2009 Florida State Seminoles Preview

OFFENSE

For the first time in several seasons, the Seminoles begin the season with a firmly entrenched starter at the quarterback position in Christian Ponder.Ponder, a junior who has already graduated with honors and is in graduate school, possesses the athleticism and mental aptitude necessary to excel as a field general. Ponder will operate behind a very experienced and deep offensive line which should provide the basis for a strong running game, absent in recent years. Jermaine Thomas seems to be on the verge of stardom at running back, and there is a talented group behind him. Although the Seminoles lost some great players at receiver, with Bert Reed and Taiwan Easterling, FSU should not lose a step. The offense will be the strength of this team and points should not be a problem.

DEFENSE

For Florida State to emerge as a factor for the BCS in 2009, it will have to have a young defensive unit grow quickly. The loss of Everette Brown on the end weighs heavily on the defensive front. Markus White is expected to emerge as a force up there, but the 'Noles appear to lack the nasty defensive tackle to disrupt the line of scrimmage. That brings us to the linebacking core, where Dekoda Watson and up and coming star Nigel Bradham patrol. This area of the defense will be strong, and it will have to be. While FSU has a superb corner in Patrick Robinson and a solid safety in Jamie Robinson, the remaining spots in the secondary are lacking top notch talent. True freshman Greg Reid could find himself seeing a lot of playing time.

INTANGIBLES

The schedule is brutal, beginning with arch rival Miami on Labor Day night. FSU travels to BYU and hosts South Florida in September. The 'Noles play at UNC on a Thursday night and travel to Virginia Tech and Florida. While FSU seems to be ok with the starters on defense, the depth is untested and an injury at the wrong position could be trouble. FSU will miss kicker Graham Gano for sure, but may be better in the return game. Things will have to bounce right for FSU to re-emerge on the national championship stage, but they are setting up for 2010 where a championship is achievable.

NEW ARRIVALS

Defensive back Greg Reid appears to be the new face Seminole fans will see, as he will certainly be the nickel DB if not starting at boundary corner. Dustin Hopkins at kicker will be another freshman who will be counted upon. Chris Thompson at running back is another name to keep an eye on.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Florida State is on the way back. While the offense could be among the nations best this season, the defensive unit appears to have too many holes for the Seminoles to challenge for the national title. The schedule is brutal, and even though the Seminoles will have the best team they have had in several seasons, the record may not show it. As the season progresses, the Seminoles will gain strength and set themselves up for a stellar campaign in 2010. Look for FSU to go 9-3 in '09 and make a statement in a bowl telegraphing things to come in 2010, which I believe will be legendary coach Bobby Bowden's final season.

GAMEDAY GALLLERY