Saturday, July 30, 2011
The FSU Tomahawk Chop site has moved!
I have decided to upgrade the site and change it's location. I transfered all the previous blog posts so you can continue to read those on the new site. Please check out the new location of FSU Tomahawk Chop and please subscribe to that site. Here is the new link: http://fsutomahawkchop.com/
Friday, July 29, 2011
Ranking the Conferences
This is a topic that I tend not to care too much about. Why? Because in my opinion, the team comes first and the conference comes second. The team wins the championship trophies, rings, and banners. The conference doesn't. With that said, here are my BCS conference rankings.
1) SEC- In my pre-season rankings, I have 7 SEC schools ranked in the top 25. Alabama and LSU both have a legitimate shot at winning the National Championship as they both should begin the season ranked in the top 5. The SEC champion will likely play in the National Championship once again this season. South Carolina and Arkansas will likely have pretty good seasons as well and remain in the middle of the top 25 for most of the year. Georgia and Florida will have rebound seasons this year and both teams could end the season ranked in the top 25. Auburn will struggle this year and I believe they'll drop out of the rankings, leaving the SEC with a nation-high 6 ranked teams at the end of the season.
2) Big 10 The Big 10, despite have 12 teams and not 10, is the second best conference in the nation following the addition of Nebraska. Wisonsin, Michigan State, and Nebraska will all be strong teams ranked in the top 25 this season. The conference takes a big hit as Ohio State is facing many NCAA violations and won't be the same team the next few seasons. However, their rival Michigan seems to be headed in the right direction and they could enter the top 25 by the end of the season.
3) Pac 12 The Pac 12, formerly the Pac 10, added Utah and Colorado this year. Both additions will benefit the conference, especially Utah, as they are one of the most underrated programs in the nation right now. Oregon and Stanford will be at the top of the conference once again and both teams have a shot at the national championship. Oregon lost to Auburn last season in the title game while Stanford defeated Virginia Tech in another BCS bowl game, the Orange Bowl. Stanford QB Andrew Luck decided to return for one more year with Stanford so look for them and Oregon to battle it out in the Pac 12 this season. Just like how Ohio State hurts the Big 10 this season, USC continues to hurt the Pac 12 with it's NCAA violations. Once again, the Trojans are not eligible for a bowl game this season. Arizona State will be a boarder line top 25 team this year, giving the Pac 12 three ranked teams plus USC.
4) Big 12 The Big 12 now only has 10 teams as Colorado and Nebraska both left the conference. Both teams leaving is a big hit to the conference but they are still led by Oklahoma and Texas. The Sooners will be the #1 ranked team in the nation and have a good shot of winning the title this season. Texas had a horrible season last year but they are looking to rebuild and make a comeback this season. Oklahoma State and Texas A&M should be ranked in the top 15 or top 20 most of the season and both teams have a chance of knocking Oklahoma off the top spot this season.
5) ACC The ACC continues to struggle in big non-conference games every season. The conference also tends to lack a national championship contender each year. Until the conference begins winning big non-conference games and has a team compete for a national championship, it'll ccontinue to be regarded as one of the worse BCS conferences and the little brother of the SEC. Good news for the conference in 2011, Florida State seems to be returning to the national spotlight and could finally give the conference a national contender in the next year or two. Virginia Tech is also a strong team and should join FSU ranked in the top 15 this season. The 'Noles have non-conference games against Oklahoma and Florida once again this season to try to prove the conference is worthy. Miami has a shot at having a good season this year, especially if they beat Ohio State in week 3. The 'Canes may finish the season ranked in the top 25 as well. Unfortunately for the conference, non of the other teams will be ranked high this season unless if Clemson makes a run by beating Auburn and Florida State in back-to-back games. North Carolina was an improving prgram but just got hit with NCAA violations and just lost their head coach. Georgia Tech also got hit with violations and had to vacate their 2009 ACC Championship.
6) Big East The only conference worse than the ACC every season is the Big East. In my preseason top 25, there isn't a single Big East program on the list. It is possible the conference could end the season without a single ranked team. South Florida, Louisville, and Syracuse are on the rise and could make the conference better than it has been in the past. West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati have done well in recent years but we'll have to see if any of them can get back on track and do well this season. The conference seems to be up for grabs in 2011.
