Fisher’s FSU has a Throwback Feel

By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Two years through Fisher's tenure at FSU, a strong foundation appears to be in place.

Stepping in for the legendary Bobby Bowden, one of the many questions surrounding Jimbo Fisher was whether or not he could continue Bowden's prowess as college football's best closer. Bowden, for his southern charm and championship consistency, was largely known for his ability to walk into the home of a stranger and leave with new friends. And a new Seminole recruit.

Two years through Fisher's tenure, a strong foundation appears to be in place. Florida State has won 19 games in two years, played for one ACC Championship and has topped South Carolina and Notre Dame in two bowl game victories. Most importantly, Fisher is a combined 4-0 in a quartet of games against rivals Florida and Miami. Early pre-season polls for 2012 have the Seminoles slotted as a top 7-8 team for this upcoming season.

Fair or not, the expectation for Fisher's third team in Tallahassee will be one of BCS inclusion. Back is senior quarterback E.J. Manuel and nine starters from the nation's 4th ranked defense, stars Brandon Jenkins at end and Greg Reid at cornerback included. As it currently stands, Florida State will have seven home games in 2012 and will play nine overall games in the state of Florida.

This is a program with considerable off-season momentum, stemming both from their Champs Sports Bowl triumph over the Fighting Irish to the contract extension of defensive coordinator Mark Stoops to Fisher's signing of another elite recruiting class. ESPN.com has this FSU class ranked 2nd nationally, boosted by the nation's top prep quarterback Jameis Winston, top defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and top defensive end Mario Edwards. Goldman, in classic Bowden-style, made a high-profile Seminole selection on National Signing Day.

"It was where I want to be," Goldman said in an interview with ESPN. "If I would have went anywhere else, I wouldn't have been happy."

Back on National Signing Day, Fisher took the podium for his press conference beaming with pride and, at times, with a Bowden-esque comfortable chuckle.

"I love our class, we got a lot of guys we really wanted and met our needs. I think it's going to create great competition within our team," Fisher explained. "I think our staff did a tremendous job. The other thing is our players. Our players are doing a tremendous job. It's one of the things I said about our team earlier when we struggled at times during the season. I said I love this football team. The energy level they put forth in recruiting...when we brought those guys here on visits, they spent a lot of time with them and sold the program and sold the things we are doing. I say all the time, we can recruit them as much as we want but when recruits get around the players they will tell them what's going on. Our players sold the program."

For Fisher and Florida State, it's mission accomplished. Attention now turns to spring practice, where offensive line position battles will likely be the major point of emphasis. As mentioned above, it will be a hotly-discussed spring as the Seminoles will be one of the national favorites entering the 2012 season.

Two years in, Fisher is following in his predecessor's footsteps. He's found similar results on the recruiting trail. Next up, finding the same success on the field.

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