Florida State Football: The 2012 Seminoles' Schedule from Easiest to Toughest

The expectations were through the roof for this Florida State team last season, but once again, the Seminoles failed to fulfill them.

Due to inconsistent play and injuries, they finished the year with a 9-4 record and didn't reach their goals of an ACC title and BCS bowl game.

This season, those goals remain the same, as the Seminoles return 14 starters, including eight starters on the defensive side of the ball. They also have a very talented recruiting class coming in, along with senior quarterback EJ Manuel. The talent is on the roster, and they have a favorable schedule heading into the season as well.

As college football inches closer, here are the easiest and toughest opponents the Florida State Seminoles will have to face in 2012.

12. Vs. Savannah State

Last year's record: 1-10

Returning starters: N/A

Top teams in the country usually begin the season with a couple of warm-up games; this is one of those teams.

When you only win one game in the MEAC, there are some serious issues with your football team. Expect the Seminoles to win this game fairly easily.

11. Vs. Murray State

Last year's record: 7-4

Returning starters: N/A

Maybe if these two teams were playing basketball, the Racers would have a shot, but since it's football, Murray State stands no chance whatsoever. Florida State takes care of another cupcake on the schedule and will begin the season with a 2-0 record.

10. Vs. Duke

Last year's record: 3-9

Returning starters: 16

Duke has yet to have much success on the football side of things, but they usually play teams tough throughout the year.

The Seminoles are one of the teams the Blue Devils have yet to scare, as Florida State is 17-0 against them all time. It's also fair to note that every one of those victories come by at least 19 points.

9. Vs. Boston College

Last year's record: 4-8

Returning starters: 18

Boston College returns the most starters in the ACC, but that really isn't saying much judging from their performances last season. The Seminoles won last year's meeting by 31 points, and that game took place in Alumni Stadium.

With this one being played in Tallahassee, it should really be no contest.

8. Vs. Maryland

Last year's record: 2-10

Returning starters: 15

Florida State is 20-2 against Maryland all time, and the Terrapins are showing no signs of being a better team in 2012.

This team was absolutely terrible on defense, and now, they've lost starting quarterback Danny O'Brien, who transferred to Wisconsin. The only thing Maryland has going for them in this matchup is the game will be played in College Park—that's about it.

7. Vs. Wake Forest

Last year's record: 6-7

Returning starters: 10

Was there any team that was more inconsistent than Wake Forest last year?

The Demon Deacons won five of their first seven games, but then, they lost five of the last six.

One of those victories was over Florida State, but you have no idea what you are going to get when this team shows up in Tallahassee. That's why you have to consider the Seminoles the favorite in this meeting.

6. At USF

Last year's record: 5-7

Returning starters: 16

If you have paid attention to the South Florida Bulls over the years, you will know that this team has a reputation of upsetting highly ranked teams.

Although they didn't have much success last season, this is a veteran ball club that returns a talented and experienced quarterback in B.J. Daniels. You can bet Raymond James Stadium will be going crazy, and this team will be prepared for a hard fought game.

5. At North Carolina State

Last year's record: 8-5

Returning starters: 14

North Carolina State has a team that is capable of putting up points, although when these two teams met last season, the Seminoles shut the Wolf Pack out in a 34-0 victory.

While the offense may be a little inconsistent, the defensive secondary is very good, especially with interception leader David Amerson returning. This should be a minor road test for the Seminoles in the middle of the season.

4. Vs. Florida

Last year's record: 7-6

Returning starters: 17

The last close game in this rivalry was in 2006, since then, every game has been decided by at least 14 points.

Even with this matchup losing a bit of its edge, there is no love lost between these two teams. The Gators must find offensive production from somewhere, but the defense returns 10 starters, making this team dangerous.

It should provide a solid matchup, and hopefully we get this rivalry back on track the way it used to be.

3. At Miami

Last year's record: 6-6

Returning starters: 10

Speaking of rivalries, 11 of the past 13 meetings between these two teams has been decided by single digits.

Like Florida, Miami has to find playmakers on offense, but returning seven starters on defense is something that should keep the Hurricanes in a lot of games in 2012.

Regardless of how these teams match up on paper, Miami Gardens will be ready to greet the Seminoles with a warm welcome and provide them with a lovely atmosphere.

2. Vs. Clemson

Last year's record: 10-4

Returning starters: 13

Despite playing without quarterback E.J. Manuel in this game, the Seminoles only lost by five points, and that game took place in Memorial Stadium.

Still, the Tigers are not a team to sleep on, returning six starters from an offense that averaged nearly 34 points per contest last season. This will be a terrific battle between a great defense and a high-scoring Clemson offense.

Florida State has lost five of the last seven meetings in this matchup.

1. At Virginia Tech

Last year's record: 11-3

Returning starters: 12

Virginia Tech returns nine starters from a defense that ranked second in the ACC last season.

They have had to replace nearly their entire offense, but Frank Beamer always has his team prepared entering big matchups like this.

Not to mention that coming out of Blacksburg victorious is one of the most difficult things to do in college football. This one should be a great defensive battle, and the outcome will likely have a huge impact on the polls.