FSU football has fed off the energy that comes from having their beloved symbols on the road – however, they won’t be heading to the Alabama game.
Whether it is in front of the home crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium, at a road game or during the bowl season, FSU football seems to get a little burst of energy every time the student dressed as Chief Osceola hops on top of that beautiful horse named Renegade and leads the Seminoles onto the field of victory.
Well, the last time it took place was in last year’s Orange Bowl game – a win for the Noles but a moment of embarrassment when Renegade went down prior to kickoff after leading Florida State out.
While the school did not say that was one of the reasons why, officials did confirm that the beloved mascot for FSU football fans will not be heading to Atlanta next week for the opening game of the season against Alabama (h/t Orlando Sentinel):
"“You have to be comfortable with the arena,” (assistant athletics director for marketing and promotions Jason) Dennard said. “There are just so many variables. The stadium is just now getting complete.”"
Dennard did say that some of the variables for deciding against the trip included where they were going to put Renegade’s trailer during the game, the space between the stands and the playing field for him to roam during the game and the type of turf that is being used at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
However, at the same time Dennard did say something that might make some scratch their heads:
"“There are a lot of conversations to be ultimately had, but that being said, if the season goes well, and ends in Atlanta, there’s an opportunity there to possibly take them for that.”"
Next: Top FSU Football Wins Over Miami and Florida
So, the stadium isn’t the best for Renegade on September 2, 2017 – but on January 8th of next year, it will be just fine? I don’t mean to be cynical here, but this sounds like it has a lot more with not wanting ABC cameras showing the Chief and then cutting to a replay of what took place last year in Miami Gardens.