San Francisco ? Although Bobby Bowden has led Florida State to much bigger victories in far grander bowls, a winning season is always sweet – even when it ends with Bowden raising the Emerald Bowl trophy in a chilly baseball park 2,600 miles from Tallahassee, Fla.

Lorenzo Booker ran for 91 yards, caught five passes for 117 more and scored two touchdowns, leading the Seminoles to a 44-27 victory over UCLA on Wednesday night to put a happy ending on Bowden’s 30th straight winning season.

Sure, this was no fairy-tale finish for a program that once dominated the sport and won two national titles. Wracked by injuries and beset by coaching turmoil that led to Jeff Bowden’s in-season resignation as offensive coordinator, the Seminoles (7-6) finished with their worst record since going 7-4-1 in 1986.

But the 77-year-old Bowden still hasn’t coached a losing club since going 5-6 in his first season at Florida State – and with 21 points in the fourth quarter against the collapsing Bruins (7-6), the Seminoles are headed into 2007 with more momentum than they’ve had all season.

“That’s what Florida State used to do all the time,” Bowden said. “I hope this is a good sign for us. I’ve been looking for that sign.”

A 3-5 record in ACC play, including four losses in six games to close the regular season, forced Florida State to finish an ignominious year with the longest road trip in school history. The Seminoles have played in 25 straight bowl games, but the last 15 were played in January, with considerably bigger stakes and payouts.

Don’t tell that to Booker, a California native who got a chance to impress 130 friends and family members in the stands. This minor bowl was a major win.

“We have a 30-year streak, and we’re proud of our history,” said Drew Weatherford, who overcame a shaky start to pass for 325 yards, 126 in the fourth quarter. “We had to keep it going, and it gives us a head start and a boost for next season.”