Florida State is unbothered by the criticism. The final score of their contest against the Miami Hurricanes is not indicative of the performance they delivered throughout that game. Sure, the ‘Canes came within one score and they had an opportunity to tie things up before the end of regulation, but the ‘Noles were dominant on the day. FSU won the game. They remained undefeated. Norvell and his Seminoles defeated their rival for the third straight year in a row. So no, Florida State is not bothered by the criticism. Their overall goals still remain well within reach, and they push ahead into Week 12 with their eyes fully on the prize: a conference title and a College Football Playoff berth.
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Two regular season games remain on FSU’s schedule before their trip to Charlotte for the ACC Championship Game, and these two opponents cannot be overlooked. With the national media and the Washington Huskies breathing down the Seminoles’ necks, it means there are two games left to impress the committee. The matchup against the University of Florida in Week 13 provides the best platform to do just that, but that’s not to say this week’s matchup against the North Alabama Lions is all for naught. Facing an FCS opponent such as the Lions prior to a rivalry showdown can have its benefits. If utilized properly, the ‘Noles can patch some holes and refine aspects of their game whilst engaging in live reps. In layman’s terms, it’s the perfect tune-up game.
Doak Campbell Stadium will play host to the Seminoles for the last time this season on Saturday night. The ‘Noles will not only play under the lights in front of a sell-out crowd but they will be celebrating a great many accomplishments as well. The marquee draws for Saturday’s celebration are, of course, the 10th anniversary of the 2013 national championship (with many of those players in attendance) and the retirement of former Seminole quarterback and Heisman winner James Winston’s #5 jersey. For many, both of these celebrations have been a long time coming, and having the 2013 team in attendance will undoubtedly spark a fire under the feet of the current Florida State football team. Saturday’s contest will also extract a heavy emotional toll, as well, because a great many Seminoles will be celebrating Senior Day and taking Bobby Bowden Field for the final time in their collegiate career.
This weekend’s game against North Alabama is about far more than just football for the ‘Noles. It will be a celebration of past accomplishments, a culmination of Norvell’s efforts to flip the Florida State culture, and a send-off for those players who were instrumental in both the success of the past and the success of the present. With that in mind, this week’s three players will take a look at a handful of guys who have been nothing short of impactful in recent years and could very well be suiting up in the garnet and gold in front of the Florida State faithful for the final time.
1. Tatum Bethune, Linebacker
Bethune wasn’t always a Seminole. As a young linebacker out of Miami, Tatum Bethune originally suited up for the UCF Knights. He appeared in all 13 games as a freshman, recording 20 tackles, one forced fumble, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry. He spent two more years with the Knights, and by the end of his three years there, Bethune racked up 185 tackles, 13.0 for loss with 4.5 sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and five quarterback hurries. Prior to the 2022 season, however, he was looking for a change. So, he entered the transfer portal.
The now seasoned linebacker was highly coveted by programs around the country, but he elected to transfer to Florida State University and learn under the tutelage of head coach Mike Norvell. To say he made an instant impact would be an understatement. Bethune’s inclusion in the linebacker corps alongside the likes of DeLoach and Lundy was paramount in flipping a once lackluster position group for the ‘Noles. He appeared in all 13 games, started 11 of them; recorded 84 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, three pass breakups, one fumble recovery and one quarterback hurry; he earned honorable mention All-ACC, Phil Steele third-team All-ACC, and ACC Honor Roll; he was the team’s Monk Bonasorte Award winner; and his tackles and TFL totals ranked second on team and first among linebackers. His 2022 campaign helped fuel the ‘Noles to a 10-win season, but he made it abundantly clear that his job at FSU was far from over.
Now a redshirt senior, Bethune is a leader of DC Adam Fuller’s defense. Thus far, he is second among the team with 51 total tackles, 26 of which are recorded as solo tackles. He trails only his fellow linebacker Kalen DeLoach for most total tackles on the team. Beyond the on-field statistics, Bethune has played a significant role in getting FSU’s defense to where it is now. His talent and commitment to the climb combined with his veteran experience has made him a leader on this Florida State team. He may not have started out as a Seminole, but there is no doubt that Tatum Bethune will be a Seminole for life.
Come Saturday, keep an eye on the redshirt senior as he plays within the confines of Doak Campbell Stadium for the final time. Plus, he and DeLoach have practically gone back and forth with impact performance from week to week. We could very well see some spirited play from the veteran linebacker from the get-go.