1) SEC- In my pre-season rankings, I have 7 SEC schools ranked in the top 25. Alabama and LSU both have a legitimate shot at winning the National Championship as they both should begin the season ranked in the top 5. The SEC champion will likely play in the National Championship once again this season. South Carolina and Arkansas will likely have pretty good seasons as well and remain in the middle of the top 25 for most of the year. Georgia and Florida will have rebound seasons this year and both teams could end the season ranked in the top 25. Auburn will struggle this year and I believe they'll drop out of the rankings, leaving the SEC with a nation-high 6 ranked teams at the end of the season.
2) Big 10 The Big 10, despite have 12 teams and not 10, is the second best conference in the nation following the addition of Nebraska. Wisonsin, Michigan State, and Nebraska will all be strong teams ranked in the top 25 this season. The conference takes a big hit as Ohio State is facing many NCAA violations and won't be the same team the next few seasons. However, their rival Michigan seems to be headed in the right direction and they could enter the top 25 by the end of the season.
3) Pac 12 The Pac 12, formerly the Pac 10, added Utah and Colorado this year. Both additions will benefit the conference, especially Utah, as they are one of the most underrated programs in the nation right now. Oregon and Stanford will be at the top of the conference once again and both teams have a shot at the national championship. Oregon lost to Auburn last season in the title game while Stanford defeated Virginia Tech in another BCS bowl game, the Orange Bowl. Stanford QB Andrew Luck decided to return for one more year with Stanford so look for them and Oregon to battle it out in the Pac 12 this season. Just like how Ohio State hurts the Big 10 this season, USC continues to hurt the Pac 12 with it's NCAA violations. Once again, the Trojans are not eligible for a bowl game this season. Arizona State will be a boarder line top 25 team this year, giving the Pac 12 three ranked teams plus USC.
4) Big 12 The Big 12 now only has 10 teams as Colorado and Nebraska both left the conference. Both teams leaving is a big hit to the conference but they are still led by Oklahoma and Texas. The Sooners will be the #1 ranked team in the nation and have a good shot of winning the title this season. Texas had a horrible season last year but they are looking to rebuild and make a comeback this season. Oklahoma State and Texas A&M should be ranked in the top 15 or top 20 most of the season and both teams have a chance of knocking Oklahoma off the top spot this season.
5) ACC The ACC continues to struggle in big non-conference games every season. The conference also tends to lack a national championship contender each year. Until the conference begins winning big non-conference games and has a team compete for a national championship, it'll ccontinue to be regarded as one of the worse BCS conferences and the little brother of the SEC. Good news for the conference in 2011, Florida State seems to be returning to the national spotlight and could finally give the conference a national contender in the next year or two. Virginia Tech is also a strong team and should join FSU ranked in the top 15 this season. The 'Noles have non-conference games against Oklahoma and Florida once again this season to try to prove the conference is worthy. Miami has a shot at having a good season this year, especially if they beat Ohio State in week 3. The 'Canes may finish the season ranked in the top 25 as well. Unfortunately for the conference, non of the other teams will be ranked high this season unless if Clemson makes a run by beating Auburn and Florida State in back-to-back games. North Carolina was an improving prgram but just got hit with NCAA violations and just lost their head coach. Georgia Tech also got hit with violations and had to vacate their 2009 ACC Championship.
6) Big East The only conference worse than the ACC every season is the Big East. In my preseason top 25, there isn't a single Big East program on the list. It is possible the conference could end the season without a single ranked team. South Florida, Louisville, and Syracuse are on the rise and could make the conference better than it has been in the past. West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati have done well in recent years but we'll have to see if any of them can get back on track and do well this season. The conference seems to be up for grabs in 2011.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
News and Notes
North Carolina fired head coach Butch Davis. It doesn't affect Florida State that much this season as the Seminoles and Tar Heels don't play each other this season. However, it will help a division foe like Clemson who happens to host North Carolina in the middle of the season. As a Florida State fan, it is smart to root for any Coastal Divison team when they matchup with one of the other Atlantic Divison teams. It seems like Clemson definitely has an upper-hand in that matchup now, more than before the firing.
