Florida State Preview: The Seminoles' 2010 Schedule, Depth, and Outlook
TAMPA—In what will arguably be one of the toughest schedules in 2010, the Seminoles have yet again defined the term "head-scratcher," and not just for their schedule mind you.
Nobody in the country really knows where to bill the Seminoles in 2010, with their new brands on coaching, play making, and conditioning.
Will they be rejuvenated and back on pace with the Miami's and the Florida's? Or will they be just a new shade of gray?
Jimbo Fisher is in his first season as the replacement to one of College Football's most legendary names, and that in itself would seem more than an Everest to climb.
But for FSU, the task is much taller: also replacing legendary Defensive Coordinator Mickey Andrews; Linebackers Coach (and former NC State Head Coach) Chuck Amato; Running Backs Coach (and former FSU legend) Dexter Carter; Defensive Ends Coach Jody Allen, as well as Strength and Conditioning Coach Todd Stroud.
Filling in for these key positions are some very talented and very intriguing characters from around the country.
Mark Stoops, Defensive Coordinator of the Arizona Wildcats, joins a completely revamped defensive staff that includes East Carolina's former Defensive Coordinator Greg Hudson (Linebackers) who would be Stoops' likely replacement in a succession plan scenario, as well as relative newcomer Darin Eliot from Rice, coaching the Defensive Ends.
On Offense, Dameyune Craig will handle all Quarterback Coaching duties in addition to being the head of recruiting at FSU, replacing some of Jody Allen's roles, who will now only focus on Tight Ends as the Offensive Coordinator under Fisher.
Rick Trickett's talents at Offensive Line Coach remain intact, and his Marine-based workout regimens will be complimented by one of the best Strength and Conditioning "free-agents" in the business, acquired by FSU this off season—Vic Viloria of SMU.
Add to the mix, FSU now has a team of dietitians, nutritionists, and even psychologists to help evaluate and strengthen FSU players, and FSU seems to have the look and feel of a professional team that is "all business," which incidentally happens to be the mantra of Senior Quarterback Christian Ponder's Heisman Campaign.
With all of the pieces in place for an entire summer, and a spring signing class already enrolling for class, the fall looks as though it could be quite a darling, and by most accounts—it would seem the media is taking notice.
So with little time to delay, we look ahead to Week One, where Head Coach Jimbo Fisher will call his first game against the school where his predecessor had his first Head Coaching position—the Samford Bulldogs.
Samford Bulldogs (Tallahassee, FL)
1 of 13
While by most accounts this game should be over by halftime, FSU has had recent struggles with the "fairer" level of competition early in the season.
After dodging a would-be Appalachian State bullet in 2009 against Western Alabama's Jacksonville State, FSU's players know they must be at their peak intensity right out of the gate, and Jimbo Fisher will not be one to pull any punches, or ease off on the throttle.
This game can (and should) in many ways shape the perception for fans on the questionable defense, who has yet to be truly tested in a real-game scenario; as well as an offensive aerial attack that has been promoted to a top-tier status by many media experts across the country.
Expect nothing like 2009's dud against Jacksonville State. This FSU team is going to put up pinball points in their first game of the season.
What to watch for (Samford Bulldogs):
If there is a lone bright spot to watch this season, it will be the impressive play-making of Senior Receiver Riley Hawkins, who was impressive in outings against UCF, Jacksonville, Georgia Southern, and Wofford.
Other than that, this could be a very tough day for Bulldog fans.
What to watch for (Florida State Seminoles):
E.J. Manuel. He should see considerable playing time, and there should be some good opportunities to see how his option-first style of football has been shaped and molded over the summer.
FSU Running Backs. You will see a lot of "pre-season" style changes in the backfield, where FSU's crowded field features Chris Thompson, Ty Jones and Jermaine Thomas—all of whom are competing for the worker's load of the reps out of the backfield.
In addition, Lonnie Pryor and Debrale Smiley should get their share of carries in short and goal situations.
