What Is 1987 Florida State Seminoles football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 Florida State Seminoles football team finished the season with a 10-2 record, ranked No. 5 nationally, and won the All-American Bowl by defeating Penn State 31-12 on January 1, 1988. Head coach Bobby Bowden led the team to its first major bowl victory, marking a turning point in the program's rise to national prominence.

Key Facts

The 1987 Florida State Seminoles finished with a 10-2 record under head coach Bobby Bowden
They defeated Penn State 31-12 in the 1988 All-American Bowl on January 1, 1988
FSU was ranked No. 5 in the final AP Poll, its highest finish to date at the time
Quarterback Troy Akin and running back Amp Lee led a balanced offensive attack
The win over Penn State marked FSU's first victory over a top-10 team in a bowl game

Overview

The 1987 Florida State Seminoles football team represented Florida State University during the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season. Under the leadership of head coach Bobby Bowden, the team achieved a 10-2 record, marking one of the most significant breakthroughs in program history. This season signaled FSU’s arrival as a national powerhouse, culminating in a dominant bowl victory that elevated the program’s national profile.

The Seminoles' success in 1987 was built on a balanced offense and a resilient defense that held strong in key moments. They played in the All-American Bowl for the first time, facing off against Penn State in Birmingham, Alabama. The team’s No. 5 final ranking in the AP Poll was the highest in school history up to that point, setting the stage for future national title contention.

10-2 record: The Seminoles won 10 games for only the second time in school history, showcasing consistent performance throughout the season.
All-American Bowl victory: On January 1, 1988, FSU defeated No. 9 Penn State 31-12, a milestone win against a top-10 opponent in a postseason game.
No. 5 final ranking: The AP Poll placed FSU fifth, the highest finish in program history and a sign of national recognition.
Coaching leadership: Bobby Bowden, in his 11th season, solidified his reputation as a top-tier college football coach with this breakthrough season.
Offensive balance: The team averaged 28.6 points per game, with quarterback Troy Akin throwing for 1,732 yards and running back Amp Lee rushing for 748 yards.

How It Works

The 1987 season operated under NCAA Division I-A football rules, with a 12-game regular season followed by a bowl invitation based on conference alignment and rankings. FSU competed as an independent, allowing flexibility in scheduling and postseason placement.

Regular season schedule: The Seminoles played a challenging 11-game slate, including matchups against ranked teams like Auburn and Miami, testing their national readiness.
Bowl selection process: As an independent, FSU was eligible for multiple bowls; the All-American Bowl extended an invitation based on ranking and performance.
Team composition: The roster featured 24 scholarship seniors and a mix of experienced starters and emerging underclassmen, creating depth and resilience.
Defensive strength: The unit allowed just 17.3 points per game, with linebacker Derrick Alexander recording 112 tackles and 3 interceptions.
Offensive strategy: FSU utilized a pro-style attack emphasizing ball control, with 215 rushing yards per game and efficient passing in key situations.
Recruiting pipeline: The 1987 class included future stars like defensive end Derrick Alexander, laying groundwork for future success under Bowden.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1987 season compares favorably to prior and subsequent FSU campaigns in terms of record, ranking, and bowl outcome.

Season	Record	Final AP Rank	Bowl Game	Bowl Result
1985	9-3	10	Independence Bowl	W 34-23 vs. Southern Miss
1986	8-4	14	All-American Bowl	L 28-3 vs. LSU
1987	10-2	5	All-American Bowl	W 31-12 vs. Penn State
1988	11-1	4	Fiesta Bowl	L 13-16 vs. Nebraska
1989	10-2	6	Florida Citrus Bowl	W 31-22 vs. Penn State

The 1987 season stands out for its combination of high final ranking and decisive bowl victory. Unlike 1986, when FSU lost badly in the same bowl, the 1987 team showed marked improvement. The win over Penn State was especially symbolic, as it was the first time FSU defeated a top-10 team in a bowl game, proving they could win under pressure.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season was a pivotal moment in Florida State football history, transforming the program from a rising contender into a recognized national power. The success laid the foundation for the dominant teams of the 1990s, including the 1993 national championship squad.

Program legitimacy: The No. 5 ranking and win over Penn State gave FSU credibility among traditional powerhouses like Oklahoma and Miami.
Bowl breakthrough: It was the first time FSU won a major bowl against a top-10 opponent, changing perceptions of the team’s postseason capability.
Recruiting boost: Success in 1987 helped attract elite talent, including future All-Americans like Derrick Alexander and Kez McCorvey.
Coaching legacy: Bobby Bowden’s national reputation grew, positioning him as a top coach and increasing FSU’s visibility.
Conference realignment: The performance strengthened FSU’s case for joining the ACC, which happened in 1991.
Cultural impact: The season energized fans and alumni, solidifying football as central to FSU’s identity.

The 1987 Florida State Seminoles did more than win games—they announced their arrival on the national stage. Their success that year became a blueprint for future excellence, making it one of the most important seasons in program history.