With huge wins in each of the first two weeks of the season for Florida State, fans with Seminoles tickets have a lot to cheer about to open the 2012 season. A week after defeating Murray State 69-3, FSU pummeled visiting Savannah State 55-0 in a game that was called in the third quarter due to thunder storms. QB EJ Manuel has been able to boost both his stats and his confidence during the early season schedule, which could be crucial for Florida State going forward. Defensively, the Seminoles have looked fantastic as well, and head coach Jimbo Fisher has to feel confident that his defense will not suffer the kind of breakdowns they did a year ago.

The ‘Noles will face a much more difficult test in Week Three, as they kick off their conference schedule at home against Wake Forest. FSU has had trouble with the Demon Deacons in recent seasons, including last season’s 35-30 defeat, and Wake Forest has won four out of the last six contests between the two schools. The Deacons have gotten off to a 2-0 start in 2012 as well, and are coming off a 28-27 victory over conference rival UNC, so the Seminoles cannot expect to win as easily as they have for the first two weeks. Of particular concern for FSU will likely be the tandem of QB Tanner Price and WR Michael Campanaro, who have connected frequently during the first two weeks of the season. While Florida State’s pass defense has been elite the first two weeks of the season, the caliber of opponents they faced during that time are not nearly as talented as the pass-catch duo from Winston-Salem. Fortunately for the Seminoles, they have the perfect lineup to slow down the Deacons, as DE Bjoern Werner leads the nation in sacks with five, and CB Xavier Rhodes should be able to handle Campanaro in coverage. Offensively, look for the Seminoles to try and pound the ball against Wake Forest’s undersized defensive line. Fisher has done a good job reestablishing the running game in the first two weeks of the season, and this game could be where that practice pays off. FSU will not run over the Deacons they way they did to their first two opponents, but the ‘Noles should have the talent to notch their first ACC victory of 2012.

Due to the number of teams in this conference (12), we will be ranking who we believe will finish in the top 5 this season in the ACC.  Last season Clemson defeated Virginia Tech in the ACC championship game 38-10, which was the second time Clemson had beat the Hokies that season.  The 2012 season is sure to be one ripe with competition.

5. Virginia Cavaliers:

The Cavaliers finished last season surprisingly well, ending up second in the Coastal Division and with an overall record of 8-5.  Virginia followed up that improved season by recruiting strongly on both sides of the ball.  Four of their recruits are ranked 80 or higher in the ESPN prep rankings including quarterback Corwin Cutler, who at 6 foot 3 could have a bright future in the ACC.

4. Miami (FL) Hurricanes:

The Hurricanes finished a disappointing 6-6 overall last season and an even worse 3-5 in the ACC.  Quarterback Jacory Harris never quite found his niche for Miami however his likely predecessor Stephen Morris should fill the role well.  If Morris does not produce though, look for freshman Kevin Olsen, the Hurricanes highest rated recruit, to fill the void.  If Miami can get consistent quarterback play, look for them to finish with an above .500 record in the 2012 season.

3. Virginia Tech Hokies:

The Hokies had a great start to the 2011 season only losing one of their first 12 games.  However, they lost their last two against Clemson and Michigan, and could see their Conference domination end this season.  Clemson defeated Virginia Tech twice last season and both schools seem to be inferior to Florida State, on paper at least.  Most of Virginia Tech’s success in the 2012 season will be predicated around the play of Logan Thomas, who will be entering his junior season playing quarterback.

2. Clemson Tigers:

The Tigers surprised the college football world last season defeating heavily favored Virginia Tech two times, including a 38-10 pounding in the ACC Championship game.  Clemson however cannot afford to lose games against weaker conference foes (like they did against Georgia Tech in 2011) if they want to find themselves in the ACC Championship game once again.  Clemson is a streaky team as well, finishing last season losing to West Virginia 70-33 in the Orange Bowl.

1. Florida State Seminoles:

The Florida State Seminoles played far below expectations last season, finishing 9-4 when many considered them to be a favorite to participate in the BCS National Championship Game.  However, FSU did not even qualify for their conference championship game. FSU is my personal choice to win the BCS National Championship Game this year and all of their success, or failure, will rest squarely on the shoulders of quarterback EJ Manuel who is entering his final year for FSU.

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Although the Florida State Seminoles were picked by many experts to be a top 10 team last season and qualify for a BC,S game they did not.  However success is subjective and in the eyes of the Florida State coaching staff, they are extremely pleased with last year’s finish.  The Seminoles finished last season with a record of 9-4 and a victory in the Champs Sports Bowl against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 18-14.  Florida State did not lose any game by more than 10 points last season (23-13 to #1 Oklahoma) and without their losses to Virginia and Wake Forest could have very easily qualified for a BCS bowl appearance.  Quality wins over teams like Miami and Florida are good indicators for the Seminoles who look to make an appearance in the pre-season top 25 rankings, possibly even a top 20 spot.

Last season the Seminoles did, by their expectations, quite poorly on the offensive side of the football finishing 33^rd in passing yards per game (257) and 104^th in the country in rushing yards per game (112.2).  However, FSU boasted one of the best defenses in the nation, finishing 4^th in opponents points per game at just over 15.  This is very encouraging news as the offense looks to take off this year behind junior quarterback EJ Manuel who despite his hype last year under-performed with 2666 yards and only 18 touchdowns.  These are not terrible numbers, however with a recruit that has had the attention that Manuel has received pressure cannot be ruled out as the main factor for last year’s lack of success.  Another point of emphasis on the Seminole offense should be protecting the 6 foot 5 quarterback who was sacked 33 times last year.

Adding to that already stout defense, Florida State made sure to heavily recruit on the defensive side of the ball as to not miss a step.  These recruits include defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, a six foot four 310 pound pass rusher as well as Chris Casher, who at six foot five 236 pounds looks to be a stand up defensive end.  Without question though, the most important recruit in possible the whole nation was ESPNU top 150 #1 overall recruit Mario Edwards.  Edwards, a six foot four 300 pound devastation machine had offers from every prestigious program in that country and opted for Florida State.  Look out for Mario Edwards and the entire Florida State defense to finish this upcoming season better than they did last year.

As previously noted, and not to unlike many football teams, the Florida State Seminole’s success in the 2012 season will more than likely be predicated around their quarterback play.  After 2 seasons, Manuel is now an upper-classmen and should look to lead new faces on the offense to far better rankings then was accomplished the previous year.  With a relatively easy schedule look out for the Florida State Seminoles to have a legitimate shot at winning the ACC and even being accepted to play in a BCS Bowl game.

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