The FSU Athletics Department announced yesterday that the Family Zone season ticket, Young Alumni season ticket, and the Three-Game ticket packages are officially sold out this season. It is the first time ever that any of those ticket packages have sold out. Also, 91% of the season ticket holders from last season renewed their tickets for this season, which is the highest rate in the last eight seasons.
Doak will be a more popular place this fall than it has been in the past decade. As the team returns to the national spotlight, so will the fans. The 2011 schedule features some great games including Oklahoma, Miami, NC State, and Maryland. Come out and support your 'Noles.
The FSU Athletics Department announced yesterday that the Family Zone season ticket, Young Alumni season ticket, and the Three-Game ticket packages are officially sold out this season. It is the first time ever that any of those ticket packages have sold out. Also, 91% of the season ticket holders from last season renewed their tickets for this season, which is the highest rate in the last eight seasons.
Doak will be a more popular place this fall than it has been in the past decade. As the team returns to the national spotlight, so will the fans. The 2011 schedule features some great games including Oklahoma, Miami, NC State, and Maryland. Come out and support your 'Noles.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
2011 Preseason ACC First Team
The Preseason All-ACC First Team was released today, as voted by media members. Florida State and Miami have the most players with 4 players each. EJ Manuel, Andrew Datko, Brandon Jenkins, and Greg Reid (as return specialist) were the four Seminoles named to the ACC first team. The name most notably missing is Florida State kicker Dustin Hopkins. The highlight of Hopkins season last year was a 55-yard game winning field goal against Clemson. However, Will Snyderwine from Duke was listed as the first team kicker. We'll see if hopkins can make the postseason team. Here is the complete list of the preseason ACC first team.
Offense
Pos. Name Team
WR Conner Vernon, Duke
WR Dwight Jones, North Carolina
TE George Bryan, NC State
T Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech
T Andrew Datko, Florida State
G Brandon Washington, Miami
G Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech
C Tyler Horn, Miami
QB EJ Manuel, Florida State
RB Montel Harris, Boston College
RB Andre Ellington, Clemson
Defense
Pos. Name Team
DE Brandon Jenkins, Florida State
DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina
DT Tydreke Powell, North Carolina
DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson
LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
LB Sean Spence, Miami
LB Kenny Tate, Maryland
CB Chase Minnifield, Virginia
CB Jayron Hosely, Virginia Tech
S Ray-Ray Armstrong, Miami
S Eddie Whitley, Virginia Tech
Specialists
Pos. Name Team
PK Will Snyderwine, Duke
P Dawson Zimmerman, Clemson
SP Greg Reid, Florida State
Offense
Pos. Name Team
WR Conner Vernon, Duke
WR Dwight Jones, North Carolina
TE George Bryan, NC State
T Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech
T Andrew Datko, Florida State
G Brandon Washington, Miami
G Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech
C Tyler Horn, Miami
QB EJ Manuel, Florida State
RB Montel Harris, Boston College
RB Andre Ellington, Clemson
Defense
Pos. Name Team
DE Brandon Jenkins, Florida State
DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina
DT Tydreke Powell, North Carolina
DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson
LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
LB Sean Spence, Miami
LB Kenny Tate, Maryland
CB Chase Minnifield, Virginia
CB Jayron Hosely, Virginia Tech
S Ray-Ray Armstrong, Miami
S Eddie Whitley, Virginia Tech
Specialists
Pos. Name Team
PK Will Snyderwine, Duke
P Dawson Zimmerman, Clemson
SP Greg Reid, Florida State
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Odds To Win BCS National Championship
According to www.bodog.com, one of the top sports betting sites, Florida State has the third best chance of winning the National Championship among the 120 division 1A teams.
Oklahoma 9-2
Alabama 11-2
Florida State 10-1
Oregon 12-1
Boise State 14-1
LSU 14-1
It is interesting to note that LSU and Oregon play each other in week 1 whereas Oklahoma and Florida State play each other in week 3. Therefore, in the first three weeks of the season we will see some shuffling among the teams most likely to win the National Championship.
I will go on record and say it right now: I think Florida State's preseason hype is a little bit too high.
Will FSU be better than it was last season? Yes.
