Fisher, Seminoles: Don’t give up on us
TALLAHASSEE — After Florida State’s disappointing home loss to Louisville, a 31-28 defeat on Saturday in Doak Campbell Stadium that dropped the Seminoles to 2-4 this season, coach Jimbo Fisher had a distinct message for the team’s fan base.
“If you're a fan — are you going to be a loyal fan or not? Just keep fighting with us,” Fisher said. “We ain't quitting on you. Please don't quit on us. We're going to keep fighting, scratching, coaching, playing, and you see the heart and desire of those kids.”
The Seminoles have rallied in the fourth quarter during each of their past four games, with wins at Wake Forest and Duke, but have lost in heartbreaking fashion in the final minutes against Miami and Louisville during their past two home games.
The uncharacteristically poor start has caused an uncomfortable tension among the fan base, with FSU staring at the possibility of its first losing season since Bobby Bowden’s first year with the Seminoles in 1976 and missing a bowl game for the first time since 1981.
Here are a few messages from FSU players to fans following the Louisville loss:
Standout safety Derwin James, who never thought the Seminoles would have four losses at this point in the season:
“Every dog has its day,” James said. “I can truly say that: every dog has its day.
“We’re so used to winning around here. Right now, we’re down. But we’re still going to fight.”
Tight end Ryan Izzo, who admits there is disappointment after FSU’s started the season ranked No. 3:
“We’re Florida State. Legacy shows up for Florida State,” Izzo said. “We’re going to keep playing our tails off. We’re going to keep working our tails off during the week, and we’re not going to give up.
“We’ve had rough breaks in the season, but we still have [five] games left.”
Starting running back Jacques Patrick of Orlando, says, “It’s not what you go through, it’s how you come through it.”
He later added, “Just keep supporting us. There are going to be ups and downs in this game of football [we had] championship a couple of years ago.
“There are going to be some ups and downs, like [Fisher] said, just keep supporting.
“We’re going to be back sooner or later.”
And defensive end Brian Burns, who says the Seminoles will have a team meeting to recollect themselves:
“Remain positive,” he said. “If you’re on our side, you’re on our side. If you’re not, whatever.
“But we’re going to stay positive in the locker room, and we’re going to keep working. We’re going to finish the season strong.”
Fortunately for the Seminoles, they will not have to wait long to get back on the football field and move forward with the rest of the season.
FSU has turned its attention preparing for a Friday night road game against Boston College (4-4, 2-3 ACC), a team that has won two in a row and scored at least 40 points during each victory.
The Seminoles may have hit a rough patch after their failed comeback efforts against Miami and Louisville, but Fisher is inspired by his team’s determination.
“Without a doubt, the heart and soul, and ability to compete and hustle, and play hard and push, and challenge and coach them and [for] them to play,” Fisher rattled off when asked if he believes in his players after the game.
“There's no quit in these kids — none, none, in any way, shape or form. So yes, I do, I love these kids.”