The1976 tipping point when top recruits “saw the momentum of Florida State all of a sudden switch”

Mike Norvell is learning, as did Bobby Bowden, that turning around Florida State football fortunes doesn't happen overnight. In 1976, Bowden’s first season, fans stayed skeptical — until he turned to a core group of true freshmen. It was a gutsy move for a coach with much to prove. Especially since it came against Oklahoma, a team that went on to finish no. 5 in the final Coaches poll. The lineup change paid instant dividends. FSU’s raw rookies energized the Noles and played “a remarkably poised game,” as Bill McGrotha wrote in The Democrat.

One of those freshmen was Kurt Unglaub, a sure-handed receiver who played far bigger than his size and speed might suggest. In this episode he talks about surreal moments during that day in Norman — and the plays and players that ignited a dynasty under Bowden. One hallmark of Kurt and FSU receivers in the mid-to-late 70s was simply their ability to catch the dadgum football. The photo here of Kurt’s concentration and great hands is one example, and you’ll find many more in this photo gallery from Chris Holder in the Garnet & Great Facebook page.