams and Mycah Pittman all finding the endzone.

“Seeing the response from the offense and being able to create some of the explosive plays there in the second quarter, it’s what you want in a spring game,” remarked Head Coach Mike Norvell of his team’s performance. “[There were] good things on both sides of the ball and I like seeing some of our newcomers have that first experience in front of our fans.”

Defensively FSU was led up front by Jared Verse and Malakai Menzer who both registered two solo sacks with LB Stephen Dix Jr. also recording six tackles (three solo).

The ‘Noles will hold one more practice on Tuesday, April 12th before heading into the offseason.

Longtime Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden dies at 91

Bobby Bowden, the longtime Florida State football coach who ranks second all time in Division I wins, has died, the school announced Sunday morning.

He was 91.

“My father passed away peacefully early this morning with all six of his children and my mother here by his side,” Bowden’s son Terry said in a statement. “I couldn’t have asked for a better personal mentor than my father. He was a wonderful husband and father, who relied on his strong Christian faith to provide the foundation for his life. I also was fortunate to be raised by a football coach who had a reputation for coaching the right way his entire career. He was admired by everyone who played for him or coached against him.”

Bobby Bowden was diagnosed with a terminal medical condition in July. He did not disclose what the condition was at the time, although Terry later told reporters that it was pancreatic cancer.

Head coach Bobby Bowden of the Florida State Seminoles watches his team take on the West Virginia Mountaineers during the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl on January 1, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida.

“I’ve always tried to serve God’s purpose for my life, on and off the field, and I am prepared for what is to come,” Bobby Bowden said in a statement announcing the condition. “My wife Ann and our family have been life’s greatest blessing. I am at peace.”

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