On an interesting note: Not only is Samford the home of Bobby Bowden's first Head Coaching position—it was also where Jimbo Fisher began his collegiate career, as a quarterback.
Score Outlook: 70-3, Florida State.
Oklahoma Sooners (Norman, OK)
2 of 13
The most difficult game of the year.
Period.
Oklahoma, on paper, could easily be billed as a National Title contender right now. If that weren't enough heat to pile on top of the Seminoles—who face off against Mark Stoops' talented bunch, add to the equation the fact that this is a true road contest being played in one of the most difficult places to play in the entire country: Norman, Okla.
The Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma has a somewhat "strained" relationship with Florida State, to put it mildly, dating back to the NCAA ruling of "abusive use" of Native American symbols, where the tribe made it abundantly clear they did not want FSU using their likeness in any way, shape or form.
Add to the fold that the Sooners, too, have a bone to pick with the Seminoles, who may have inadvertently blew the whistle on Mike Balogun's eligibility in 2009, after exhausting all efforts to re-certify wide receiver Corey Surrency's eligibility following the ruling against him in 2008.
The whole issue stemmed from a comment made by a commentator during a Sooners game in which it was discovered that Balogun may or may not have played semi-professional football after his 21st birthday, a claim Balogun still denies to this day.
When the Seminoles take the field, it is safe to say that bad blood from many of the fans in Norman will be felt and heard by the Seminoles in Memorial Stadium.
What to watch for (Oklahoma Sooners):
With Landry Jones and eight other starters on Offense returning, and despite losing several players on Defense including Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy—this Sooners team is finally healthy.
Most of the injuries that plagued Oklahoma a season ago, have left the team with a lot of healed, healthy players who are finally ready to go out and finish what they planned to start a season ago under Sam Bradford. Oklahoma should strike early and often.
What to watch for (Florida State Seminoles):
While Christian Ponder's Offense will give the Norman Sooners fits, the newly aligned Mark Stoops Zone Defense will be no match for big brother's vaunted aerial attack.
Expect the big play through the air, but also expect Oklahoma to pull away late, as Oklahoma manages to adjust to the FSU pass attack, and bottle up the run.
Score Outlook: 41-29, Oklahoma.
Brigham Young Cougars (Tallahassee, FL)
3 of 13
In only three contests between these two teams, FSU holds a remarkable 3-0 tilt over the Cougars of Brigham Young.
After the dismantling Max Hall's dreams of becoming only the second BYU Quarterback to win the Heisman (Ty Detmer) and perhaps the even larger dream of winning a National Championship, the Cougars managed to bounce back in 2009, and finish with an impressive 11-2 record—winning nine of their remaining 10 games (losing only to TCU).
In 2010, however, BYU will likely not resemble their former selves. With a new signal caller in five-star recruit Jake Heaps, from the class of 2010—alongside Junior Riley Nelson who had considerable playing time as Max Hall's backup; not even the most important position on the field is secured as of yet.
BYU may find their way into the Top 25 should they find a way to get their new guys on Offense all running on the same page, but early in the season, losing Max Hall and Running Back Harvey Unga will hurt considerably.
Florida State's Defense had no problem feasting on a predictable Passing Offense in 2009, and this year should be no different.
Expect the Seminoles' offense to explode in this contest early, and some gimmicky plays could manage their way into the playbook by late in the Third Quarter.
What to Watch for (BYU Cougars):
Jake Heaps. The kid should be a dynamo within a season or two, and it's very fortunate FSU is getting him now and not in two years.
With the score tilted decidedly in FSU's favor, if Heaps gets any playing time late, he could show some flashes of what's to come in the near future out of Provo.
What to watch for (Florida State Seminoles):
The Seminoles Secondary will be all systems go in this contest. Look for Reid, Allen and Jenije to all have impressive days.
Nigel Bradham may shift into some lazy Secondary coverage that Coach (Mark) Stoops will use for the short pass.
Score Outlook: 52-17, Florida State.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (Tallahassee, FL)
4 of 13
In his first season "sans-Skinner," Coach Jim Grobe will have a lot of work cut out for him.
