Written By: Manuel DeLeon
(Charlotte, NC) With football season right around the corner, Florida State embarks on a quest for an ACC title along with a National Championship. Finishing last year 10-3, and missing the playoff, the Seminoles saw themselves on the outside looking in as Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and Washington all battled it out for the 2017 National Championship. Though falling short of the mark last season, Head Coach Jimbo Fisher and company have reloaded and look prepared to contend for a National Championship.
By now, the entire college football universe knows that Florida State will meet Alabama in Atlanta September 2nd in one of the biggest games in recent history. Finishing the regular season 13-0, Alabama fell just short in the National Championship game losing to Clemson 35-31. Though this marquee game may grab most of the attention, the Seminoles must navigate a schedule that ranks 8th toughest in the country.
By now, the entire college football universe knows that Florida State will meet Alabama in Atlanta September 2nd in one of the biggest games in recent history. Finishing the regular season 13-0, Alabama fell just short in the National Championship game losing to Clemson 35-31. Though this marquee game may grab most of the attention, the Seminoles must navigate a schedule that ranks 8th toughest in the country.
Coach Fisher knows the importance of staying focused and prepared, and wants his team to use last year as a learning tool “I think last year will hopefully make us understand that it’s not only a one-game deal at the beginning, that it’s going to be all the way through and that the first half of the season, we’re going to have to be extremely prepared physically, mentally, psychologically and every way for it. And I think last year hopefully will be that teaching tool because you learn from your past experiences; good and bad.”
After missing 11 games last year, Derwin James returns to lead an FSU defense that ranked 5nd in the ACC in total defense. James returned for FSU’s spring game and showed his versatility and toughness. His presence on the field will help improve a defense that returns 9 starters.
How do you compensate for the loss of talented players you may ask? James stated it best saying, “Making sure the next man up is prepared; very prepared.”
One player that stepped up hugely after the injury to James was Sophomore Cornerback Tarvarus McFadden who tied for the national lead in interceptions with 8. With the return of James FSU looks to improve it vaunted secondary. Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, along with defensive end Jacob Pugh will help anchor a solid defensive line unit that lost 2016 ACC Defensive Player of the Year Demarcus Walker.
After missing 11 games last year, Derwin James returns to lead an FSU defense that ranked 5nd in the ACC in total defense. James returned for FSU’s spring game and showed his versatility and toughness. His presence on the field will help improve a defense that returns 9 starters.
How do you compensate for the loss of talented players you may ask? James stated it best saying, “Making sure the next man up is prepared; very prepared.”
One player that stepped up hugely after the injury to James was Sophomore Cornerback Tarvarus McFadden who tied for the national lead in interceptions with 8. With the return of James FSU looks to improve it vaunted secondary. Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, along with defensive end Jacob Pugh will help anchor a solid defensive line unit that lost 2016 ACC Defensive Player of the Year Demarcus Walker.
FSU returns 7 starters on offense. Most notably, ACC Rookie of the Year, Redshirt Sophomore Quarterback Deondre Francois who turned in the 2nd best passing performance by an FSU freshman quarterback, second only to Jameis Winston. Florida State’s all-time leading rusher, Dalvin Cook, is now gone and playing on Sundays. Fisher has plenty options in replacing Cook, last year’s backup Running back Jacques Patrick now leads the pack along with incoming Freshman Running back Cam Akers who will see most of the carries, giving Francois much needed security in the backfield. A great running game is crucial to the success of the Florida State offense. Looking at his backfield mates, Francois had nothing but praise for the entire group stating “ We have a lot of good running backs. They all are good at different things. They're all going to compete, and our running game and our offense are very crucial because it opens our pass game. That’s one thing we’re going to thrive on. All the running backs that we have, they’re all great at other aspects of the game. Most can catch. They all can block. They all can run.”
Getting off to a great start will certainly benefit FSU as they start with powerhouse Alabama, and the schedule gets no easier. Though the road may be tough, and with 20 players returning that started at some point last year, Coach Fisher can count on those players for leadership and guidance. The sky is the limit for this FSU team as there’s talent at every position. When you reach 5 straight BCS/New Year’s Six bowls, the goals and expectations for your team are heightened, and FSU is no different as Coach Fisher stated “ Our expectations are for a National Championship that’s what our goals are every year, and that should be. An ACC title, a National Championship, beat your rivals, do all those things, but you have to go do it at the end of the day, being on paper doesn’t get you that.” Florida State will look to prove they are more than just talented on paper when they roll into Atlanta to take on Alabama Sept. 2nd. in the Chic-Fil-a Kickoff game.
Getting off to a great start will certainly benefit FSU as they start with powerhouse Alabama, and the schedule gets no easier. Though the road may be tough, and with 20 players returning that started at some point last year, Coach Fisher can count on those players for leadership and guidance. The sky is the limit for this FSU team as there’s talent at every position. When you reach 5 straight BCS/New Year’s Six bowls, the goals and expectations for your team are heightened, and FSU is no different as Coach Fisher stated “ Our expectations are for a National Championship that’s what our goals are every year, and that should be. An ACC title, a National Championship, beat your rivals, do all those things, but you have to go do it at the end of the day, being on paper doesn’t get you that.” Florida State will look to prove they are more than just talented on paper when they roll into Atlanta to take on Alabama Sept. 2nd. in the Chic-Fil-a Kickoff game.