Florida State Seminoles football has a history packed with unforgettable moments. From wild finishes to powerhouse performances, the Seminoles have given fans plenty to remember.
Recently, Tomahawk Nation tried to do the impossible—ranking the top 50 games in FSU history. Here’s a look at games 30 through 21, each one loaded with drama and meaning for the program.
Memorable Wins and Heart-Stopping Finishes
Every game on this list tells its own story. The Seminoles have shown grit, talent, and—let’s be honest—a little bit of luck when it mattered most.
Some wins came down to the wire, others were statements that shifted the course of the season. Either way, they’re all part of what makes FSU football so compelling.
No. 30: 31–27 Over No. 5 Notre Dame (2014)
The 2014 game against Notre Dame was a rollercoaster. At Doak Campbell, the No. 2 Seminoles faced off against the No. 5 Fighting Irish in a matchup that had everyone on edge.
Notre Dame’s Everett Golson played lights out, but FSU squeaked by after a controversial (but correct) call wiped out a late Irish touchdown. That win pushed FSU’s unbeaten streak to 22 games and, honestly, people are still talking about it.
No. 29: 45–24 Over LSU (2023)
Jump to 2023, and FSU made a statement by crushing No. 5 LSU to kick off the season. The hype around this one was real, especially after years of building under Mike Norvell.
Down 17-14 at halftime, the Seminoles exploded for 31 straight points in the second half. Jordan Travis and Keon Coleman were unstoppable, and the win set the tone for what felt like a new era under Norvell.
No. 28: Orange Bowl, 33–32 Over Michigan (2016)
The 2016 Orange Bowl against Michigan? Pure chaos. FSU had a rocky season but still landed in a New Year’s Six bowl.
The game went back and forth, but the Seminoles pulled it out 33-32. Deondre Francois and Dalvin Cook came up huge, and Nyqwan Murray’s late touchdown sealed it. Fans probably aged a few years during those final minutes.
Historic Moments and Legendary Performances
Some games aren’t just about the score—they’re about what they meant in the bigger picture. These matchups helped shape FSU’s identity and fueled the program’s rise.
No. 27: Gator Bowl, 33–21 Over West Virginia (2009)
The 2009 Gator Bowl was more than just another game. It was Bobby Bowden’s last ride, and the team sent him out with a win over West Virginia.
FSU fell behind early but stormed back, with Jermaine Thomas and the defense leading the way. Bowden being carried off the field? That’s the kind of moment you don’t forget.
No. 26: 28–10 Over No. 3 Miami (1993)
In 1993, FSU faced No. 3 Miami in a game with national championship vibes. The Seminoles, ranked No. 1, came out and took care of business, 28-10.
Sean Jackson broke loose for a 69-yard score, and Devin Bush’s pick-six put things away. After so many heartbreakers against Miami, this one felt especially sweet.
No. 25: 37–9 at Florida (1977)
The 1977 win over Florida changed everything. Bobby Bowden’s crew snapped a nine-game losing streak to the Gators, and they didn’t just win—they dominated 37-9.
Roger Overby and Larry Key were standouts. This game really kicked off FSU’s climb to national relevance.
No. 24: Fiesta Bowl, 31–28 Over No. 5 Nebraska (1987)
The 1987 Fiesta Bowl against Nebraska was massive. Down 14-0 early, the Seminoles didn’t blink.
Danny McManus threw for 375 yards and three touchdowns, capping it with a 97-yard drive and a strike to Ronald Lewis for the win. That victory started FSU’s ridiculous streak of 14 straight top-five AP finishes.
Rivalry Games and Season-Defining Victories
Rivalry games just hit different. For FSU, some of the biggest moments have come at the expense of their fiercest foes.
No. 23: Sugar Bowl, 23–17 Over Florida (1994)
The 1994 Sugar Bowl, known as the Fifth Quarter in the French Quarter, picked up right where the Choke at Doak left off. FSU and Florida met again, but this time the Seminoles won 23-17.
Warrick Dunn’s 73-yard touchdown pass to Omar Ellison was electric, and Derrick Brooks iced it with a late interception. Beating the Gators never gets old.
No. 22: 31-7 Over Florida (2010)
The 2010 win over Florida broke a six-game skid against the Gators. Christian Ponder threw three touchdowns, and the defense forced four turnovers.
This was Urban Meyer’s last game as Florida’s coach, and it felt like the start of something new for FSU.
No. 21: 35-22 Home Upset of No. 3 Pitt & Dan Marino (1980)
The 1980 upset of No. 3 Pittsburgh, led by future NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino, was a defining moment for FSU. The Seminoles, under Bobby Bowden, pulled off a wild 35-22 victory that no one really saw coming.
Rick Stockstill threw three touchdown passes that night. Sam Platt racked up 123 rushing yards, running with a kind of energy that just felt contagious.
This win helped put FSU on the national map. It really set the tone for everything that came after.
If you want to dig deeper into these legendary games and their impact on FSU football, check out Tomahawk Nation.
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