2008 Florida State Seminoles Preview

OFFENSE

Much of the problem with Florida State over the past several years is getting average play from the quarterback position. Say what you will about Jeff Bowden, but until Jimbo arrived, the offense centered around quality quarterbacking and is just has not been there.

At this time, it appears, although the battle is close, Drew Weatherford has not been unseated and will start. Both Christian Ponder and DVontrey Richardson will also play.

Weatherford, who did improve from ’06 to ’07, needs to continue his progression and play like a signal caller with 34 starts under his belt. Although he improved in the turnover department, this season needs to see much more progress in the area of points production. Managing the game properly and not turning it over is great, but you need points to win.
There are many weapons to work with. RB Antone Smith has been very pedestrian since he came to FSU as a big time recruit. He has impressed in preseason camp, so maybe a breakout season is on the way. Some newcomers at the position appear poised to push Smith. Another player who has been sleepwalking around but has lit it up in camp is WR Greg Carr. Carr is a superstar in the making, and if he is committed and ready to go, lookout. Additionally, Preston Parker is an electric player who can do just about everything. Big things are expected from him, and he can deliver. There are some young players here with much promise, and one who will see plenty of action is Corey Surrency. He looks like he cannot be kept off the field.

The line is a concern, primarily due to depth issues. The starting five will be pretty good. Joe Tonga is playing a key role as a newcomer at tackle, but he has fit in nicely according to coaches. Ryan McMahon and Rodney Hudson are standout players, so if this unit can stay healthy, they will only get better and will be among the best in the conference by seasons end and for years to come.

DEFENSE

As usual, ole Mickey Andrews will put a stellar group on the field. Last year, the unit wore down due to the offensive lack of production, but this season we expect much better results from the O. There is increased depth in all areas and Andrews bunch should be particularly strong in the secondary, just how he likes it.

Everette Brown is a player who could have a big year. He has flashed brilliance at times, and if he can keep the motor going, a big season awaits for him. Newcomer Markus White is expected to help on the other side, and the tackles with Bud Thacker and Paul Griffin are strong.

The linebacking core is again a strong spot for the Seminoles. Derek Nicholson is an honors candidate while Dekoda Watson is very good as well. Toddrick Verdell is holding on the weakside as frosh Nigel Bradham, accurately described as a beast, pushes for a starting spot. Bradham will play regardless, and he could blossom into something special. There are solid backups in Kendall Smith, Recardo Wright and others, including a freshman trio of Nick Moody, Vince Williams and Nigel Carr.

The secondary should be a real strength. Tony Carter is no Deion, but he is very good and could breakout as a senior. Patrick Robinson anchors the other side and there are quality backups, like Michael Ray Garvin, so rotation is back in business. Myron Rolle needs to step up his game as he was expected to All ACC at a minimum by now. Jamie Robinson and Darrius McClure are solid at free safety.

After the suspensions, this unit is talented and deep, so it will be tough going for opponents, particularly if they get support from the offense.

INTAGIBLES

The schedule is a friend of the Seminoles in ’08. FSU leaves the state just three time and catches all highly ranked opponents at home. This is the second season with Fisher and the talent and depth have improved. The offense should be much improved, and that can only strengthen an already stout D.

HONORS CANDIDATES

WR Preston Parker is an outstanding player and should be an All ACC selection. Greg Carr could be an All American if he steps up, and he is apparently doing just that in fall camp. Everett Brown potentially is All ACC and so is Rodney Hudson on the offensive line. Academic All America SS Myron Rolle can claim honors on the field if can realize his potential.

NEW ARRIVALS

The Seminoles have an extremely young and woefully thin offensive line, so for FSU to secure a recruit who can become an immediate starter up front is a tremendous development. Joe Tonga has been as advertised in preseason camp. Nigel Bradham certainly someone Mickey Andrews is very high on and Markus White could find himself in a starting role on the defensive line. Offensively, wideout Corey Currency continues to turn heads and will be a major factor in the fall while Jarmon Fortson could contribute as well. There are few running backs that could well end up in the mix, including Ty Jones and Tavares Pressely.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Everything sets up for the Seminoles to threaten to win the ACC Championship and head to a BCS bowl. Due to these suspensions, the third game with Wake Forest in Tally is critical. Wake is no slouch, so it will take a well played game to take them down. With so much at stake and time to prepare, I cannot see the ‘Noles dropping this game. Undefeated heading to face a down Miami, who we gave a game a year ago, seems much less daunting with the ‘Canes playing in Pro Player rather than the O-Bowl, where they had a significant home field advantage. Virginia Tech and Clemson come calling with BC and Maryland on the road. All are winnable. Then the Gators. Although I do think the ball could heavily bounce in the favor of FSU, I am projecting a loss somewhere, maybe at Maryland, and falling just short of a powerful Florida team. I think FSU wins the ACC and finishes 11-2 and should be really clicking for a BCS bowl.

GAMEDAY GALLERY