Fat Lady Warms Up in Tallahassee

"You don't really need me; you just keep me hanging on..."

Perhaps it’s Florida State’s Dr.-Jekyll-and-Mr.-Hyde season that prompted the university’s chief of trustees to (finally) call for the retirement of “head coach” Bobby Bowden. The Seminoles’ two wins so far this season have come against FCS opponent Jacksonville State and a convincing beatdown of, granted, a very overrated BYU on the Cougars’ home field. Those victories plus two conference losses and a stunner to in-state rival(?) South Florida did not add up to quite the follow-up season expected after 2008’s 9-4 record and a Citrus Bowl win over Wisconsin.

As Florida State plods through a near-decade of mediocrity, other schools are enjoying an unprecedented turnaround with the infusion of enthusiastic and dedicated coaching staffs. As a long-time Alabama fan, I feel somewhat qualified to speak of the effects of longevity, the longing for the glory that once was, and the need for drastic change.

Not too long ago, Bama trudged through coaching troubles of its own. To be more specific, since Paul “Bear” Bryant was laid to rest (well, at least his body)

The Barry Bonds of College Football

The Houndstooth Wonder Still Stands Head and Shoulders Above

A topic enjoying some renewed interest as a result of NCAA infractions is the debate over the winningest coach in college football. Specifically, Florida State was charged with vacating 14 wins from its 2006-2007 season over ineligible players who were allowed to play. The Criminoles have filed an appeal, and may now accept scholarship reductions in order to help preserve the “legacy” of their coach.

The talking heads are worried that this could be a distraction for the ’09 season, or it could affect recruiting if the final ruling is announced in February. But of greatest concern, it seems, is how this will affect Bowden’s overall