FSU Football: New-Look Seminoles Hope for a Return to Dominance

Florida State has been a program in steady decline since losing the 2000 BCS title to Oklahoma.

After a win over UCLA in last year's Emerald Bowl, the 'Noles said goodbye to the old guard and ushered in a new era.

In the last six years, the Noles haven't lost fewer than three games in a season. In 2006, a 7-6 record had Bobby Bowden looking at his first losing season since 1976—his first year in Tallahassee.

Naturally, the Seminole faithful demanded change. As Florida State's offense continued to struggle, it became clear that the scapegoat would be offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden.

After the Emerald Bowl, the younger Bowden made way for LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, who will look to improve Florida State's quarterback play by mentoring pocket-passer Drew Weatherford and the more mobile Xavier Lee.

The good news is that Weatherford and Lee will have plenty of talent to work with.

Antone Smith will hold down the backfield, and hopefully conjure memories of Warrick Dunn, Travis Minor, and Greg Jones.

At wide receiver, the scary-but-inconsistent Greg Carr is a big target at 6'6". De'Cody Fagg and Joslin Shaw will also help the 'Noles put points on the board.

The only question mark on offense will be the line, where an experienced group of starters seems to have an unfortunate penchant for injuries.

If the line can stay healthy, the FSU O could be one of the best in the ACC.

Defensively, the stacked 'Noles are led by Andre Fluellen and the D-line. Ends Alex Boston and Everette Brown should both post big numbers thanks to the disruption created by Fluellen in the middle.

The departure of Buster Davis and Lawrence Timmons to the NFL may give Florida State problems at linebacker. Geno Hayes is the most experienced LB on the roster, but promising youngsters like Marcus Ball and Dekoda Watson will see plenty of playing time.

The secondary, meanwhile, looks set with safeties Roger Williams and Myron Rolle and cornerback Tony Carter. Expect those three to make a lot of big plays this year.

If Jimbo Fisher can remedy Florida State's offensive woes, the 'Noles could easily contend for the ACC championship in 2007. For the Seminole faithful, anything less would be a disappointment.