Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden Goes Out a Winner in Gator Bowl, as the Seminoles Defeat West Virgina

The first day of the new year, would be Bobby Bowden's last day as head coach of the Florida State Seminoles. After finishing the season 6-6, the Noles were invited to play in the Gator Bowl. The selection was based solely on the reputation and respect of Coach Bowden. While they didn't have the best credentials for participating in the Gator Bowl, Florida State didn't disappoint. Against 18^th ranked West Virginia, the Noles were victorious, winning 33-21. With starting QB, Ponder, still out with a shoulder injury, the veteran head coach would depend on an inexperienced freshman quarterback, E.J. Manuel, for his final victory.

E.J. Manuel is just beginning his Florida State career, as Coach Bowden is ending his. In fact, Manuel wasn't even born, when Bobby Bowden began his career at Florida State. Bowden leaves the program in good shape, having secured the 12^th ranked recruiting class in 2008, and a top 20 recruiting class in 2009.

When coaches seemingly leave teams as frequently as underclassmen, Bobby Bowden is a rarity that we'll probably not see again in the future. As a testament to the lives he's touched, many former players game back to honor the coach during his final game. Even Neon Deion Sanders took time out of his busy schedule to pay tribute to his former coach. The Florida State coach has not only created winning players and teams on the collegiate level, he's provided the NFL with several good, well coached players.

There's no question Bowden has left his mark on the Florida State University football program. "The reason I attended FSU is because of Coach Bowden. His legendary leadership, wisdom and faith motivated me throughout my life and football career. Indeed, it's a sad day for all of FSU and the football world. Now, I can only hope the next coach can leave an indelible impression on young men the way Coach did when he sat in my living room." - New York Jets running back Leon Washington.

When a class act like Bobby Bowden leaves a program, it creates a void not easily, or quickly filled. Watching the coach on the sidelines for the final time, with the fans cheering loudly, was touching. In the end, Bobby Bowden was lifted up by his players a final time, and carried off the field like a champion, leaving behind a coaching legacy, and a piece of his heart.

Sources:

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/12601577/quotes-on-bobby-bowdens-retirement
http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=14&yr=2009
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/columns/story?columnist=luginbill_tom&id=3233826