BY-Undertaken: The Grass Is Greener in The Florida State Sod Cemetery

Before Saturday Night's contest, Florida State was on the hot seat—and there was no denying it.

Bobby Bowden's Seminoles seemed to mirror it's 7-6 former-self from just a few seasons ago. Mickey Andrews' Defense was allowing the big plays down field, and the offensive numbers suggested a red zone offense worse than it's red zone defense. 

Florida State was 1-1 in it's first two games at home. A team that once hosted the nation's longest unbeaten streak at 54 games, was now suddenly incapable of winning at home, even against the likes of an FCS opponent. I would argue repeatedly with those who would listen that FSU struggled in week two, because Jacksonville State was just a good team, but that wouldn't stick with most of the faithful who wanted "real" answers. 

What do you think now?

After FSU's dismantling of Max Hall's Brigham Young Cougars, the Seminole offense and defensive secondary showcased the pieces that many have been waiting to see. Swarming sacks, interceptions, and pressure on one of the most talented passers in the game. More than 300 yards rushing finally arrived, and the receiving corps looked like a replica of the Thursday Night Hurricanes, catching out-route after out-route. 

For the first time a good many years, that dadgum ball coach looked happy. He looked proud. He looked like the man who built his reputation on winning big upsets on the road, like the man the media would dub over a quarter century ago "the Road Warrior."

...and Bobby Bowden's Seminoles won big last night—on the road.

A few very interesting things to note about this special victory:

FSU is now 3-0 against BYU all-time. All three wins were on the road, outside of Tallahassee.

The win marks the 20th straight season that FSU has started with a record of 2-1 or better.

The win comes on the 50th Anniversary of Bobby Bowden's first career win at Howard University (now Samford) in September of 1959.

The 54 points scored by FSU, is the sixth highest point total in a "true" road game since joining the ACC in 1992. (*Not including neutral site games)

BYU's 18-game home win streak was snapped, on the same day their in-state rivals, the Utah Utes, also lost an 18-game win streak. 

The last team to beat BYU in Provo? Utah, in 2005.

In reviewing the figures leading up to the game; I, like most, didn't think FSU had risked losing to a very talented FCS team in Jacksonville State just to play possum. Well it appears that Bobby got the last laugh in true puntrooskie fashion, as my 35-31 FSU over BYU pick was just a tad bit short.

But hey, they won. 

By the numbers, FSU's defense managed to force five turnovers, three of them interceptions, and one returned for a touchdown by freshmen phenom Greg Reid against Heisman hopeful—Max Hall. Christian Ponder, on this day looked more like the Heisman candidate—managing to complete an astounding 81 percent of his throws (21 for 26) for 195 yards, and added another 50 on the ground. He was also pick-free and had three touchdowns.

The running game kicked it into high gear against BYU's 3-2 defense, with 11 different players combining for over 300 yards rushing, highlighted by Ty Jones' 108 yards on the ground, averaging over nine yards per carry, and a touchdown. Freshmen back Lonnie Pryor would add his first two touchdowns in this contest as well.

BYU would not be absent of a few trips to the end zone, while Max Hall Still managed to pass for 306 yards and two scores, while running back Harvey Unga broke a 12-yard scamper for paydirt. Even backup Riley Nelson managed to add a third passing TD late in the fourth quarter.

It wasn't nearly enough.

For all of their luster, and talent, FSU just had more. All of the half-hearted comments about FSU having a "shot" due in part to their speed, and athleticism—was ultimately what separated these two teams.

As the clock struck zero, Senior Defensive Captain and starting Linebacker Dekoda Watson was seen pulling up a piece of the sod, and without a comment, showed it to the few members of Tomahawk Nation in the stands. They knew, just as the rest of the Seminole fans watching last night did—a special grave was awaiting back in Tallahassee, for it's newest dearly departed. 

With BYU no longer high up in the clouds, a piece of sod will return to Tallahassee this week to be buried at sea level...or perhaps, a few feet beneath it.

My condolences BYU.