Will the 2011 Florida State team be the best FSU team since 2000? Yes.
Is this the Florida State team that'll win the National Championship? No.
The Seminoles are building up to the 2012 season. The 2012 team will be the most elite team in Tallahassee since Florida State's last National Championship. The current team is loaded with a bunch of juniors who will all be seniors in 2012, including EJ Manuel. Not to mention, the #1 recruiting class from last season will begin seeing playing time in 2012.
Yes, 2011 will be a great year for Florida State. Anything can happen, especially if the 'Noles pull off the upset against Oklahoma on September 17th. Only time will tell, however, there's no doubt that right now is a great time to be a Seminole.
Oklahoma 9-2
Alabama 11-2
Florida State 10-1
Oregon 12-1
Boise State 14-1
LSU 14-1
It is interesting to note that LSU and Oregon play each other in week 1 whereas Oklahoma and Florida State play each other in week 3. Therefore, in the first three weeks of the season we will see some shuffling among the teams most likely to win the National Championship.
I will go on record and say it right now: I think Florida State's preseason hype is a little bit too high.
Will FSU be better than it was last season? Yes.
Will the 2011 Florida State team be the best FSU team since 2000? Yes.
Is this the Florida State team that'll win the National Championship? No.
The Seminoles are building up to the 2012 season. The 2012 team will be the most elite team in Tallahassee since Florida State's last National Championship. The current team is loaded with a bunch of juniors who will all be seniors in 2012, including EJ Manuel. Not to mention, the #1 recruiting class from last season will begin seeing playing time in 2012.
Yes, 2011 will be a great year for Florida State. Anything can happen, especially if the 'Noles pull off the upset against Oklahoma on September 17th. Only time will tell, however, there's no doubt that right now is a great time to be a Seminole.
Monday, July 25, 2011
ACC Media Members Make Their Predictions
Ironically, following my prediction of the ACC, the ACC media members who attended the second day of ACC Media Days in Pinhurst, North Carolina today voted for who they think will win each division, the conference championship game, and the ACC player of the year. Here are the results.
Atlantic Division
1) Florida State *50 first place votes
2) Clemson *4 first place votes
3) NC State
4) Boston College *2 first place votes
5) Maryland
6) Wake Forest
Coastal Division
1) Virginia Tech *66 first place votes
2) Miami *4 first place votes
3) North Carolina
4) Georgia Tech *1 first place vote
5) Virginia
6) Duke
ACC Champion
1) Florida State *50 votes
2) Virginia Tech *18 votes
3) Clemson *2 votes
4) Boston College *1 vote
ACC Player of Year
1)Montel Harris, Boston College *26 votes
2) EJ Manuel, Florida State *14 votes
3) Luke Kuechly, Boston College *12 votes
Atlantic Division
1) Florida State *50 first place votes
2) Clemson *4 first place votes
3) NC State
4) Boston College *2 first place votes
5) Maryland
6) Wake Forest
Coastal Division
1) Virginia Tech *66 first place votes
2) Miami *4 first place votes
3) North Carolina
4) Georgia Tech *1 first place vote
5) Virginia
6) Duke
ACC Champion
1) Florida State *50 votes
2) Virginia Tech *18 votes
3) Clemson *2 votes
4) Boston College *1 vote
ACC Player of Year
1)Montel Harris, Boston College *26 votes
2) EJ Manuel, Florida State *14 votes
3) Luke Kuechly, Boston College *12 votes
NFL Will Have A Season In 2011
The NFL will play a full 16-game regular season this year. Both the owners and the players have agreed to terms. This means former Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder and all the other players drafted this year won't have to sit out their rookie seasons. This also means college football won't have any games played on Sunday either. Everything in the football world will be back to normal this fall.
Predicting the ACC Coastal Division
Last season Virginia Tech was the lone team in the ACC to go undefeated thru conference play with a perfect 8-0 record. They topped it off with a 44-33 victory over Florida State in the ACC Championship game. This season, I predict the Hokies to repeat their Coastal Divison championship.