If that weren't enough, Wake was already on a bit of a gradual decline from their 2006 ACC Championship season; going 9-4 in 2007, 8-5 in 2008, and finally finishing below .500 in 2009 at 5-7.
Grobe may be on the hot seat at Wake Forest, and there is no certainty surrounding who will be the new signal caller. One thing is for certain, the problems do not end at the passer position either.
With Riley Skinner seemingly one of the best Quarterbacks in the ACC last season (25 Touchdowns, 12 Interceptions, and a Passer Rating of 146.99) the Demon Deacons averaged 80th in the nation in Rushing.
With Running Backs Josh Adams and Brandon Pendergrass both back in 2010, there is some room for optimism that this tandem could be one of the best kept secrets in the country—assuming Grobe and Co. can work out the bugs on Defense, who finished a paltry 65th in points-against last season.
Tested early against Stanford out West, this Wake Forest team will have it's work cut out for itself.
Expect nothing less than a 30-point thumping in this contest.
What to watch for (Wake Forest Demon Deacons):
Nothing spectacular. You will see a rotation of Quarterbacks throughout the game.
What to watch for (Florida State Seminoles):
You may see Clint Trickett enter this contest in the fourth quarter if the score is over 50. He's got a pretty talented arm, and I'm sure if E.J. Manuel gets his reps in the third, Jimbo will want to go to his third-stringer to get him acclimated to some real-game action.
Score Outlook: 47-13, Florida State.
Virginia Cavaliers (Charlottesville, VA)
5 of 13
Do not sleep on Virginia this year.
Yes, they are a few years away from the team that visionary Head Coach Mike London sees in store for the Cavs, but London has already in one short season managed to turn around a porous defense into one of respect within the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Coming over from the FCS 2008 Champion Richmond Spiders, (as well as the 2009 playoffs) London brings a fresh perspective on winning to a team that has seen its share of highs and lows over the last nine years under former Head Coach Al Groh.
Granted, some offensive woes will still be present this, with all four Running Backs gone or graduated, and only three of five Offensive Linemen returning—still, this brand of UVA football will not resemble the whipping-post many people have grown accustomed to.
Expect a tough grind-it-out style game that the Seminoles might not be ready for, especially after rolling over Wake Forest.
Charlottesville fans may even get to see a strange upset win over their first ranked opponent of the season if Florida State is caught looking past them.
What to watch for (Virginia Cavaliers)
Mike London's reshaped offense. Everyone expects his defense to be good, but there is much anticipation around what his offense will look like under the direction of new Offensive Coordinator Bill Lazor (QB's Coach, Seattle Seahawks.)
What to watch for (Florida State Seminoles):
The offense sputters a bit in this game, which leans more heavily on the ground attach. Thomas, Jones, and Lattimer each score for FSU on the ground, while Ponder and his Receivers take their poor showing as a learning opportunity. In the end, FSU still gets the "W," while London's Cavaliers earn Florida State's respect.
Score Outlook: 21-13, Florida State.
Miami Hurricanes (Coral Gables, FL)
6 of 13
Quarterback U.
That's a name you'll begin hearing again in 2010.
With Mark Whipple now firmly entrenched in the offensive play-calling—there is no denying what Miami team fans will be watching in 2010.
Play makers surround both sides of the ball, where Miami has not only one of the most exciting offenses in years, but a pretty solid defense as well.
In the backfield, Harris will have very talented Running Backs in Seniors Patrick Hill and Damien Berry—both of whom are more than capable of abusing Florida State's mediocre Run-Defense.
Add to the mix the phenom Wide-out Travis Benjamin, alongside Aldarius Johnson and Laron Byrd, and the 'Canes have weapons aplenty.
With all but one Offensive Lineman an upperclassman, the Hurricanes will have a wall for Harris and his backs to make plays in space. Expect them to often.
On the other side of the ball, Miami boasts what could turn out to be one of the best defenses in the country.
