Aaron Carter and Amp Lee headline first FSU Sod Talk

A new tradition at Florida State University commenced Saturday as the first ever FSU Sod Talk at the Florida State Sod Cemetery saw recently inducted FSU Hall of Famers Aaron Carter and Amp Lee reminisce over their time a FSU and key sod-worthy victories.

The event drew an impressive crowd that flooded the fences of the cemetery regardless of the light drizzle and possibility for further inclement weather. A brief history of the Florida State Sod Cemetery was given as fans were reminded of FSU’s shutout victory of UGA between the hedges in Athens. This upset victory over Georgia on October 20th, 1962 spurred the concept of cutting out a piece of sod from the opposition’s field. Following the 18-0 shutout of the Bulldogs, team captain Gene McDowell removed a small slab of sod from Sanford Stadium and took it back to long-time professor Dean Coyle Moore.

Not long after, Moore’s wife insisted they do something with the sod. And just like that the Florida State Sod Cemetery was born. Fans were reminded that Aaron Carter still holds the record for most tackles in FSU history, at 512 tackles, as he was introduced at the cemetery.

As Carter took the mic, he walked over the grave of FSU’s 17-16 victory over Miami stating that that ‘Noles squad wasn’t supposed to win that one, but they did. After the chuckle that this remark registered, fans learned that he is currently working with exceptional education students in Gainesville, FL. As the reminiscing continued, Carter had this to say about the 1977 season, which was Bobby Bowden’s second year: “’77 was a good year…..We rode into Gainesville having a successful season, feeling like we were on top of the world and couldn’t be stopped. Going into that hostile environment, we found our fans in the end zone and took care of business 37-9.”

Carter went on to reassure fans that he still had his wheels. When asked if he could give the crowd a run down on how a play with him going one on one with Karlos Williams would go, Carter said: “First thing he’ll need to understand is that I developed a very special skill set and if he comes along he might get knocked out…if he brings some friends, some of his linemen he’ll be okay, but…he won’t score.”

The conclusion of this scenario was met with a blend of laughter and applause by the entire crowd.

Amp Lee was given the stage after this, first tackling the 51-31 victory over Michigan at “The Big House.” Going into the game, the Seminoles were ranked No. 1 in the country, while the Wolverines checked in at No. 3. When asked about his five-yard touchdown run from that game, Amp had this to say: “I get emotional because I can remember being there. The energy and just everything I thought before I was approaching the game, it makes me feel like I can suit up right now and go.”

Following the memories that this fond moment in FSU history rekindled, Sod Talk concluded and fans had the opportunity to get pictures with the two FSU greats.

Check back with ChopChat throughout the season for more info on each game’s Sod Talk.