Ahead of Saturday’s matchup against Duke, Florida State University held its first homecoming parade in more than a year.
The parade which took place Friday afternoon, marked the triumphant return of many student organizations after Hurricane Ian forced the university to close down for a short period in 2022.
Hundreds of fans and spectators lined College Avenue, which runs straight into the heart of FSU’s main campus. Alumni rode on floats and classic cars as more than a dozen student organizations passed out candy to the children waiting on each side.
The university's Marching Chiefs, a band that has grown to over 400+ band members in the last few years, brought the sound.
"I enjoyed it [the parade]. It was nice, me and my daughter came out for a while to enjoy the weather," local father and FSU fan Lorenzo Garner. "It was nice. I liked the band, I didn't know the band was that big.
As the day ended the intensity shifted...
Saturday’s game brought 80,000 fans to Doak Campbell Stadium to see the unbeaten No. 4 Seminoles (7-0) take on No. 16 Duke (5-2). FSU head coach Mike Novell told reporters in the days leading up to homecoming, that this game just felt different.
“You know obviously being here, a sold out crowd, primetime and two ranked teams; what more can you ask for," said Norvell.
The game kept fans on the edge of their seats as both teams were in a seesaw battle. FSU found themselves trailing at the half, but the Noles’ defense was able to force a shutout in the second half.
Norvell and his offense would go on to score 21 unanswered points to seal the game with a 38-20 victory over the Blue Devils. Garnet and gold fireworks lit up the night sky, as the stadium filled with applause.
With the win, the Noles improve to 7-0. The first time since 2014, which is also the last time Florida State won their third National title.
59-year-old Frederick Murray, a FSU alum and former saxophone player with the Marching Chiefs, was honored with other alumni during the game for their legacy with a joint pre-game performance.
“Best feeling in the world, being able to be amongst your own people," Murray said after the game.
“Performing like we did 20, 30, 40 years ago; just being able to just get the crowd into it. It's just a great feeling. Everyone is just family.”
With homecoming now in the books, fans and alumni like Garner and Murray said they’ll continue supporting Florida State and look forward to reuniting with their Nole family, this time next year.