First off – Florida State. Our post-bye week success didn’t kick as we hoped it would and a late touchdown carried the Seminoles over our team on the road, 45-42. That being said, it was a really good game.

The night before sort of previewed how exciting the FSU game would be. My road roommate, Jamelle Eugene, and I had a bad experience in our hotel room. The room we checked into smelled like sewage, like maybe a pipe burst in there. It was just ours, though, because I went and checked Russell’s room and it was all right. We told the managers and they took care of us and got us a new room.

As far as the game, it was a tough loss. I thought everyone played really hard. I’m glad everyone played to the end, especially the offense. We did a really good job; it just wasn’t enough at the end. Those are the ones that hurt, when you put everything you have into it and still walk away empty-handed.

The offensive line in particular played really well. I’m proud of those guys. They bullied them around in the running game and Russell was able to get some things done in the air. It was fun football and a fun game. We feel like our offense is built for that kind of game. We have enough weapons that if we get into that situation, we can get it done.

That’s something we learned during the Duke game, actually – not to focus on what they’re doing. We just have to stay focused on our side of the ball. And that’s what we did.

We fought through the heat and the rain and everything that was sent at us. Overall, it was a good experience.

Also, it was great to get to see my old coach, Chuck Amato. I talked to him after the game and he was excited to see me. He’s just happy that I’m doing well. He’s a good person; I greatly respect him. He didn’t leave under the best circumstances, but it’s a business – sometimes that stuff happens. I’m glad he’s thriving in Tallahassee.

And now, as usual, we’ll assess the state of the team. Far from being down and out and just wanting to get out, we still have things we want to accomplish this season. We have to win out. Everybody knows that, and we need to play hard like we did last week. We haven’t given up yet. Looking around in the locker room, it seems like people still have unfinished business.

We got back around 7 p.m., just in time for Halloween. I dressed up as a gangster. It was one of the first times I’ve dressed up for Halloween since I was a kid.

This week, we got ready for Homecoming against Maryland. It’s another game for us, but it’s big for the University and for the fans. It’s especially special for me because if my extra year isn’t approved, it could be my last one. I’m going to enjoy it.

We’ll see you at the game.

-As told to Kate Shefte