After wrapping up their season with an abysmal 12 point (and 0 touchdown) offensive showing, and a defensive effort that proved to be their worst of the year (over 250 yards of both rushing and passing), the Florida State Seminoles don't carry much momentum heading into their New Year's Eve match-up vs. Kentucky in the Music City Bowl.
And the fact that 36 players won't make the trip due to injury, violation of team rules, or participation in an academic scandal, isn't exactly the push they had hoped for.
Of those who started or played regularly in 2007, five defensive linemen (three tackles, two ends), two linebackers, and one cornerback will be among those who won't be in Nashville on game day. Thirteen of the missing players had started a game this season for FSU.
They also face the loss of two key pieces of an offensive line that wouldn't have been able to keep Kentucky out of the backfield in the first place.
In all honesty, there is nothing positive to think about heading into this game, other than the fact that everyone will get a good laugh out of how easily Andre' Woodson will humiliate the depleted 'Nole defense. It probably wouldn't make a difference if he used his left hand, as Steve Johnson and Keenan Burton will make Florida State's corners look like high-schoolers. The experienced Woodson will have all day to throw while all of FSU's experienced and skilled pass-rushers watch from their home TV set.
On the other hand, Drew Weatherford will not have more than three seconds against an intimidating Wildcat front four. Lucky for Florida State, I predict that Wesley Woodyard will end the game prematurely when he bites Preston Parker's head off, extinguishing the only offensive spark FSU has had all season—for good. The lone compensation for this will come in the form of a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, but no ejection.
After the game, Geno Hayes will guarantee an ACC Championship for the 'Noles next year. But Tim Tebow will come out of nowhere and give him an all-too-vivid reminder of what happened the last time he made a guarantee. Bobby Bowden will then declare his resignation and announce his acceptance of the Atlanta Falcons head coaching job.
My prediction: Kentucky, 41; FSU, 3. Gary Cismesia will kick a 70-yarder from their own 40 yard line, which will be the best field position they get all night.
Look on the bright side, FSU fans: There's always next year.
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