Breaking Down The Division
Virginia Tech gets the non-conference schedule done very quickly as each of it's first four games are against non-ACC teams. It'll be very surprising if VT doesn't begin the season with a 4-0 record as they have possibly the easiest non-conference schedule in the nation. How does this affect Virginia Tech with reguard to the ACC? It means they will still be undefeated and likely ranked near the top 10 by the time they host Clemson in week 5. I expect the hot start to carry over to ACC play and I predict the Hokies will go 7-1 in ACC play. They host Clemson and Miami in back to back weeks and I expect they will fall short in one of these games.
Miami starts the season with a tough ACC game at Maryland in week 1 of the football season. The Hurricanes will be one of the oldest and most experienced teams in the nation. However, they will be in transition under a new coaching staff in 2011. The biggest question for Miami is how quickly will they adapt to the new coaching system? It won't take long to find out as Miami hosts Ohio State in week 2 following the game at Maryland. I predict Miami to suffer two conference losses. Games at Maryland, at Virginia Tech, and at Florida State will all be potential losses.
Georgia Tech and North Carolina both finished with a 4-4 conference record last season and I expect these two teams to battle it out for third place in the division once again in 2011. I am giving Georgia Tech the upper hand because they will host North Carolina in week four. The Tar Heels also have to play away against Virginia Tech and Clemson, two of the toughest places to play in the ACC, whereas Georgia Tech hosts each of those teams in Atlanta.
Virginia and Duke will finish at the bottom of the conference once again. I predict Virginia will finish jsut ahead of Duke as the Cavaliers have been recruiting much better than Duke recently and seem to be headed on the right track for football.
How They'll Finish
1) Virginia Tech
2) Miami
3) Georgia tech
4) North Carolina
5) Virginia
6) Duke
Virginia Tech is my pick to matchup with Florida State in the 2011 ACC Championship game in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Breaking Down The Division
Virginia Tech gets the non-conference schedule done very quickly as each of it's first four games are against non-ACC teams. It'll be very surprising if VT doesn't begin the season with a 4-0 record as they have possibly the easiest non-conference schedule in the nation. How does this affect Virginia Tech with reguard to the ACC? It means they will still be undefeated and likely ranked near the top 10 by the time they host Clemson in week 5. I expect the hot start to carry over to ACC play and I predict the Hokies will go 7-1 in ACC play. They host Clemson and Miami in back to back weeks and I expect they will fall short in one of these games.
Miami starts the season with a tough ACC game at Maryland in week 1 of the football season. The Hurricanes will be one of the oldest and most experienced teams in the nation. However, they will be in transition under a new coaching staff in 2011. The biggest question for Miami is how quickly will they adapt to the new coaching system? It won't take long to find out as Miami hosts Ohio State in week 2 following the game at Maryland. I predict Miami to suffer two conference losses. Games at Maryland, at Virginia Tech, and at Florida State will all be potential losses.
Georgia Tech and North Carolina both finished with a 4-4 conference record last season and I expect these two teams to battle it out for third place in the division once again in 2011. I am giving Georgia Tech the upper hand because they will host North Carolina in week four. The Tar Heels also have to play away against Virginia Tech and Clemson, two of the toughest places to play in the ACC, whereas Georgia Tech hosts each of those teams in Atlanta.
Virginia and Duke will finish at the bottom of the conference once again. I predict Virginia will finish jsut ahead of Duke as the Cavaliers have been recruiting much better than Duke recently and seem to be headed on the right track for football.
How They'll Finish
1) Virginia Tech
2) Miami
3) Georgia tech
4) North Carolina
5) Virginia
6) Duke
Virginia Tech is my pick to matchup with Florida State in the 2011 ACC Championship game in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
FSU News and Notes
- The annual ACC Football Kickoff took place today and will continue tomorrow. It is "media day" for the conference and each team is represented by their head coach and two players. The Seminoles have Jimbo Fisher, E.J. Manuel, and Brandon Jenkins representing them at the Kickoff.
- The most updated 2012 recruiting rankings were released this weekend and FSU remains ranked #2 according to the ESPN rankings. Texas remains at #1 with Alabama, Florida, and Michigan rounding out the top 5.
- Florida State University athletic news is pretty bare this time of year. July and August are the only two months that don't have any NCAA-related sports actively going on. So thank you all for having some patience and just remember, there are less than 6 weeks before the start of the football season!
