It was everything you’d want in a big game: multiple lead changes, trick plays, game-changing touchdowns and overall a closely played contest. While it appeared that Auburn was going to continue the trend of SEC domination (the conference had won every national championship since 2006) Florida State decided it was time to change that up.
Late in the fourth quarter, trailing by four, the Seminoles kick returner Levonte Whitfield broke free on the return en route to a 100-yard touchdown. This momentarily gave Florida State its first lead of the night and seemed to change the momentum. But Auburn struck again, taking the lead back, and leaving Florida State with only a 1:19 left. Heisman trophy winner Jameis Winston then did what he does best: he led the Seminoles on a scoring drive and in turn, a national championship.
This game was closely matched (barring Florida State’s slow start), and it was how a national championship should be — fought to the last second. It wasn’t two SEC teams duking it out. Or a team that probably shouldn’t have been there versus a team who looked like an NFL team. No. It was a toughly played matchup between two teams who deserved to be there.
It’s ironic that during the final BCS championship game — the new system will use a playoff — where the SEC dominated for years, a team from the conference would ultimately lose. This Florida State victory gives hope to every team out there (not in the SEC) that it isn’t a lost cause; they can be beat. It’s just a matter of when.
