It’s been 25 years since Charlie Ward won the first Heisman Trophy in Florida State history, in the process leading the Seminoles to their first national championship. The Athletic recently sat down with Ward to reflect on the historic 1993 season. This story is part of a series that will continue periodically through this season.



Just three days before the 25th anniversary of 1993’s “Game of the Century,” Florida State (4-5) will take on No. 3 Notre Dame (9-0) on Saturday. Although the Irish are national title contenders, the Seminoles are in the midst of a rebuild.



Things were different in 1993.



Heading into that matchup with the Irish in 1993, FSU had been ranked No. 1 all season and was riding a 16-game winning streak. The Irish also had won 16 in a row. Ward had missed the previous game with bruised cartilage between his sternum and ribs (FSU still beat Maryland 49-20 behind 341 yards and five touchdown from backup Danny Kanell),...