Secretly, and quietly—Randy Shannon and Defensive Coordinator John Lovett have been grooming this defense in anticipation of a deceptively strong Cover 2 and 4-3 Defense with some All-American caliber players in all three areas of coverage.
If FSU wants to walk away with a win in this contest, they had better prepare for it now. Miami is the real deal.
With Christian Ponder getting a slight edge over Jacory Harris, he will need more than himself to salvage this contest in the hostile environment of Coral Gables.
If Miami can beat Ohio State in the Horseshoe, this could be a very big statement game for both teams, as Miami would likely be undefeated heading into this game.
Expect a fairly close contest, as is always the case. Regardless of the outcome, FSU should likely get another shot at Miami in the ACC Championship.
What to watch for (Miami Hurricanes)
From Sean Spence at Linebacker to Brandon Harris at Corner, and Allen Bailey at Defensive End, there will be little room for the run or the pass in this contest for the Seminoles.
Miami's Defense will be the difference maker.
What to watch for (Florida State Seminoles)
Markus White and Jaccobi McDaniel. These two players should be due in time for this epic contest, and should force pressure inside to limit the run.
But with Jacory's arm, this may be overlooked by the spectators—at least until players review their assignments on film the following week.
Score Outlook: 41-35, Miami.
Boston College Eagles (Tallahassee, FL)
7 of 13
The Seminoles look to avenge their 2009 loss to Dave Shinskie's BC Eagles.
After clawing their way back into the game late, the 'Noles managed to come up just short in the waning moments, as Boston College's Montel Harris broke a 42-yard run to put the Eagles up for good, with just under four-minutes remaining in the game.
This year, Boston College will travel to FSU, where they have had some good fortune as well—defeating the Seminoles in 2008, with the assistance of five wide-receivers serving a suspension for their conduct in an on-campus fight.
The key to this game will not be players, or depth—but rather in rest. BC will come into this contest having played the likes of Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, and NC State, while FSU will have weathered contests against Oklahoma, BYU and Miami.
Given the recent success of Boston College in these contests, it really is anyone's guess which way this contest could go.
As far as mismatches are concerned, FSU's Receiver corps may be too much for the upperclassmen in the BC backfield.
Inexperience up front will expose their weakness against the run, and open up lanes in the middle of the field for Bert Reed/Willie Haulstead and Taiwan Easterling.
What to watch for, Boston College Eagles:
The entire team. If BC can defeat FSU, they pretty much guarantee themselves a spot in the ACC Championship berth, with only Clemson left standing in their way.
If BC enters this game with no losses, this team may be impossible to beat. Something about the prospect of light at the end of the tunnel drives an average team to play like champions.
What to watch for, Florida State Seminoles:
Jimbo Fisher. This will be the statement game to the rest of the ACC. When play calling was at its most erratic in games last season for FSU on offense and defense, (see Georgia Tech, Miami and Boston College) Jimbo kept his cool, to the very end.
In 2010, not much will change, but if this game is close—he'll show football fans across the country that he can not only go for the win, but actually win when it matters most: with the game on the line.
Score Outlook: 37-33, Florida State.
North Carolina State Wolfpack (Raleigh, NC)
8 of 13
Thursday Night Lights.
Is there anything sweeter? After Florida State squeaked past a very talented, albeit young NC State squad last season, it would seem this could be the biggest trap game of the year for FSU.
After a long week and a half off however—it will be anything but.
With Russell Wilson stealing the show last season as NC State's main guy, both on the baseball diamond, and on the gridiron; the Wolfpack football team was still considerably inconsistent down the stretch, en-route to a 5-7 season.
Wilson will have to replicate his otherwise remarkable 2008 and 2009 seasons to give the 'Pack any shot at making back to bowl contention in 2010.
Add to the fold the fact that only one Offensive Lineman returns, and Wilson will have no experience in the backfield to compliment his passing game, and NC State is looking like a puzzle missing the most important pieces.
The defense doesn't look much brighter, with only five starters returning, but as a silver lining, Senior Nate Irving, who missed all of 2009 due to a car accident—will return to the field at the Linebacker position, shoring up the defense at a much needed position.
