Just when it was looking like the Florida Gators were the biggest disappointments in all of college football, the Florida State Seminoles managed to top them.
Of course, we all know the story with the Noles…
Despite being projected as national title contenders entering the season, Mike Norvell’s team quickly fell into an 0-2 hole following nightmare losses to Georgia Tech and Boston College.
Needless to say, Florida State’s fan base is absolutely disgusted.
While some felt the Noles were a tad overrated entering the season, most expected them to storm out of the gates with an extra chip (or three) on their shoulders following last year’s playoff snub.
Based on energy, effort and execution, that was anything but the case.
According to reports, Florida State spent nearly $2 million of their $12 million NIL budget on their starting defensive line.
Expected to be a strength of the team, the defensive line was bullied in each of the Noles’ first two games of the season.
All of the credit in the world to Bill O’Brien and the Boston College Eagles – but for Florida State to get blown away at the line of scrimmage at home (especially following the Georgia Tech loss) was absolutely unacceptable.
Even worse, the expensive addition of quarterback DJ Uiagalelei via the transfer portal is looking like one of the worst decisions in the country.
Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse in Tallahassee, news broke that the Florida State marching band was asked by the team NOT to play their world-famous War Chant on third downs.
Instead of utilizing and celebrating one of the best traditions in all of college football, Florida State will instead play “club music” on third downs.
While this change has been in effect for a little while now, Florida State has officially come out and acknowledged the move.
However, their attempt at explaining their decision for the change has only made matters worse.
At Florida State, the Marching Chiefs have long been a highlight of game days, kicking off every home clash with an elaborate pregame set.
Their most famous contribution is the War Chant, an unmistakable melody often accompanied by fans performing the tomahawk chop.
Beloved by Seminole fans and despised by their rivals, this tradition was created by Florida State students in the 1980s and has since become one of the most unique and intimidating chants in the sport.
Florida State Athletic Director Michael Alford attempted to defend the decision.
“There is plenty of latitude for changes including opportunities for the Marching Chiefs to play at any time of their choosing other than the mutually agreed upon segments involving third downs or during sponsored elements requiring a PA voiceover,” Alford said.
“Scripted music is played during those sponsored elements and on third downs, in which football last year asked and was granted permission to select music.”
Needless to say, the vast majority of Florida State fans are not happy with the decision and have started a petition demanding the reduction of DJ music in favor of more Marching Chiefs performances – and in particular the War Chant on third down.
Florida State returns to action this Saturday when they take on the Memphis Tigers.
While the Seminoles have plenty to worry about on the field, what are your thoughts on the traditions of the school and fan base being ripped away?
Should Norvell step in and fix the situation himself? … Or does he have enough to worry about as it is???