I don’t think Willie Taggart’s first year with the Florida State Seminoles went as he planned it. Matter of fact it was arguably the worst season for the Seminoles in 37 years. The Noles did not play in a bowl game for the first time since 1976, snapping the longest streak of 36 years. The year started and ended with some bad losses to VT and Florida respectively.
Prestige Rating (If NCAA Football 20 existed): 4 stars
Projected Returning Starters:
Offense: 8
The Florida State Seminoles return a good chunk of their skills group and 3 offensive linemen. Star running back Cam Akers returns for his junior year. He only rushed for 706 yards last year behind a dreadful o-line, but with 3 starters returning and another year to learn Taggart’s system, Akers should rebound this season. The receiving corps returns 3 starters: Tamorrion Terry, Keith Gavin, and D.J. Matthews at receiver and Tre McKitty at tight end. Terry led the team with 744 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns. Those 744 yards broke a school freshmen record that stood for 41 years.
The real uncertainty on the offense is the most important position, the Quarterback. There will be a battle between returning backup James Blackman and grad transfer Alex Hornibrook. Hornibrook transferred from Wisconsin after having a pretty decent career for the Badgers. He has thrown for 5,438 yards and 47 TDs in 35 games. He also left Wisconsin with the best winning percentage by a QB in school history. James Blackman started only one game last year but started 12 games the year before when DeAndre Francois got hurt in the 1st game of the season. In his freshman year Blackmon threw for 2,230 yards and 19 TDs. The competition should be close and something to monitor leading up to the season.
Defense: 5
The defense only returns 4 starters, but none to the defensive line. They return Mike linebacker Dontavious Jackson Jr. who started 10 games last year with 75 tackles, 7 TFLs, and 1 interception. Stanford Samuels III finished with 4 interceptions, 58 tackles, and 4 pass breakups in the secondary. Asante Samuel Jr. returns at corner, where he recorded 17 tackles and 9 pass breakups. Levonta Taylor also returns for the secondary, he had injury issues for the first 8 game of the season but finished with 19 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble.
Specialists: 3
They return both their kicker, Ricky Aguayo (little brother of FSU legend Roberto Aguayo), and punter Tyler Logan. Ricky converted 11 of 17 field goals and only missed one extra point, and he ranks 3rd in PAT conversions and 5th in field goal percentage in school history. Tyler punted 82 times for 3,545 yards which are both school records. He was the best punter in the ACC last season. The Noles also return their punt returner D.J. Matthews, who averaged 13.5 yards per punt return, and had a 74-yard TD return against Miami.
Key Losses
They lost star their defensive lineman as Brian Burns Jr, aka Spiderman, was drafted 16th overall in this year’s NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. He totaled 10 sacks and 52 tackles, 15.5 of them for a lost. In his entire FSU career, he accumulated 23 sacks and 123 tackles, 38.5 of those were behind the line of scrimmage.
Key Newcomer-Offense: Ryan Roberts
Roberts is a grad transfer from Northern Illinois, where he started two years at right tackle. He was recruited as a TE in high school but transitioned to tackle after putting on some weight as a result of training. If he can step up to the level of play that is asked for from an ACC linemen then it will give the Florida State Seminoles a huge boost on the offensive line, something they desperately need.
Key Newcomer-Defense: Jaleel McRae
McRae was recruited this year as a 4-star linebacker, the 11th best outside linebacker recruit in the country. He led a defense last year that allowed only 7.9 points per game last year and was named to the high school Dick Butkus Award watch list. There is uncertainty at the linebacker position, which could lead to McRae receiving some playing time, if he can contribute the Noles will be less worried on defense.
Breakout Player of the Year: James Blackmon
Blackmon played significantly as a freshman and did pretty well but ended up giving way back to Francois once he became healthy. If Blackmon can win the QB battle against Hornibrook then he has a talented backfield with Akers and a receiving corps that will put up some good numbers.
Wins the Conference If: Clemson decides to sit out a year
Let’s be realistic, Clemson is the clear frontrunner and it isn’t even close
Circle this Game on the Calendar: 11/2 vs Virginia
I could go with the obvious choice, their rivalry game vs. Florida, but I think the Virginia game is going to be a lot more fun to watch. I know it is an early game and not at home but at the end of the season it could mean the most. It could be the difference between going to the conference championship or not.
Alcohol Prediction: Tequila
Drinking tequila is dangerous because it can only good one of two ways, very good or very bad. With FSU football it is the same story.
2019 Outlook: 8-5 (4-4 ACC)
The Noles will have a better year this year than last year but won’t be a top-25 team this year. Going on the road to play Clemson, Virginia, and Florida is going to be tough. They will however finish above .500 and make another bowl game.
