Florida State Football: How the 'Noles Will Shock College Football in 2012

When you look at FSU and its expectations for 2012, you know they have some big things in store. From a double-digit-win season to a National Championship appearance, these Seminoles have some huge shoes to fill. 

They will do this and then some.

Last year, many people were predicting the same thing for the Seminoles that they are this year—I was not one of them.

I did not think FSU had enough balance to really compete for an ACC Championship.

Sure enough, they finished 9-4 with a semi-happy win over Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl. Needless to say, they had bigger expectations.

The 'Noles are ready. They are ready to take the college football world by storm in 2012. I have full confidence in my prediction that they will make it to a BCS bowl and win that BCS bowl.

The FSU we all know and love will return in 2012 with a vengeance.

You have to know that the Seminoles are tired of all this talk of disappointment. They are exhausted of this label of "unable to overcome pressure" that has been over their heads for a few years. E.J. Manuel and the other promising seniors want to go on to an NFL future on a good note.

FSU was a year away from being legit because they had a lack of experience and not too impressive depth. That will all change this year. The Seminoles are returning 18 of 22 starters, some of whom were unable to play due to injury. Since those starters will be returning, not only will they have more experience but the backups will, too.

Another layer of depth will be added by the incoming recruiting class, which is projected to be one of the best in the nation. I've already gone into the people in this class once, so I won't spend much time on them, but that article gives a great overhead of all the impact recruits.

But FSU won't stop at dominating the ACC—this defense will be better than almost all of the teams in the SEC.

I'm talking LSU or Alabama good.

A team that finished near the top in all defensive categories that's not in the SEC will be talked about extensively and with careful examination. It will be great coverage for the Seminoles, who will be getting national recognition next year.

So let's recap what the 'Noles will do in 2012: make a BCS bowl, pull in a great recruiting class, match up with SEC teams and erupt on the national scene.

I think it is safe to say the Seminoles are in for good things in 2012.