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.

 

 

The Florida State Seminoles were simply dominant in their season opening 69-3 victory over Murray State, excelling in all three facets of the game, and fans with FSU tickets enjoyed the show their team put on. However, the ‘Noles received some bad news when star defensive end Brandon Jenkins was lost for the season with a foot injury suffered during FSU’s romp over the Racers. Jenkins, who had a sack in the first quarter, left the game after suffering a Lisfranc injury when a teammate accidently stepped in his left foot. Jenkins, who came close to declaring for last April’s draft, was widely regarded as one of the top seniors at his position this season, and a possible first round draft choice in 2013. A remarkable athlete at the defensive end position, Jenkins was particularly dangerous as a pass rusher because of his speed and explosiveness, and head coach Jimbo Fisher will miss him throughout the year.

Fortunately, the Seminoles may be one of the few teams to absorb this loss without suffering too much of a setback at the position. Stepping into the role of the team’s primary pass rusher is Bjoern Werner, who started all 13 games across from Jenkins a season ago. While not the gifted athlete that Jenkins is, Werner makes up for any lack of speed with a relentless motor on defense. In fact, the junior piled up an incredible four sacks against Murray State and was simply too much for the opposing linemen to handle. Senior Tank Carradine will be the one replacing Jenkins in the lineup, and Fisher does not expect much of a drop-off at all. Carradine was valuable in a reserve role in 2011, chipping in 5.5 sacks despite never starting a game. The Seminoles also signed one of the best defensive line classes in the nation in 2012, and one or more highly touted freshman may be called upon to provide support off the bench. While replacing one of the best pass rushers in the nation is never an easy thing to do, FSU has both the depth and the talent to make the loss of Jenkins easier to manage.

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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The Florida State Seminoles were considered a top 5 team last pre-season however they did not play up to expectations, starting the season off poorly and finishing strong.  It is likely they will be in the top 10 to start the 2012 college football season and could most definitely compete for a National Championship.  Here are just 5 players from their outstanding team who are sure to make an impact this fall.

5. Rodney Smith, Wide Receiver:

Last season the junior definitely did not play up to his ability although he still had what many would consider a good year.  He had 36 catches for 561 yards and 4 touch downs.  This 6 foot 6 big play threat has massive NFL potential due to his un guardable size and this being his last season look for him to leave his mark positively at FSU.

4. Maquedius Bain, Defensive Tackle (Recruit):

The highest rated player in this year’s Seminole draft class; Bain could make an immediate impact for the Florida State defense seeing time as a true freshman season.  He is 6 foot 5, 285 pounds and moves like a linebacker.  The highly touted defender was recruited by other power houses like USC, Florida and Michigan and is the 40th overall player in ESPN’s top 150.

3. Rashad Greene, Wide Receiver:

Greene was a surprise to many last season, being Florida State’s most productive wide out.  He finished last season leading the team in receptions (38), yards (596) and touch downs (7).  He has good size and great speed and, looking to avoid a sophomore slump, could help make the Seminole’s a power house duo offensively comprised of him and Rodney Smith.  He had an amazing 69 yard touchdown catch last season that displayed just how explosive he can be.

2. Brandon Jenkins, Cornerback:

You could honestly select any of the defensive backs for Florida State as an impact player and our choice is Brandon Jenkins.  In 2010 he led the Seminoles in sacks with 13.5 which is un heard of by a defensive back and was also 6th in the nation that season.  Last year he followed up with 41 tackles and 8 sacks.  Keep an eye out for the 6 foot 3 265 pound corner next season; he should be hard to miss.


1. EJ Manuel, Quarterback:

EJ Manuel is being talked about this season the same way he was last year.  Heisman finalist continues to resonate and with the 6 foot 5 QB entering his senior year he fully understands this is his last shot.  Manuel has started the last three seasons for the Seminoles and has improved his production each year.  Last season he threw for 2,666 yards with 18 touch downs and if he can get that TD total up to 25+ he will most definitely be in the Heisman conversation at the end of the 2012 season.

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