College Football

Jameis Winston on Auburn: 'That's my rivalry game'

The Florida State quarterback and Alabama native is getting some extra motivation out of playing a team from his home state.

By Peter Berkes Dec 14, 2013, 2:26pm EST

Florida State and Auburn may not be rivals, but when the two teams get together in the BCS Championship Game in January, Seminole quarterback Jameis Winston says it will be a rivalry game for him.

"My mindset was to play anyone in the state of Alabama, honestly," he said. "I told my teammates from Florida, 'When y'all play against Florida and Miami, that's y'all's rivalry game. I know it's a team rivalry because y'all are playing against people you know, but when I play against a team from Alabama, I don't care if it's UAB or South Alabama, I know people there. That's my rivalry game."

Winston grew up in Hueytown, Alabama, and his mother is an Auburn fan, so it's pretty clear why he's so serious about games against teams from the state. I'm not sure how much extra motivation the Heisman Trophy favorite needs to get up for the national championship game, but athletes invent all sorts of things for motivation.

The Heisman Trophy ceremony will be handed out on Saturday night in New York City. Winston is a huge favorite to win the award, but Auburn's Tre Mason also made the trip as a finalist. Make sure to check out our Heisman Trophy StoryStream for full coverage.