Irving has already been named to the Lombardi watch list, which is given to the best Linebacker in college football annually. In the Secondary, Audie Cole will also return at Safety for his Senior season.
2010 will see NC State regress a small step, especially with a tougher schedule. With Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech all on the slate for NC State prior to the Florida State contest, NC State will either be well tested, or banged up.
What to watch for (NC State Wolfpack)
Look for Wilson to use his legs more in this contest than any game he's played prior. He will have to check at the line often, and could see his passing lanes cut off often.
The mismatch is in his favor with the deep threat, but with four men dropped back into coverage early, the line will be exposed, allowing him to pick up big chunks of real estate in front of him with his own legs.
What to watch for (Florida State Seminoles)
Special Teams play will be a big difference maker in this contest, as the 'Noles feature some very talented speed on punt and kickoff returns.
Greg Reid should be good for at least one TD return if not more, and Dustin Hopkins will have plenty of long range Field Goal opportunities against the Wolfpack on this Thursday Night affair.
Score Outlook: 31-21, Florida State.
North Carolina Tar Heels (Tallahassee, FL)
9 of 13
In part two of what is bound to become the "Offense vs. Defense" contest, both Florida State and North Carolina will have more to show off than the two aforementioned, as both have intensified their efforts to ensure the other side of the ball is more balanced.
In Chapel Hill, Butch Davis has all the talent in the world to work with, as virtually his entire offense from 2009 is back.
While this may seem like a grim scenario, UNC's T.J. Yates did show flashes of his presumed potential throughout the 2009 season.
In addition to his entire Offensive Line back, he will still have one of his favorite receivers available as well in Greg Little.
Meanwhile in Tallahassee, the Seminoles' new Head Coach pulled all the stops to get some of the best coaching available to revamp the major holes to its man-coverage defense that finished near the cellar of the Football Bowl Subdivision.
With the hiring of two defensive coordinators from both Arizona (Mark Stoops) and East Carolina (Greg Hudson,) Florida State has positioned itself rather well this fall, and the buzz out of Tallahassee is that Stoops "multiple zone" packages are paying dividends.
While this defense is not a top 25 unit, it has shown that it is getting better, and with any luck a middle-of-the-pack defense may be good enough to keep FSU's offense in more contests than it could in 2009.
What to watch for (North Carolina Tar Heels)
North Carolina's defense will have one of the most talented groups in the country. Six players were tabbed as pre-season All-ACC candidates, and by season's end, half of that number could end up as consensus All-Americans.
With Marvin Austin leading a group of NFL-caliber talent, distractions or not—this group will be good enough to keep North Carolina's offense in every game this season.
What to watch for (Florida State Seminoles)
Likewise, Florida State's offense has the potential to be one of the best in school history. Based on numbers alone, FSU needs to average about a yard per play more than they did in 2009 to go down as the highest yardage producing Seminole team ever, surpassing the 1993, and 2000 squads.
Christian Ponder is already garnering Heisman attention, and coupled with nearly a half-dozen running backs, and two-deep at every receiver position, as well as one of the best Offensive Lines in the country, FSU would appear to have everything it needs to put up Big XII numbers in 2010.
In the end, there can be only one, however. With a hard fought contest, FSU should get the slight edge with their defense improving just a few notches more than UNC's offense.
Score outlook: 22-16, Florida State.
Clemson Tigers (Tallahassee, FL)
10 of 13
Wait a tick...didn't we just play these guys?
Oh that's right, that was North Carolina.
If it couldn't be done the first time around by UNC, there's a very, very good chance that Clemson will get a chance to adjust to North Carolina's mistakes defensively to set themselves up for the upset in Tallahassee the following week.
With C.J. Spiller gone, the major run threat is gone, leaving Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper to split carries in 2010.
But the talented signal caller who recently signed a Major League contract (Kyle Parker) is back for his Sophomore season, and should be a huge lift to the offense this season.
