2011 Champs Sports Bowl: 5 Things FSU Needs to Improve on in 2012

Following Florida State’s thrilling 18-14 comeback win over Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl, a collective moan by various preseason poll voters could be heard across the nation. 

In what has become an annual dilemma, the same media members who voted the Seminoles as high as No. 5 in the preseason will once again have to decide if 2012 is the year FSU finally finishes in the top 5 for the first time since 2000. 

While offseason expectations are sure to be high once again in Tallahassee, it is hard to deny that the ‘Noles endured some unfortunate and extreme injury-related circumstances, yet still managed to go 9-4 with a ton young players gaining valuable experience. 

Managing those expectations will be crucial for Jimbo Fisher’s team, which could return 18 starters from its lineup against the Irish next season. 

Still, there is plenty of room for improvement for a team that struggled to put together a complete performance in all three phases with consistency. 

Here are five things FSU needs to improve on 2012

Details

Florida State’s four losses were to four bowl teams by a combined 21 points, and each game a win was in reach in the final minutes. 

A closer look at those games would show that the Seminoles suffered several self-inflicted wounds that led to their defeats. 

Whether it was turnovers, penalties or missed assignments, the ‘Noles lost their focus and betrayed fundamental elements at crucial moments that cost them dearly. 

If Florida State wants to have a big season next year, it will have to make sure to take care of the small details in close games.  

Running Game

Perhaps the greatest task for Fisher in the upcoming spring practices will be finding ways to establish a dependable ground attack. 

Several factors contributed to FSU’s anemic rushing offense (FSU finished 104th in the nation, averaging a little more than 112 yards per game).

Injuries to dual-threat quarterback EJ Manuel, starting running back Chris Thompson and several offensive linemen limited Florida State in terms of options and productivity. 

FSU’s offense had several issues, but most of them could be cured if they find a way to establish a consistent method of gaining yards on the ground.  

Depth on Offensive Line

The Seminoles entered the season with only one underclassman starting on its offensive line unit. 

Senior tackle Zebrie Sanders is the only one of those four who started against the Irish in the bowl game. 

While the four true freshmen that started against Notre Dame gained valuable experience, the ‘Noles have to develop quality depth in the trenches to ensure a repeat scenario like this season does not occur. 

The good news is that regardless of who starts, the ‘Noles will return eight linemen with at least one start under their belts. 

Expect Fisher and his staff to try and close their recruiting class with at least two additional linemen (JUCO tackle Daniel Glauser already signed with FSU last week).  

Discipline

While the ‘Noles will return a deep and talented roster next year, there will be one disturbing trend that they will have to overcome. 

Unless the Seminoles can improve their discipline, the same mistakes that were made this season will be bound to bite them in close games in the future. 

During their three-game losing streak early in the season, Florida State lost its focus for small periods that most elite teams either avoid or overcome. 

A pair of ‘Noles (reserve corner Avis Commack and red-shirt freshman linebacker Arrington Jenkins) ran afoul of the law prior to the bowl game, which is something that FSU can ill afford going forward. 

With a team made up of mostly younger players and preciously thin on senior leadership, it is important for Fisher and his upperclassmen to establish a standard for discipline on and off the field.  

Follow the Leader

Great football teams often take on the persona of its quarterback, and judging by the resilient performance EJ Manuel put forth against Notre Dame, the Seminoles should feel confident about their field general heading into 2012. 

However, his teammates have to do their part in helping him shoulder the load. 

Often criticized for the team’s setbacks, many fail to realize that Manuel was essentially babysitting (seven true freshmen started games on offense) for the second half of the season while fighting off his own lingering injury issues. 

Combine the fact that only five teams gave up more sacks than FSU, which meant Manuel was under constant duress, yet still managed to have a decent season (completed over 65 percent of his passes, 2,666 yards, 18 TDs, 8 INT) while displaying a fierce competitive spirit that helped fuel his team’s rally in the bowl win over Notre Dame. 

If the rest of the offense catches up to its quarterback, the Seminoles will finally achieve the breakthrough season that has eluded them for over a decade. 

With a little bit of luck dealing with the injury bug, and a schedule that should be more friendly than this season, the ‘Noles have all the pieces in place to win their first ACC championship since 2005, and perhaps beyond.