- Tomorrow I will be previewing the ACC Coastal Division so stay tuned to discover who I predict will play Florida State in the ACC Championship game.
- The most updated 2012 recruiting rankings were released this weekend and FSU remains ranked #2 according to the ESPN rankings. Texas remains at #1 with Alabama, Florida, and Michigan rounding out the top 5.
- Florida State University athletic news is pretty bare this time of year. July and August are the only two months that don't have any NCAA-related sports actively going on. So thank you all for having some patience and just remember, there are less than 6 weeks before the start of the football season!
- Tomorrow I will be previewing the ACC Coastal Division so stay tuned to discover who I predict will play Florida State in the ACC Championship game.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Predicting the ACC Atlantic Division
It is nearing the end of July and we are just 43 days away from kickoff. Unfortunately, these are the dog days of summer that seem to pass by real slow in anticipation of the football season. However, the good news is that today I'll be previewing the ACC Atlantic Division and make a prediction of who will finish where in the division.
Last Season:
Florida State won the Atlantic Division in 2010 thanks to Maryland defeating NC State in the final week of the season. While the Seminoles were celebrating a victory against arch-rival Florida Gators, Maryland pulled off a 38-31 win against the Wolfpack and gave the Seminoles the division title. Prior to the final week, FSU was locked in with a 6-2 final ACC record. NC State was 5-2 while Maryland was 4-3. An NC State victory would have matched their record with Florida State's record and NC State would have won the division due to the head-to-head tie breaker. However, NC State lost and FSU won it's first division championship since 2005.
Each of the six teams in the Atlantic Division play each other every season in addition to three teams from the Coastal Division, making a total of eight ACC games per season. Among the three Coastal Divison games, one of the matchups remains the same every season (i.e. Florida State and Miami play each other every year). The other two games rotate from year to year. This is important because depending on the two "floating" teams from the other division, it can set up an easy conference schedule or a hard one. Only the ACC games matter in conference standings, not non-conference games. So the FSU-Oklahoma game won't affect the conference standings.
Predicting 2011
FSU is lucky enough to draw both Virginia and Duke from the Coastal Division. Those two teams, in addition to Wake Forest, are the worst teams in the ACC so that'll definitely benefit the Seminoles. My prediction is that FSU will win the division and I will go out on a limb and say FSU will finish with an 8-0 conference record this season.
Maryland and Clemson will finish #2 and #3 in the divison. Maryland will lose to Miami and Florida State while Clemson will lose to Florida State and Virginia Tech. Therefore, the tie breaker will occur when the two teams meet on October 15th in Maryland. I believe Maryland will win that game simply because former Clemson QB Kyle Parker left for the MLB and Maryland will have homefield advantage. It'll be another year or two before Clemson makes a run at the division title again.
Boston College and NC State will battle it out for 4th place. NC State would have been my #2 pick if star QB Russell Wilson didn't transfer to Wisconsin over the summer. However, given that the Wolfpack must replace him, the 2011 season will be a down one. Since Boston College has to play at Virginia Tech and at Miami this year, I'm predicting NC State finished 4th and Boston College finishes 5th.
That leaves Wake Forest as the last place team in the ACC Atlantic Division once again. Last season they finished with a 1-7 conference record.
Key ACC Games for the Atlantic Division
Miami at Maryland, week 1
FSU at Clemson, week 4
Clemson at Maryland, week 7
Maryland at FSU, week 8
Predicted Standings
1)Florida State
2)Maryland
3)Clemson
4)NC State
5)Boston College
6)Wake Forest
Last Season:
Florida State won the Atlantic Division in 2010 thanks to Maryland defeating NC State in the final week of the season. While the Seminoles were celebrating a victory against arch-rival Florida Gators, Maryland pulled off a 38-31 win against the Wolfpack and gave the Seminoles the division title. Prior to the final week, FSU was locked in with a 6-2 final ACC record. NC State was 5-2 while Maryland was 4-3. An NC State victory would have matched their record with Florida State's record and NC State would have won the division due to the head-to-head tie breaker. However, NC State lost and FSU won it's first division championship since 2005.
