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 33rd in passing yards per game (257) and 104th in the country in rushing yards per game (112.2). However, FSU boasted one of the best defenses in the nation, finishing 4th 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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