Throughout the childhoods of most current college students, the Florida State football program defined excellence on the gridiron. From 1987 through 2000, coach Bobby Bowden's Seminoles posted an overall record of 152-19-1. Since Florida State joined the ACC in 1992, the Seminoles have won 12 conference titles.
It is therefore stunning, in the eyes of many, to see the Seminoles struggling so much this year. With a 2-4 conference mark, Florida State is mired in last place in the ACC's Atlantic Division.
Florida State's current woes date back to last year's 26-21 loss Oct. 15 at Virginia. Since that game, the Seminoles have lost seven of 12 conference matchups.
Tomorrow afternoon, Florida State (4-4, 2-4 ACC) will have a chance to seek revenge for that loss, as the Cavaliers (4-5, 3-2 ACC) travel to Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee for a noon kickoff.
Despite Florida State's recent troubles, Virginia players are still expecting to face a tough challenge against the Seminoles.
"They're still Florida State," senior cornerback Marcus Hamilton said. "They still have the same type of athletes that they've had in the past. They're fast, talented, big and physical so we're going to have to play a real good game to have a chance to beat them."
The last time Virginia played in Tallahassee was in 2004 when the Cavaliers were 5-0 and ranked No. 6 in the country. Virginia was brought back to earth that night, however, as No. 7-ranked Seminoles ravaged the Cavaliers 36-3.
"It's a great environment to play in," Hamilton said. "Their fans are loud and they really back up their team. But you can't get caught up in the fact that you're playing down there at Florida State. It's just another football game."
Virginia is 0-14 all-time in games played in the state of Florida. The Cavaliers are 1-3 on the road this year.
"We have to come out with passion, intensity and a desire to win, especially in a place like that against a team like that," Hamilton said of the challenge of winning at Florida State. "If we don't have that mentality and focus heading into the game, then we'll be in trouble."
It was announced Monday that Florida State sophomore Xavier Lee will start at quarterback for the Seminoles against Virginia. Fellow sophomore Drew Weatherford started the first seven games of the season for Florida State before suffering an ankle injury that kept him out of last weekend's 27-24 loss at Maryland.
Against the Terrapins, Lee, a dual threat because of his speed, completed 22 of 26 passes for 286 yards. He also rushed for 50 yards.
"As he began to show a little bit last week, he can be a very explosive runner," Virginia coach Al Groh said.
Florida State sophomore wide receiver Greg Carr is third in the ACC with 56.1 yards per game. He has also averaged a remarkable 17.9 yards per catch.
"You have to use your body against his body and when he jumps you have to jump into him and try to stop him from getting as high as he normally can," Hamilton said of Carr, who is listed at 6 feet 6 inches.
Groh cited Florida State's youth as an explanation for its subpar record.
"When we watch Florida State, we continue to see lots of speed and lots of talent," he said. "Nothing has changed in that respect. What is missing is just experience. They have a lot of players who are moving into fulltime positions at an early point."
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