When people think of old time Florida State football, many like to think of the 1970’s and 1980’s as a independent. When Florida State had a mantra of we will play anyone, anytime and anywhere. Sometimes people even think of the 60’s era with legendary Ron Sellers or Fred Biletnikoff. Not many people remember the start of Florida State football in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. Florida State is the only program post World War II to win multiple national championships. So let us remember the Dixie Conference Championship Era.
The second year of football for Florida State started their membership within the Dixie Conference. Notable teams in the conference were Stetson, Tampa, and Samford (known as Howard then). Florida State never lost a conference game within the three years of membership, compiled a 24-2 record, and a bowl game victory. Coach Don Veller led the Noles in this era, and currently he has the third highest winning percentage in school history behind Bobby Bowden and Jimbo Fisher.
Pictured above is the 1949 Florida State football team, and in the video below is that same team winning the Cigar Bowl against Wofford. The Dixie Conference was considered small college football but it was a big step for Florida State in its infancy.
