FSU Football: The Art Of Not Quitting On A Season

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:09 p.m. ET

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Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher looks on prior to the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The FSU Football had extremely high expectations going into the 2016. After suffering two early season losses, the ‘Noles never quit on their season.

The ‘Noles started the 2016 schedule ranked as the No. 4 team in the country. An electric come from behind win in their season opener over the No. 11 ranked SEC Ole Miss Rebels heightened expectations.

However, the FSU football team found itself at an early crossroads in the third game of the season. The teams first true road game against ACC divisional opponent Louisville turned into arguably the most embarrassing loss in FSU history.

Not only did they give up 63 points, the most in FSU history, they had lost their first game of the season. Not only that, it was a crucial ACC divisional game which greatly decreased their chances of making the ACC championship game.

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National title aspirations, trashed. ACC title game aspirations, slim chance. Fast forward two weeks later, and the ‘Noles drop their second ACC game of the season on a heartbreaking 54 yard field goal as time expired against the UNC Tarheels.

The ‘Noles stood at 3-2 with Clemson, a trip at NC State, and games against Miami and Florida.

At the time there was real concern that FSU would finish with no more than seven wins in a season where some thought they would have an opportunity to compete for a National Championship.

The 2016 season might be one Jimbo Fisher’s finest coaching jobs since becoming head coach in 2010.

Hear Me Out

It was have been extremely easy for this team to quit on its season and one another. It could have quit after getting down 13-3 against Miami on the road. They could have quit after Clemson went up two scores in the first quarter.

They could have quit after getting down against NC State on the road at night.

Here at Chopchat we asked what this FSU football had to play for after losing to UNC that first Saturday in October.

Now, we can almost see the fruits of their willingness to buy into what Jimbo Fisher had been preaching all season.

It’s another way for Jimbo Fisher to preach the “process” opposed to “results” to his players and staff. Not quitting on its season and sticking to the process has earned the ‘Noles a potential trip to a New Years Six Bowl game.

Who would have thought that was possible in late October after the ‘Noles suffered their third loss of the season?

The art of not quitting is the Seminole Way.