Everything is in place for Florida State this year.
With new head coach Jimbo Fisher taking the reins from Bobby Bowden, and new defensive coordinator Mark Stoops taking over for Mickey Andrews, there is ample room for improvement, judging from the disappointment that back-to-back 7-6 seasons brought.
On offense, the Seminoles most notably return senior quarterback Christian Ponder. Ponder, who is getting some early Heisman buzz, and barring an injury this season like the one last year, could have gotten consideration in 2009 for the coveted Heisman. Through nine games last season, Ponder had a QB rating of 147.71—three tenths higher than Texas’ Colt McCoy, the highest vote-getting quarterback in last year’s Heisman race.
If you estimate Ponder throwing for 250 yards and two touchdowns a game for the rest of the season (which is in the ballpark, considering that his lowest yardage total last year was 195 as he surpassed the 300-yard mark four times last year), he would have eclipsed McCoy’s yardage total and thrown for 22 TDs.
So, if you’re not on board with Ponder’s Heisman hype yet, please punch your tickets now and put your tray tables in the upright and locked position as you soon likely descend into downtown New York for this year’s Heisman presentation.
On defense, Nigel Bradham will clog the middle and also emerge as a leader. Also watch out for sophomore Greg Reid.
A clear crowd favorite, Reid is an animated playmaker in a secondary that looks to be much improved over last year’s.
The first true test for FSU will be on Sept. 11, when the Tribe travels to Norman, Okla., to face the Sooners. In an early season, non-conference matchup in a hostile environment, this game will serve as a good barometer for the strength of this year’s team.
FSU will then open conference play against Atlantic Division rival Wake Forest on Sept. 25.
Arguably the weaker of the two conference divisions, the Atlantic side seems to be wide open this year. It works in FSU’s favor that the two biggest division tests—Boston College and Clemson—are at home this year for the ’Noles. Barring an absolute gem of a season from either of these two teams, Florida State could easily return to the ACC Championship game for the first time since 2005.
The coastal side, meanwhile, comes down to two teams: Virginia Tech and Miami. UM head coach Randy Shannon has had the patience of the fans in Coral Gables for four years now, but one gets the feeling that if this isn’t the year the ’Canes win a conference championship, then that leash is going to tighten considerably. That being said, Virginia Tech’s backfield should be able to run over Miami, when the Hokies face the ’Canes in what most assume would be for the division title.
It’s often difficult to separate one’s heart from their head as a writer, but I believe FSU has the talent to win the ACC. Then there’s VT, who returns eight starters on offense, including Ryan Williams at running back. Tech looks strong this year, and it’s difficult to believe FSU will make the jump from 7-6 to ACC Champions.
My prediction: Virginia Tech downs FSU in the ACC finale.