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© St. Petersburg Times, published September 30, 2001
Patriotic signs, Part I
In FSU's first home game since the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, only the American flag was flown, not flags of the ACC schools; the brick wall at field level was draped in red, white and blue bunting; fans could make donations to the Red Cross and the United Way; there was a moment of silence; and the halftime show was dedicated to the victims and the heroes of the attack.
As the Seminoles raced out of their tunnel, redshirt freshman quarterback Chris Rix embodied their exuberance, something sorely lacking a week ago. He leapt and touched the crossbar, then ran the length of the field to extol fans at the other end.
During their halftime performance, the FSU Marching Chiefs spelled out "9 11 01," the date of the attacks.
The game program contains a profile of senior defensive end Eric Powell that begins by saying he's a "hero" to the kids in his Orlando neighborhood. Powell was shot in the back during an attempted robbery while he was home Sept. 16, a few days after the story was written. Powell, 21, was released from Orlando Regional Medical Center on Thursday.
"Like last year (after the Miami loss), somebody has to pay. And the next in line is Wake Forest."
-- WR Javon Walker before the game