The most dominant BCS era champion in college football history
In short: In 2013, Florida State didn't just win; they dismantled the competition with a level of efficiency that remains a benchmark for dominance. They set records for scoring and margin of victory while securing their third national championship as the final champions before the modern playoff era.
Led by fourth-year head coach Jimbo Fisher, the 2013 Florida State Seminoles achieved a school-record fourteen wins and completed their third undefeated season. The team was defined by its staggering offensive output and defensive lockdown, setting an FBS record for points in a season with 723. A then-FBS mark for average victory margins was established by this squad at 39.5 points each match, surpassing any previous modern college football figure.
The roster featured high-profile talent, most notably eventual Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston. As a freshman, Winston won the Walter Camp Award and the Davey O'Brien Award, while kicker Roberto Aguayo took home the Lou Groza Award for the nation's best placekicker. The team’s depth was evidenced by ten All-Americans, including three consensus honors, and a defense that allowed only 12.1 points per game.
The season served as a historical bridge; it was the final BCS National Championship before the College Football Playoff began in 2014. While the 2019 LSU Tigers eventually surpassed Florida State's scoring total, they did so over 15 games, whereas FSU achieved their 723 points in just 14 games. This era of dominance saw twenty-six players move on to professional football, with many going on to win Super Bowls.
Despite the success, the transition was volatile. Following the championship, Florida State lost six coaches from its staff, including defensive coordinator Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator James Coley. The program also navigated significant off-season hurdles, including multiple player suspensions, injuries to key tight ends, and academic ineligibilities before reaching the pinnacle of the sport.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2013 Florida State Seminoles football team
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