Hall of Fame coach shares his faith at FCA banquet

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LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - College Football Hall of Fame Coach Bobby Bowden was the keynote speaker at the Greater South Plains Fellowship of Christian Athletes Victory Banquet Monday night at the Civic Center.

With 377 career wins, Bowden is second to only Joe Paterno for College football wins and he was glad to come to Lubbock to share his faith.

"It's been a long time since I've been here. I didn't realize Lubbock is as big as it is. I wrote a book 'The Wisdom of Faith.' It's kinda about my career. When you get 85 years of age, you're supposed to write a book to tell them how you got there. I always felt like my faith got me through it. My belief the God was in control of my life so I don't worry about it."

Bowden won two National Championships at Florida State, led the Seminoles to 28 straight bowl games, but he says he's most proud of 14 straight top five finishes.

"I was very blessed in my career. I think 14 years in the top five, winning 10 or more games every year is the biggest accomplishment," he said.

The last time Florida State played Texas Tech was September 5, 1987, the regular season debut of the Spike Dykes era. The Seminoles won 40-16.

"I forgot what the score was. I do remember we won. I do remember I met Spike for the first time. Everybody likes Spike."

The FCA has an award named after Bobby Bowden. Coach spoke in Amarillo Monday night and will be at an FCA event in El Paso on Tuesday.

"I am retired from football, but never retired from FCA."

Ohio State won the National Championship this year as College Football moved to a four-team playoff system. Coach Bowden has warmed up to this new football format.

"I didn't like it when they started it. I coached for 57 years. I played for 10 years before that. We never had a playoff. I didn't like all this new stuff. Since they have done it, I kinda like it. I think it went over real good."

Coach Bobby Bowden visiting Lubbock for the first time since 2002 also went over real good.