2017 was certainly a down year for the Seminoles. After knocking off Michigan in the Orange Bowl in 2016, 2017’s team stood the test of losing stars and, more prominently, injury. After starting quarterback Deondre Francois was injured week one against Alabama, true freshman James Blackman was thrust into the starting spot. The team could only muster 7 wins on the season, going 3-5 in conference play, an incredibly disappointing season for a regular powerhouse. Head coach Jimbo Fisher left the team after the final regular season game for Texas A&M. Now, under new head coach Willie Taggart, the Seminoles hope to get back to double digit wins and compete once again for the ACC crown.
Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football 19 existed): 5*.
Despite the down year, FSU is still a storied football program. They constantly churn out NFL studs, and last year was no difference (how did Derwin James slide to the 14th pick?).
Last Year’s Record: 7-6 (3-5 ACC)
Projected Returning Starters:
Offense: 10
QB James Blackman, QB Deondre Francois (split starts), RB Cam Akers, RB Jacques Parker (split starts), WR Keith Gavins, OT Josh Ball, OG Landon Dickerson, OG Cole Minshew, C Alec Eberle
The big question here is quarterback with how last season played out. Now that Blackman will have some experience under his belt, he and Francois will compete for the starting job during training camp. Francois is still battling last year’s injury, but he’s expected to be ready for camp. Whoever lands the job, they’ll have plenty of help from returning players, as almost the entire offensive line is back, plus the electrifying duo of Akers and Parker.
Defense: 4
DE Brian Burns, DT Demarcus Christmas, CB Levonta Taylor, S AJ Westbrook
FSU is one of those schools always vying for the “DBU” title, and rightfully so. Levonta Taylor is an up and coming stud at corner. The former top 10 recruit finished with 2 picks in his sophomore year, starting all 13 games. The pass rush also features two serviceable returning starters in Burns and Christmas, who both recorded 35+ tackle seasons. The linebacker group will be the mystery, as there are no returning starters from the past season.
Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team Member: Zaquandre White
Key Losses: S Derwin James, DT Derrick Nnadi
The Seminoles lost two studs to the draft this year in James and Nnadi. Nnadi was voted to third-team All ACC after a senior campaign featuring 53 total tackles along with 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He was the centerpiece of a fearsome defensive line that will be sorely missed. However, the even bigger hole to fill will be that left by Derwin James. James, an athletic freak, was an All American. He had a monster year with 84 total tackles, 11 passes defended and a pick six. Both guys were pivotal pieces on a stellar defense who’s production will be tough to repeat.
Five Year Recruiting Rank (Bill Connelly): 4
FSU comes into 2018 with 13 4* players in their class, led by top recruit S Jaiden Woodbey out of St. John Bosco in Cali. Look for Woodbey to get some time in place of the departed Derwin James. The Noles went all in on cornerback as well with a pair of 4* recruits in Asante Samuel Jr. and A.J. Lytton. Willie Taggart has wasted no time in getting his new team in the right direction, as Florida State has one of the top 2019 classes to look forward to.
Outlook: Florida State should have no trouble improving on their play last year, barring injury. The quarterback battle will be interesting, but it’s tough to see a healthy Francois losing the battle to a incoming sophomore who threw 8 TDs to 7 picks last season. The freshman class have chance at helping to fill some voids ithe defense, as the Noles should be competing with the likes of Clemson and Virginia Tech for the conference, and eventually a big bowl game.
Alcohol Predictions for Fans By Season’s End: Fireball. Certainly not the absolute best, but it be easy to enjoy and a fun time. But, in the end, it’s not going to be a real winner.
