Cornerback Terrell Buckley owned most of FSU's interception records following his terrific three-year career from 1989-91. Buckley earned consensus All-America honors as a junior after setting a Seminole record with 12 interceptions in 1991. He became FSU's second Jim Thorpe winner following his junior campaign. He held the FSU career record for pass interceptions with 21 when he was inducted and was also one of the Seminoles' all-time great punt returners. He scored seven career touchdowns, four on interceptions and three on punts. His interception return for a touchdown on the second play of the 1991 game at Michigan was quintessential FSU football. He was the fifth pick in the 1992 NFL draft after his junior year and played over 15 years in the NFL.
Captain's Memories: T-Buck as he's officially known amongst Florida State fans was my generations Deion Sanders. I remember being completely sure no one would ever throw to Buckley's side because he would take everything in his vicinity back to the house. Hell, he was likely to pick-6 a throw to the other side of the field too. He was also electric on punt returns.
No interception was more important in his career than in the 1991 game against Michigan in the Big House. All the talk was about Desmond Howard (1991 was the season he flashed the Heisman pose) and Buckley was assigned to cover Howard all over the field.
Right out of the gate Michigan wanted to set a tone for the game and get Howard the ball. Well T-Buck knew this too and jumped the curl route and took it to the house. A tone was set alright as the Noles went on to win 51-31 in what some call the Greatest Game In FSU's History.
Two Bonuses in this game:
1 - If you're a football fan of any kind you'll recognize Gene Deckerhoff's voice as the play-by-play man on this video. Gene has been calling FSU games for about 30 years so I obviously grew up with him calling every FSU game I ever watched. However Gene also does basketball, baseball and Tampa Bay Bucs football.
Gene is one of the best play-by-play men ever in sports and just hearing his voice gives me goose bumps and gets me ready for the season. Don't ever retire Gene, FSU Football wouldn't be the same without you.
2 - We get to see a forlorn Elvis Grbac after he throws the pick to Buckley. We would all grow to know that Grbac look well as he stunk in the NFL and threw plenty of picks. That also brings back memories.
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