Each of the six teams in the Atlantic Division play each other every season in addition to three teams from the Coastal Division, making a total of eight ACC games per season. Among the three Coastal Divison games, one of the matchups remains the same every season (i.e. Florida State and Miami play each other every year). The other two games rotate from year to year. This is important because depending on the two "floating" teams from the other division, it can set up an easy conference schedule or a hard one. Only the ACC games matter in conference standings, not non-conference games. So the FSU-Oklahoma game won't affect the conference standings.
Predicting 2011
FSU is lucky enough to draw both Virginia and Duke from the Coastal Division. Those two teams, in addition to Wake Forest, are the worst teams in the ACC so that'll definitely benefit the Seminoles. My prediction is that FSU will win the division and I will go out on a limb and say FSU will finish with an 8-0 conference record this season.
Maryland and Clemson will finish #2 and #3 in the divison. Maryland will lose to Miami and Florida State while Clemson will lose to Florida State and Virginia Tech. Therefore, the tie breaker will occur when the two teams meet on October 15th in Maryland. I believe Maryland will win that game simply because former Clemson QB Kyle Parker left for the MLB and Maryland will have homefield advantage. It'll be another year or two before Clemson makes a run at the division title again.
Boston College and NC State will battle it out for 4th place. NC State would have been my #2 pick if star QB Russell Wilson didn't transfer to Wisconsin over the summer. However, given that the Wolfpack must replace him, the 2011 season will be a down one. Since Boston College has to play at Virginia Tech and at Miami this year, I'm predicting NC State finished 4th and Boston College finishes 5th.
That leaves Wake Forest as the last place team in the ACC Atlantic Division once again. Last season they finished with a 1-7 conference record.
Key ACC Games for the Atlantic Division
Miami at Maryland, week 1
FSU at Clemson, week 4
Clemson at Maryland, week 7
Maryland at FSU, week 8
Predicted Standings
1)Florida State
2)Maryland
3)Clemson
4)NC State
5)Boston College
6)Wake Forest
Thursday, July 21, 2011
2011 Offensive Depth Chart
Yesterday, Seminoles.com released the newest and most updated Florida State depth chart for the 2011 season. With less than 50 days before the start of the season, the depth chart will likely remain unchanged for the first game of the season. However, injuries can never be ruled out and there are still a couple of position battles going on.
QB 3 EJ Manuel 6-5 245 Jr.
9 Clint Trickett 6-2 180 r-Fr.
or 16 Will Secord 6-1 214 So.
TB 23 Chris Thompson 5-8 190 Jr.
33 Ty Jones 5-10 210 Sr.
38 Jermaine Thomas 5-11 192 Sr.
4 Devonta Freeman 5-8 200 Fr.
FB 24 Lonnie Pryor 6-0 230 Jr.
21 Debrale Smiley 5-11 230 Jr.
41 Chad Abram 6-0 227 So.
WR 83 Bert Reed 5-10 183 Sr.
84 Rodney Smith 6-6 216 Jr.
15 Greg Dent 5-11 191 So.
LT 67 Andrew Datko 6-6 321 Sr.
77 Zebrie Sanders 6-6 307 Sr.
or 72 Daniel Foose 6-6 290 r-Fr.
LG 79 David Spurlock 6-4 308 Sr.
66 Jacob Stanley 6-2 280 Sr.
72 Daniel Foose 6-6 290 r-Fr.
C 60 Jacob Fahrenkrug 6-4 315 Jr.
52 Bryan Stork 6-4 299 So.
53 Sterling Lovelady 6-2 285 Fr.
RG 52 Bryan Stork 6-4 299 So.
59 Henry Orelus 6-3 295 So.
61 Blake Snider 6-3 295 So.
RT 77 Zebrie Sanders 6-6 307 Sr.
76 Garrett Faircloth 6-7 295 So.
TE 88 Beau Reliford 6-6 260 Sr.
85 Ja'Baris Little 6-3 245 Sr.
44 Will Tye 6-3 245 r-Fr.
WR 82 Willie Haulstead 6-3 213 Jr.
12 Jarred Haggins 6-1 191 So.
81 Kenny Shaw 5-11 170 So.
89 Christian Green 6-2 205 r-Fr.
QB 3 EJ Manuel 6-5 245 Jr.
