TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State's victory over Louisville last Thursday marked the fourth time in the last six games that the Seminoles have had to stage a second-half rally to remain undefeated on the season.
At his weekly press conference Monday, Jimbo Fisher provided insight into what makes his 2014 team a modern-day version of the "Cardiac Kids."
"We have had bad weeks, we've just overcome them," the fifth-year head coach said. "We've learned to control things we can control. We've learned that we're never perfect even though we strive for perfection every day, but in the meantime we find excellence.
"This team is a very competitive team, this team understands how to compete, it doesn't panic. It's unique in a lot of ways."
It's definitely different from last year, when the high-powered offense often buried teams early in games. This year's Florida State team has needed key, late-game defensive stops to win multiple games. In the victory over Wake Forest, kicker Roberto Aguayo was the team's leading scorer.
"Last year was an oddity, things don't happen like that," Fisher said emphatically. "The ability to find ways to win, that's what it is, and that's what this team can do."
The Seminoles, to their credit, have played a difficult schedule -- facing three top-25 opponents in their first eight games -- and carry a target on their backs as the reigning BCS national champions.
"I think a lot of people spent a lot of time preparing for us, I mean in the offseason," Fisher explained. "Why are the Seahawks the best defense in pro football a year ago, and this year they're struggling... I mean they've lost a few guys, but it's basically the same team. I think teams spend a lot of time preparing for you in the summer because you're on top."
Through it all, the Seminoles are 9-0 and have won 24 straight games. They have four games remaining on their schedule, including two against in-state rivals Miami and Florida. Coaches and players understand, however, that those nine wins don't mean anything if they don't have a strong finish to the season.
"We're in the final home stretch of our season and we need to play well in November," Fisher said. "It's like they say, 'They always remember November.' We're looking forward to the challenges."
