Skinny - Florida State is no longer the team they once were. When Miami joined the conference a few years ago, the two teams were supposed to battle each other for the league title every year. It never happened though and than Florida State got caught up in a big academic schedule. Freed from the suspensions this year (although facing penalties from the NCAA including Bobby Bowden's forfeited wins), the team hopes to return to the top of the league standings. The team finished last season 9-4 with a blowout win over the disappointing Wisconsin Badgers in the Champs Sports Bowl. The team struggled to generate offense in their losses to Wake, Boston College, and Florida. They also suffered defeat at the hands of Georgia Tech. The team returns their quarterback Christian Ponder this season, but he hasn't been the most consistent and he has a new set of receivers and backs around him. He'll have protection as the line returns intact. The defense is always strong, but they could take a step back this season. The ACC is up for grabs, and although Florida State may not be the best team on paper, they are always one of the league's most talented teams and by the end of the season could be competing for the league title.
Strength - Offensive Line
The offensive line is the clear strength of this team. The five starters Andrew Datko, Rodney Hudson, Ryan McMahon, David Spurlock, and Zebrie Sanders from last season all return. Hudson is first team All-ACC and McMahon is second team. A pair of sophomores will run behind the experienced group and Ponder should have ample time to throw as he adjusts to a new set of receivers. There's no seniors on the line, so the line is still growing and could be downright nasty by next season. McMahon is the leader from the center position and along with Hudson, is the most experienced on the line.
Weakness - Wide Receivers
Ponder didn't have the greatest statline at quarterback last season. He had a modest 14-13 ratio and through only 55.7% of his passes complete. He loses experienced receivers Greg Carr and Preston Parker and his leading returning receiver Taiwan Easterling was injured in the spring. Who is going to play with Easterling is still a question, although Bert Reed has the inside position to win one spot. The other receiver position is much more of a question mark. Someone needs to step up, as the passing game ranked pretty low last season (82nd in the country in terms of yardage). The running backs have high ceilings but are inexperienced too, so pressue will fall on the receivers as the quarterback returns.
Key Game - 11/7/09 @Clemson
A week after playing NC State at home in a pivotal conference tilt, the Seminoles must travel to Clemson. Clemson and Florida State come into the season with fairly similar situations and expectations (experienced lines, but questions marks on other parts of the offense). Playing in Death Valley will not aid the Seminoles, who will be coming off an important stretch in their schedule. Florida State should be settled in on skill players by this point, but Clemson should be able to say the same about the quarterback position. Whatever team develops better as the season goes on should win this toss-up.
Key Player - Christian Ponder
He's one of the most experienced players on the team, but question marks still surround the signal caller. Ponder put up less than stellar statistics last season as the leader of the Seminoles and must improve behind the league's top offensive line. The inexperience of the receivers means Ponder must be smart with his passes and his decision making. Ponder excels on the ground in addition to the air, so his rushes could prove pivotal to the team's success.
Impact Freshman - Greg Reed
Predicted ACC finish - 2nd (Atlantic)
Top 5 Players
1. OL Rodney Hudson
2. C Ryan McMahon
3. LB Dekota Watson
4. OL Andrew Datko
5. CB Patrick Robinson
Views
No comments:
Post a Comment