Florida State's Comeback Season Starts With a Bang

(Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Many have proclaimed the 2009 season as "The Comeback" season for the Florida State Seminole football team. Why? Because this is the season that Florida State retakes their throne as one of the perenial football programs in the country.

The Noles will begin their climb back to the top against a familiar foe in cross state rivals Miami. This rivalry has given fans the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows. Plenty of wide rights and missed opportunities on the Noles behalf.

As of late, the rivaly has dwindled. Little or no emphasis has been placed on this classic battle. That's all about to change. Both programs are looking for a rebound from their past few seasons. Both have underachieved when considering the talent that each has brought in.

There is almost a youthful revival taking place in Talahassee right now. The so called inexperienced players are taking the reigns and taking control of the teams. Players like Nigel Bradham, Nigel Carr, Jermaine Thomas, Avis Commack, Christian Ponder and Moses McCray all look to be key leaders on a young Seminole squad. With newcomers such as Greg Reid and Jacobi McDaniel on the defensive side of the ball stepping up in a big way.

These guys are hungry, better yet they are starving for success. They are looking to capitalize on an ACC title, but more importantly they are thinking of a BCS berth. There are many obstacles standing in there way, and the first giant obstacle is the Miami Hurricanes.

Many FSU fans have almost looked past this game, but no matter how low each program is, this bitter rivalry still brings out the best in both programs. Miami is in the same situation with young hungry players ready to step back into the National spotlight.

Miami has explosive players on both sides of the ball. Their youth will come in handy, but could also be their achiles heal, much like the Seminoles.

If Florida State seeks a coming out season, this is what every fan has been waiting for. The pieces of the puzzle are almost in place, and a revamped defense will need to play the Mickey Andrews way immediatly. Miami will give them headaches if they aren't properly prepared.

The offense will lean on their offensive line which was once the weakest point of the team, now the strongest. They will look to young backs and receivers to ignite a struggling offense.

Christian Ponder will be asked more this season and the playbook will be his for the taking. Can he step up to be the leader that Florida State has been longing for since Chris Weinke? Time will tell and it all starts September 7 against the Miami Hurricanes.

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