Great loss for FSU

Tough loss for #5 Florida State tonight at home. Not the end of their season by a long shot. It's early, they hung tough with the best team in the country and they still have a tough ACC row to hoe, with Clemson and Miami in the next few weeks. Of course, the annual rivalry with Florida awaits at the end of the season, so there is plenty of time for redemption.

I expect the Noles to drop a few spots in the polls, but to remain in the Top 10. With some quality wins the next few weeks and the inevitable losses by other top teams, FSU will regain footing in the polls and end with a chance to play in a BCS Bowl.

It was a game of tough bounces and tougher bruises. On the latter, there was a scary moment in the first half where a Florida State receiver got sandwiched at the goal line (reminiscent of Anquan Boldin in the NFL) and laid there motionless for several minutes. That scary moment was followed by a shoulder bruise to starting quarterback EJ Manuel. He would leave the game early in the second half.

In came Chris Trickett, the future of our program. Here's what the ACC Blog on ESPN had to say about Trickett:

Unsung hero of the game: Clint Trickett: Florida State's backup quarterback hadn't thrown a pass in a collegiate game until this season, and against the No. 1 team in the nation, he put his team in position to win. Heading into this game, Trickett had a career stat line that included 7 of 8 passes for 176 yards and three touchdowns. Against Oklahoma, he led the Noles on two scoring drives, one a field goal and another an impressive touchdown pass. He was poised and the offense didn't miss a beat without Manuel. On third-and-28 with just under 10 minutes remaining in the game, Trickett threw a 56-yard touchdown pass to Rashad Greene to tie the game at 13. The Seminoles had struggled all night to generate some offense, and the rookie quarterback came up with the biggest offensive play of the game.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

I was proud of my team tonight. They fought hard for three-and-a-half quarters. The defense at Florida State is FOR REAL! EJ & Trickett could become a two-headed monster as a quarterback tandem. FSU's receivers are for real, too! Count on some high scoring games in the near future with that offensive firepower. I was also proud of the Doak Campbell crowd. Saturday Night Fever returned to Tallahassee tonight. It was loud and raucous! Just wish I'd been there.

Has the Jimbo Fisher era begun at Florida State? I think so, but only time will tell the tale.

I think this Seminole team is the real deal. They deserve a Top 10 ranking. Hell, I think they are the second best team, top-to-bottom, in the entire country. Still holding my head high after a 10-point defeat to Oklahoma. Hope Mark Stoops is, too. Big brother only bested him by two plays tonight.