FSU coach Bobby Bowden waves to the fans at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Only this time, the outcome of the event was preordained.

About 25,000 fans, the governor and top state officials turned out to fete the national champion Seminoles, who beat Virginia Tech 46-29 in the Sugar Bowl Jan. 4.

"Without you, we wouldn't have won," quarterback Chris Weinke told the fans. "To be a part of this team is very special."

The day marked a triumphant end to what had at times been a trying season.

In October, star wide receiver Peter Warrick was arrested after a clerk allowed him and another player, Laveranues Coles, to pay $21.40 for $412.38 worth of designer clothes. Warrick was suspended two games and reinstated after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor. Coles was kicked off the team.

Other players also had run-ins with the law during the season, ranging from marijuana possession to drunken driving.

State House Speaker John Thrasher made reference to the troubles.

"Politics and athletics have something in common," said Thrasher, who earned his undergraduate and law degrees at Florida State. "Every now and then, you have some adversity. You overcame adversity with dignity and courage."

Gov. Jeb Bush did not speak, but he wore a garnet and gold Florida State windbreaker jacket, and was seen doing a quick "tomahawk chop," along with much of the crowd.

Coach Bobby Bowden, whose undefeated team was the first to stay at the top of The Associated Press poll all season, said the players showed character by repeatedly rallying in the final minutes of games.

"It's not a weakness to be behind," he said. "It's one of the great experiences you can learn in life, to be behind, and come back to go ahead."