Florida State Football: Why the ACC Needs FSU to Be Elite

Two decades ago, the Atlantic Coast Conference took a bold step in strengthening its national image in football by adding Florida State.  

The Seminoles—already in the midst of one of college football’s greatest runs—ran roughshod for a decade over a league filled with mostly basketball powerhouses. 

Although FSU declined in the last decade, the league kept its positive momentum by adding Virginia Tech and Miami. 

The Miami Hurricanes have fallen on hard times since relocating from the Big East, and with a serious NCAA investigation looming, it could be a while before things get settled in Coral Gables. 

On the other hand, Virginia Tech has been dominant—not to the level of FSU when they arrived—but they have been the premier program in the league since 2004.  

While the Hokies have been the class of the conference, they have failed to capitalize in benefiting the league on the national level.  

Since the Seminoles turned their program over to Jimbo Fisher, fans and media personalities across the country have been waiting for the Seminoles to reemerge as the top dog in the ACC. 

While other ACC schools may not want to hear it, the league would be better off if FSU made a leap towards the top of the national elite.  

Aside from Miami, no other school in the conference can match FSU’s storied tradition as a football powerhouse. 

Considering that the Seminoles are still a heavyweight as a national brand, a strong FSU would boost a league struggling to gain respect on the field (as evidenced by its 2-13 record in BCS bowl games). 

The Seminoles bowl history is among the nation’s best: when considering teams that have had at least 30 bowl appearances, the Seminoles winning percentage (61) trails only Auburn, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and USC.  

The Seminoles currently hold the longest current streak of bowl appearances with 30 consecutive trips to postseason play, and they have won four consecutive bowl games.  

Additionally, the Seminoles have historically been one of the few ACC teams to hold its own in non-conference matchups. 

With Fisher continuing to makes waves nationally on the recruiting trail, the Seminoles are on the path back to restoring order in the ACC, and possibly beyond.  

For the sake of the ACC, the Seminoles are needed to rescue the league’s football reputation like it did 20 years ago.