2. Fabien Lovett Sr., Defensive Lineman
Much like Bethune, Fabien Lovett did not begin his career as a Seminole. He, too, was a product of the transfer portal, but you would never have guessed it after his years of dedication to the Florida State football program. Lovett joined the program prior to the 2020 season. Since then, he’s become a two-time All-ACC honorable mention, he’s earned team captain honors, and he’s recorded 68 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, 4 sacks, and one forced fumble. More importantly, Lovett has earned the team’s Bobby Bowden Leadership Award on two occasions (2021, 2022).
In his 4 seasons with the Seminoles, the veteran defensive lineman has matured into a living embodiment of Mike Norvell’s culture. Time and again, Lovett had the opportunity to walk away whether it be for the NFL or for the transfer portal. Even amidst his reduction in playing time, he stuck it out and remained a Seminole. The redshirt senior has been a consistent performer for the ‘Noles and considerable presence in the trenches. Saturday will most likely be his final game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Lovett’s inclusion on this list is a testament to the role he played in turning the program around. When watching this weekend’s game, keep a keen eye on the redshirt senior defensive lineman and give him his roses for all he’s done within the locker room.
3. Jordan Travis, Quarterback
Jordan Travis’ inclusion on this list feels like low-hanging fruit at this point. We’ve come to expect a certain level of performance from him week to week, and his importance to this team cannot be understated. It goes without saying that he’s always a player to watch. However, his inclusion on this week’s iteration of the list is less of a commentary on his talent and more so a reflection of his entire career at Florida State University, especially when you realize Saturday’s game will be his final within the confines of Doak Campbell Stadium.
As his collegiate career comes to a close, it’s hard to encapsulate his impact on the program in just mere words. Everyone knows the story at this point. Travis transferred to FSU from Louisville prior to the 2019 season and has since merged into one of the most prolific quarterbacks in program history. Once on the verge of quitting the sport altogether, Travis now sits atop the FSU record books in multiple categories, he has led the Seminoles to consecutive 10-win seasons, he’s a finalist and semifinalist for multiple national awards, he’s a Heisman contender, a national star, and a bonafide Seminole legend. We could spend the rest of the article talking about each and every one of his accomplishments but we’d surely run out of space.
Hollywood could not have written a better story for the once Florida State football fan turned campus legend. Travis makes the “players to watch” list because each and every member of the Florida State community will be taking in their final moments with #13. When he takes Bobby Bowden Field for the final time on Saturday, everyone’s eyes will be glued to the quarterback, without whom much of this recent success would not have been possible. Each and every member of the Florida State community is aware of what this moment means for the program; what the culmination of Travis’ career means to the football program, to the university, and to the city as a whole. So, watch Jordan Travis on Saturday, reflect on his journey, and celebrate his accomplishments. One day, he could follow Jameis WInston’s footsteps, and his #13 jersey could soon be hanging from the rafters.
Honorable Mention: Seniors (and Company)
The final nod in this week’s article goes out to the various members of the Florida State football team who will be suiting up for the Seminoles in Doak Campbell Stadium for the final time. Many of these players joined the program at the inflection point. Their contributions and involvement directly influenced the trajectory of the program in recent years. Each and every player played some role in bringing Florida State football back from the rock bottom they had experienced just a few years ago. So, for the final spot on this list, we give a nod to those players: Akeem Dent, Kalen DeLoach, Dennis Briggs Jr., Jarrian Jones, Renardo Green, Braden Fiske, Bless Harris, Casey Roddick, D’Mitri Emmanuel. A special nod to those redshirt senior walk-ons and unsung heroes: Dwayne Wells Jr. Dang Altine, James Rosenberry Jr., Dylan Brown, and Tyler Keltner. Lastly, there are a few non-seniors that (while unconfirmed at this time) might also be playing in their last home game on Saturday. Among them are: Keon Coleman, Jeremiah Byers, Trey Benson, Jared Verse, Johnny Wilson, and Jaheim Bell. Keep an eye out for each of these Seminoles pending their final gameday in Tallahassee.
Saturday’s contest against North Alabama is littered with storylines, most of which all take place off of the field. From the senior day festivities to final games and 10th-anniversary celebrations, this weekend’s gameday feels like a curtain call for the 2023 Florida State football season. Yet, that feeling could not be further from the truth. Sure, this occasion marks a milestone in the journey of many team members, but the ‘Noles still have plenty to play for in the weeks ahead. So, enjoy the festivities for the moment and celebrate the Seminoles on display come Saturday, but do not forget “the main thing.” There’s a rival on the horizon, a conference championship waiting in the wings, and a College Football Playoff berth looming overhead. That journey is far from over.
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