With Wide Receivers Jacoby Ford and Tight End Michael Palmer—the bulk of Clemson's passing game in 2009, both gone—Parker will have to turn to Seniors Xavier Dye and Terrance Ashe for receptions, as well as some younger up-and-coming talent in Dwayne Allen and Victor Beasley.
All indications would suggest, Parker will transform his young route runners just fine this fall.
By all indications, the Clemson defense should be just as good, with Defensive Tackle Jarvis Jenkins, and Defensive End Da'Quan Bowers anchoring arguably the best Defensive Line in the country.
In the Secondary, one name that will likely be mentioned early and often, is standout Senior De'Andre McDaniel, whom many fans will remember for ending Christian Ponder's season after a jarring collision that potentially saved an interception return for a touchdown.
What to watch for (Clemson Tigers):
The Linebacker corps. After Ponder's collision last season, it's safe to assume that Jimbo Fisher has already devised a special game plan to take De'Andre McDaniel out of the equation.
Of the three nearly equally impressive defensive areas, the Linebackers are the weakest, but only by a whisker.
Odds are Fisher will run some bootleg dumps, and perhaps even insert some option plays to get the ball in the middle of the field. If Clemson adjusts, the 'Noles could be in for a very rough night in Tallahassee.
What to watch for (Florida State Seminoles):
Greg Reid on offense. Jimbo has hinted at getting Reid into the game, and with no tape on Reid to prepare for, Reid could be a very effective direction-changing dump-pass receiver.
Score Outlook: 42-34, Florida State.
Maryland Terrapins (College Park, MD)
11 of 13
While many have been quick to pull the trigger on Ralph Friedgen in 2010, most of his 2009 campaign was no fault of his own.
Plagued by injuries, and a lack of depth last season—the Terrapins couldn't seem to get things going for lack of a unified unit.
With the departure of Chris Turner at Quarterback, Jamarr Robinson will make his debut with the Turtles in 2010. Alongside a now healthy Da'Rel Scott, Robinson will have a viable backfield guy who can give him added time to set up plays.
Scott, who was an All-ACC selection in 2008 managed to rush for just over 400 yards in 2009, which sadly, was the best on the team.
With Robinson as the signal caller however, an added running dimension will be available to compliment Scott as Robinson has the wheels to take off when necessary.
In addition, Robinson will inherit 2009's 2nd Team All-ACC Receiver Torrey Smith, as well as three of five Offensive Linemen starters from a season ago.
On defense, the Terps will only be returning five starters. Much like Florida State—this is possibly a good thing.
Among those returnees is Pre-season All-American hopeful, Alex Wujciak who finished eighth in the nation last season in total tackles.
With any luck, his team-first mentality may impress some of the newcomers on the field by the time Maryland plays host to the Seminoles.
What to watch for (Maryland Terrapins)
Special Teams. A unit that was unhealthy a year ago is finally at 100%. Look for Nick Ferrara to lead the team in points in this contest, as the Seminoles likely do not allow more than one touchdown in this contest.
What to watch for (Florida State Seminoles):
Mark Stoops Base Defense finally takes hold. The FSU Linebackers and Secondary resemble a top 50 squad, and the Terps are held scoreless in the third and fourth quarters.
Score Outlook: 49-16, Florida State.
Florida Gators (Tallahassee, FL)
12 of 13
Six years.
Florida State has not defeated the Gators in six years.
This is not to serve as punishment, but as a gentle reminder that Florida State has their work cut out for them in this behemoth of a season finale.
More important than perhaps any other Florida—Florida State contest before it.
No, it will likely not have National Championship implications.
No, it will not be to salvage a winning record.
No, it will not be for any hardware.
This game however, signifies to the fans, coaches, and prospects—whether Florida State has managed to pull itself back into contention with the Gators.
A Gator win in Doak Campbell in 2010 would mark the second longest win streak in this series, dating back to its inception in 1958, (with only a nine-game streak being longer from 1968-1976.)
The Seminoles best opportunity to defeat Florida in perhaps the next three seasons would likely be in 2010. While the Seminoles have revamped their coaching staff, defensive unit, and personnel, the same holds true for the Gators.
