Florida State Football: 5 Reasons to Be Optimistic About 2012

The tribe has been a disappointment this year.

Sure, Florida State gave fans many perks. For example, the Seminoles won the State Title for the second year in a row. And, it is the first time since 1998-1999 that the team triumphed over Florida and Miami in consecutive years.

Devoted fans will also recall that in ’98 and ’99 Bobby Bowden led FSU to two national title appearances. Many expected this nine-win squad to bring its first ACC Championship in six years.

But I mistook the offensive line’s talent as being enough to overcome inexperience. Many of us were wrong about the embryonic O-line hampered the offense all 2011.

Fortunately, there are a handful of reasons why Florida State can go from good to great, and excel in 2012.

1. Better Offensive Line

Four underclassmen starred on the offensive line, and the crew loses only one of their offensive tackles.

A year of experience means a lot to a system—just look at Urban Meyer, Gene Chizik, Jim Tressel, and Bob Stoops in recent memory. A year of experience in their respective offensive systems led their schools to national championships only a year after mediocre records.

The difference was playing time; the offensive line will be in its second year and will be stronger and quicker to react. Given their porous nature this year—Notre Dame sacked ‘Noles quarterback EJ Manuel five times in the Champs Sports Bowl alone—it is amazing that the team has fared so well this year.

In spite of this, one should note that the offensive line came out after halftime and protected Manuel well enough for FSU to rally from a 14-0 deficit.

The future looks bright for these players, indeed.

Fact of the Day: FSU was ranked 111th in sacks allowed this year.

2. Quarterback Play Will Improve

Manuel had a decent season, given that this was his first full season as a starter.

Unfortunately, the offensive line only gave EJ an opportunity to score 18 touchdowns. Even in games that looked liked wins, the starting quarterback threw interceptions. In dealing with a problem, nervousness, Manuel admits, is the first step to a solution.

His poise in the Champs Sports Bowl’s second half showed that he’s dealing with the jitters effectively, and could have a big season next year. Just like Charlie Ward had to replace Heisman Trophy finalist Casey Weldon in 1992, Manuel had to fill the shoes of the first-round draft pick Christian Ponder this season.

Perhaps, like Ward, Manuel can blossom into a force to be reckoned with. He might not win the Heisman, but Manuel should develop as a passer next year and will be worth watching.

For the statisticians, here are numbers to support the cause—in Ward’s first year as a starter, he threw 17 picks! The following year, he only threw four and FSU won its first national championship.

EJ should have an impressive season next year.

3. Defense Will Be Near "LSU Level"

This year, FSU's defense was among the best in the nation, having the fourth best scoring defense in college football at 15.1 ppg.

Nine defensive starters will return, and while the possible loss of Brandon Jenkins could hamper the Seminoles a bit, the weak offenses of the ACC—namely Maryland, Boston College, and Miami—will be enough for the ‘Noles to handles.

Maybe they can make the national title game behind a strong defense, like LSU this year.

4. Easier Schedule

Unlike 2011, the ‘Noles have a less-aggravating early schedule.

Before opening conference play, Jimbo Fisher’s team hosts the defending Big East Champions West Virginia.

Defensive coordinator Mark Stoops and company will be tested by WVU head coach Dana Holgorsen’s air-raid offense. But, the game is at Doak, and a victory at home against a (likely) ranked team will boost the team’s morale for the season.

Fortunately, Fisher’s team has a slight reprieve from Clemson. Instead of going to Death Valley, the Tigers will visit Doak. Given the success the ‘Noles have at home, they will likely shut down Clemson’s quarterback Tajh Boyd and receiver Sammy Watkins.

Under Fisher, FSU has only allowed 12.4 points per game at home. The advantage clearly rests with the tribe.

One question mark emerges—can FSU take down Virginia Tech in Blacksburg?

The Hokies have only lost at home twice in the past two seasons, and are a perennial ACC powerhouse. A victory against a stiff Bud Foster defense will go a long way, but a loss could cost the Seminoles a shot for the ACC title.

Clemson, even though lacking the element of surprise, will still compete with FSU for the Atlantic Division title until the end of the year.

Other tough games will take place on the road, including an NC State team wanting revenge for being shut out by the ‘Noles in Tallahassee. And, the ‘Noles must return to Miami after hammering them in South Florida in 2010.

Even as a clear favorite, next year, the Seminoles must handle their soft-enough schedule carefully, or they will drop a game they can’t afford to lose.

5. Even More Returning Starters Than Last Year

FSU will have 18 returning starters.

That's 18 of 22.

But you knew that, which is probably why you know FSU will likely live up to their preseason hype in 2012. Manuel, Lonnie Pryor, Jacob Fahrenkrug and many stars will return.

Keep an eye on Devonta Freeman, though.

The rising sophomore has the capacity to be the ACC’s Marcus Lattimore. After Chris Thompson fractured his vertebrae, Freeman took a more notable role in the offense, scoring eight touchdowns on the year. His presence was even more clearly felt when fellow running back Jermaine Thomas was academically ineligible for the Champs Sports Bowl against Notre Dame.

Although Freeman didn’t have the best of days—his fumble directly led to a Fighting Irish touchdown—but still averaged nearly four yards per carry for an otherwise miserable offense in the first half.

His presence will be felt, so don’t be surprised if he is an All-ACC selection.