Bobby Bowden called Florida State's 1979 game against LSU the biggest in school history. What nobody knew was that it was like a personal coin toss for the coach, with consequences far bigger than beating a major power. Winning it would be confirmation that Bowden — only in his fourth season at FSU — should stay put and continue building the program. Losing to LSU would be like an omen that meant he should move on to greener pastures elsewhere.
Jimmy Jordan was the surprise starter under center that day in Baton Rouge. He was half of the two-headed QB system with fellow Leon-grad Wally Woodham.