Now Florida State doesn't need to sweat the polls or computer rankings.
Stanford took care of that Thursday night, knocking off BCS No. 3 Oregon 26-20. The Cardinal gave the Seminoles a huge assist, defeating a Ducks team that was just fractionally behind No. 2 Florida State in the BCS standings on Sunday night.
It was an upset that set off celebrations in Tallahassee, as well as Columbus, Ohio, and Waco, Texas.
Florida State (8-0) just needs to take care of business on the field to earn a trip to Pasadena, Calif., for the national championship game on Jan. 6. The Seminoles' remaining games are against Wake Forest (4-5), Syracuse (4-4), Idaho (1-8) and Florida (4-4).
But Florida State's resume has been built on dominating wins, including routs of then-No. 3 Clemson (51-14) and then-No. 7 Miami (41-14).
Barring a collapse against an injury-depleted Gators team at the Swamp on Nov. 30, the only roadblock left for Florida State is the ACC championship game on Dec. 7. Florida State could face Miami again, but Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Duke are also in the mix.
Plenty can change in the next month. Alabama (8-0) still has games left at home Saturday against LSU and then finishes the regular season at Auburn on Nov. 30. Ohio State (9-0) and Baylor (8-0) will also be knocking on the door if the Crimson Tide falter down the stretch.
But Florida State is in the driver's seat. Bobby Bowden always wanted to play in a Rose Bowl but never had the chance. Now Jimbo Fisher could be taking the Seminoles to Pasadena to play for a national title.
