ACC Preview (Florida State)

Florida State – Last Year (7-6, 3-5) Returning Starters: 12 (5 off., 7 def.)

Florida State had what is an awful year for them in 2006, but had a bright spot at the end of the year when the defeated UCLA in the Emerald Bowl. Five of FSU’s six loses were by 7 points or less, including a 21-14 loss to the National Champion Florida Gators. Despite that, FSU was obliterated at home by eventual ACC champions Wake Forest.

Offense: Although Drew Weatherford did not have an awful year last year, it is not what Seminole fans are used to seeing from their quarterback. Many fans would prefer to see Xavier Lee start this season, but he faired little better then Weatherford, completing barely over 50 percent of his passes. Whoever starts at QB, they will have a lot of talent to throw the ball to. De’Cody Fagg is a returing starter, and Greg Carr, a 6’6” receiver, already has 21 career touchdown receptions. Florida State’s weakness last year was running the ball, as they rushed for an anemic 94.1 yards per game. Although FSU loses 3 starters from the offensive line, They are likely to have a better, more physically fit line under new offensive line coach Rick Trickett. Junior Antone Smith, who averaged 5.2 yards per carry last year, will get most of the carries at tailback.

Defense: Florida State usually has a good defense, and this year will be no exception. Despite the secondary giving up nearly 200 yards per game last year, it should improve with 3 returning starters, and 6 players with starting experience. Sophomore Myron Rolle could be an All-American this year after becoming a freshman All-American a year ago. If there is a question about FSU’s defense, it is their linebackers. The Seminoles must find a way to replace Buster Davis and Lawrence Timmons who combined for 188 tackles. Returning weak-side linebacker Geno Hayes will likely be joined by a pair of sophomores in Marcus Ball and Derek Nicholson.

Special Teams: Florida State returns Senior kicker Gary Cismesia, as well as junior punter Graham Gano. Michael Ray Garvin, who burst onto the scene late last year, will man the return jobs.

Conclusion: This Florida State team has a lot of potential, although what FSU team hasn’t had potential? Florida State may well be on it’s way back to the top if it can avoid injury. If Drew Weatherford can step up and have a good year, which is very possible with the talent FSU has on the perimeter, Florida State should win the Atlantic.

S 3rd Clemson W
S 8th UAB W
S 15th at Colorado W
S 29th Alabama* W
O 6th NC State W
O 11th at Wake Forest W
O 20th Miami L
O 27th Duke W
N 3rd at Boston College W
N 10th at Virginia Tech W
N 17th Maryland W
N 24th at Florida W

* in Jacksonville, FL