FSU Defensive End Patrick Payton Reflects On Success In The Swamp Ahead Of ACC Championship
In a nail-biting rivalry game that will be remembered for years to come, the Florida State Seminoles were able to come out on top in Gainesville over the Florida Gators. Despite getting off to a 12-0 start, the Gators would fall to the Seminole defense for the remainder of the game, scoring just an additional three points.
"It was very good just to see our d-line make explosive plays, plays in the backfield, really all our d-line made plays the other night and that was good, just for us to go out there and have fun, especially in a game like that and environment like that," defensive end Patrick Payton said.
While the Seminoles have struggled to find success early in games, the team's longevity has shown throughout the season as there have been five instances this season where the 'Noles found themselves in a tied game or losing at halftime. As the record shows, the team that was able to walk out victorious was always wearing the garnet and gold.
"I think how our coaches train us, how coach Storms trains us, we just know how to finish. A lot of teams will get up and then they calm down and feel like they can just ride us out, and no they can't," Payton said. "That's one thing about our team is that we're not going to give up until the end, even if we're down 21-0, which I hope we'll never be, we're just going to keep fighting until the end, until that clock says 00:00."
Whether it is physical or mental toughness, a good skillset, or even just a winning mentality, nothing is built overnight. Week in and week out, seven days a week the Seminoles are hard at work either on the practice fields or studying film to improve their game. Payton attributes the work that goes unseen to the on-field success this season as the Seminoles remain perfect with a 12-0 record.
"Just taking the preparation as best as you can. When we're out here Tuesday and Wednesday those are really the most important days. The game is won on Saturday but it's really won on Tuesday and Wednesday, and knowing you've got to be the most disciplined team playing every game, especially a game like that, they're going to do stuff like they did, spitting on people and stuff, we just know to not retaliate and we'll take the 15-yard penalty every time."
While this is just the sixth time FSU has finished the regular season with a perfect record, the season is not over yet. With the ACC Championship coming up this Saturday, the Seminoles will have to continue the work on and off the field to leave Charlotte with a 16th ACC title and a win over the 10-2 Louisville Cardinals.
"They're a great football team, they play hard, their defense plays hard, we're not just going to go in and there and say 'Florida State wins the ACC Championship.' They're going to do their best to win the game the same way we will," Payton said.
The Seminoles and Cardinals will meet in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, December 2nd in the ACC Championship game. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 P.M. and the game will be broadcast on ABC.
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