If there is one team that has some serious buzz around them heading into the 2023 season it is one hundred percent the Florida State Seminoles. Mike Norvell helped lead this Florida State team to a 10-3 season that included a win in the Cheez-It Bowl. They have a ton of players returning and right now are the odds on favorites to win the ACC Championship right now. Should you buy into the Florida State hype?
Offense
This Florida State offense is led by quarterback Jordan Travis. Travis threw for 3,214 passing yards last season to go along with 24 passing touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He also added 417 rushing yards to go along with 7 rushing touchdowns to his arsenal as well. This offense was top ten in total yards of offense per game and was a top ten team nationally in scoring. They return eight starters from last year, but they lose a big name on the offensive line in All-ACC guard Dillon Gibbons. However, they retooled and brought in three college transfers at offensive lineman that have proven to be worth it so far in their collegiate careers. Those three names are Casey Roddick (Colorado), Jeremiah Byers (UTEP) and Keiondre Jones (Auburn). They will be a big part of this offense’s success in 2023.
As for Travis’ weapons we have Johnny Wilson who is a 6’7 target that Travis loves to throw to in key situations. They are also getting Keon Coleman who is coming in from Michigan State. Coleman will have an impact on offense and might be a favorite of Travis’ all year long. The Seminoles also get lead running back Trey Benson to come back and man the backfield yet again this season. Florida State’s offense will be good and can keep them in just about every game this season.
Defense
The Noles got a ton of returners from last year’s team, but continued to add more through the transfer portal. They went out and got some more talent to add to their already talented defensive unit. FSU already had All-ACC defensive end Jared Verse. They also added some good transfers to help their defensive line such as DT Braden Fiske (Western Michigan), Darnell Jackson Jr (Miami), and DE Gilbert Edmond (South Carolina). One big loss in the secondary in Jammie Robinson, however the other four starters in the secondary last season are all returning. To make matters better, Florida State also snagged All-ACC cornerback Fentrell Cypress II to transfer in from Virginia. This defense is super talented and the sky’s the limit for this squad on defense.
Win Total Bet (O/U 9.5)
The win total is set at 9.5 wins. The line for the over is super high at -142. However, if you do believe that the Seminoles are going to win over nine and a half games, just take them to win the ACC Championship. Their odds to win the ACC championship is at +115 and it provides a ton of more value in my honest opinion. Florida State football is back and this team should be contending for their first playoff spot since 2014.
Schedule Prediction
Win vs LSU (1-0)
Win vs Southern Miss (2-0)
Win at Boston College (3-0)
Win at Clemson (4-0)
Win vs Virginia Tech (5-0)
Win vs Syracuse (6-0)
Win vs Duke (7-0)
Win at Wake Forest (8-0)
Win at Pittsburgh (9-0)
Loss vs Miami (9-1)
Win vs North Alabama (10-1)
Win at Florida (11-1)