Saturday delivered the strangest stretch of the Florida-Miami rivalry perhaps ever on the big stage. Everyone knows about the rich history of this series. It's supposed to be a state rivalry with sweeping, national consequence.
That's why ABC broadcast the game in prime time, I suppose. It's also why Florida State fans were prepared for Miami's arrival by sporting a bunch of specialized T-shirts and homemade signs.
One saying, in particular, was popular among the FSU tailgaters before the game. "Keep Al Golden,'' the sign repeatedly said.
This, of course, is a mocking jab at Golden, who after Saturday's 29-24 Seminoles victory remained winless in this series.