With the departure of Wide Receivers Coach Billy Gonzales, as well as Defensive Coordinator Charlie Strong, there should be at least a small drop off in the performance for a season, while the new coaching staff straightens out the wrinkles.
Now this is not to say that the Gators will drop tremendously, or that Florida State is the favorite in these match-ups; but the disparity between the two squads seem to be somewhat closer for this reason.
Add to the fold the fact that Florida lost half of their starters on both offense and defenses that were among the best in the nation, and the gap shrinks a bit further.
On offense, John Brantley will have to look to young talented recruits from Urban Meyer's last two classes for targets at Wide Receiver, as the Gators lose Cooper, Hernandez, James and Nelson to graduation and the NFL.
Add to the fold, not only the biggest offensive producer for Florida, but their leader—Tim Tebow, and the team will certainly have some big shoes to fill in the locker room pep talks.
With Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps in the backfield, the sheer bursting speed of these two athletes will certainly help alleviate some of those sleepless nights without Timmy around.
On defense, the Gators will hope for talented up-and-coming athletes with the departure of talented players like Brandon Spikes, Carlos Dunlap, Major Wright and Jermaine Cunningham.
The Gators will have talent waiting however, with the insertion of Jonathan Bostic and Duke Lemmens, as well as Freshmen phenom Jelani Jenkins.
Still, this is no time to celebrate in Gainesville. While this game is being billed as a Florida favored contest, this is a first shot for Jimbo Fisher to make his crowning statement.
Until this past April, Jimbo was somewhat limited in the decision making process, while serving as the Offensive Coordinator.
That will be the biggest change in 2010. With a top ten recruiting class under his belt and the 2011 class watching intently, this is a big statement game for both squads—for FSU who is trying to claw their way back into the national picture, and for Florida, who hopes to bury the 'Noles chances of a resurgence a bit longer, (and maybe even get a chance to tab Jimbo as FSU's "Ron Zook.")
What to watch for (Florida Gators)
John Brantley's arm. Much has been made of Urban Meyer's switch to a more Pro-style Offense.
Let's see how Brantley manages with the wind in his face against a defense that has been built to limit the pass more so than the run. Will Urban go to the ground and entrust this contest to his speedy backs?
What to watch for (Florida State Seminoles)
This will be the Christian Ponder show.
With this being Ponder's last shot at going out with a "W" against the hated rivals from the school to the East, expect Fisher and company to do everything in their power to get the ball to capable receivers early and often.
With a retooled defense, and Ponder already 11 games in, this should make for one offensive spectacular.
While the advantages going into the season would weigh more heavily in favor of Florida, there are certainly more holes this season than any other in quite sometime.
With FSU coming into this game looking for the statement game they could not get against Miami or Oklahoma, look for FSU to pull the upset—convincingly, especially with Florida more focused on a rematch with the Alabama team that beat them in Tuscaloosa a few weeks prior.
Score Outlook: 42-35, Florida State.
Conclusion and Outlook
13 of 13
In conclusion, a 10-2 season mark is highly possible for the Seminoles. While somewhat optimistic given the slate they must run through—this Seminoles team has shown progressive brilliance throughout both the Spring through Fall camps.
Given Florida State's ACC record, it is not out of the question (provided Clemson or Boston College do not pull an upset this season) for FSU to find themselves playing either Miami or perhaps Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game in December.
Provided the match-up is against the former, in a neutral setting—where Miami is known to travel poorly (North Carolina), the Seminoles could get their sweet revenge in a match-up that was dreamed of by ACC Commissioner John Swofford nearly eight years ago.
This should be a great year for Florida State, and all signs indicate that Christian Ponder will have every opportunity, even in defeat—to give Heisman voters and NFL scouts alike, to put him at the top of their very short lists.
If the sky is the limit, this Seminoles team is going to try it's best bird-imitation to reach for it.
With any luck, they'll soar above expectations, but still fly under the radar.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