9 Clint Trickett 6-2 180 r-Fr.
or 16 Will Secord 6-1 214 So.
TB 23 Chris Thompson 5-8 190 Jr.
33 Ty Jones 5-10 210 Sr.
38 Jermaine Thomas 5-11 192 Sr.
4 Devonta Freeman 5-8 200 Fr.
FB 24 Lonnie Pryor 6-0 230 Jr.
21 Debrale Smiley 5-11 230 Jr.
41 Chad Abram 6-0 227 So.
WR 83 Bert Reed 5-10 183 Sr.
84 Rodney Smith 6-6 216 Jr.
15 Greg Dent 5-11 191 So.
LT 67 Andrew Datko 6-6 321 Sr.
77 Zebrie Sanders 6-6 307 Sr.
or 72 Daniel Foose 6-6 290 r-Fr.
LG 79 David Spurlock 6-4 308 Sr.
66 Jacob Stanley 6-2 280 Sr.
72 Daniel Foose 6-6 290 r-Fr.
C 60 Jacob Fahrenkrug 6-4 315 Jr.
52 Bryan Stork 6-4 299 So.
53 Sterling Lovelady 6-2 285 Fr.
RG 52 Bryan Stork 6-4 299 So.
59 Henry Orelus 6-3 295 So.
61 Blake Snider 6-3 295 So.
RT 77 Zebrie Sanders 6-6 307 Sr.
76 Garrett Faircloth 6-7 295 So.
TE 88 Beau Reliford 6-6 260 Sr.
85 Ja'Baris Little 6-3 245 Sr.
44 Will Tye 6-3 245 r-Fr.
WR 82 Willie Haulstead 6-3 213 Jr.
12 Jarred Haggins 6-1 191 So.
81 Kenny Shaw 5-11 170 So.
89 Christian Green 6-2 205 r-Fr.
2011 Defensive Depth Chart
LE 95 Bjoern Werner 6-4 273 So.
91 Cornellius Carradine 6-5 267 Jr.
DT 55 Jacobbi McDaniel 6-1 297 Jr.
or 93 Everett Dawkins 6-2 295 Jr.
97 Demonte McAllister 6-2 285 So.
NG 92 Anthony McCloud 6-2 311 Jr.
98 Cameron Erving 6-5 305 r-Fr.
94 Darious Cummings 6-2 293 So.
90 Moses McCray 6-2 320 r-Jr.
RE 49 Brandon Jenkins 6-3 265 Jr.
58 Dan Hicks 6-4 270 So.
SLB 7 Christian Jones 6-4 240 So.
28 Nigel Terrell 6-2 230 r-Fr.
MLB 11 Vince Williams 6-1 245 Jr.
or Telvin Smith 6-3 209 So.
57 Holmes Onwukaife 6-2 245 r-Fr.
WLB 13 Nigel Bradham 6-3 240 Sr.
48 Jeff Luc 6-0 245 So.
BC 27 Xavier Rhodes 6-2 211 So.
1 Michael Harris 5-11 195 Sr.
21 Avis Commack 6-4 203 Jr.
SS 20 Lamarcus Joyner 5-8 204 So.
31 Terrence Brooks 5-11 193 So.
FS 4 Terrance Parks 6-2 215 Sr.
or 10 Nick Moody 6-2 224 Jr.
3 Justin Bright 6-1 190 So.
FC 5 Greg Reid 5-8 186 Jr.
15 Nick Waisome 5-10 175 Fr.
Kickers
PK 18 Dustin Hopkins 6-2 190 Jr
P 45 Shawn Powell 6-4 235 Sr
Returner
KR/PR 5 Greg Reid 5-8 186 Jr.
91 Cornellius Carradine 6-5 267 Jr.
DT 55 Jacobbi McDaniel 6-1 297 Jr.
or 93 Everett Dawkins 6-2 295 Jr.
97 Demonte McAllister 6-2 285 So.
NG 92 Anthony McCloud 6-2 311 Jr.
98 Cameron Erving 6-5 305 r-Fr.
94 Darious Cummings 6-2 293 So.
90 Moses McCray 6-2 320 r-Jr.
RE 49 Brandon Jenkins 6-3 265 Jr.
58 Dan Hicks 6-4 270 So.
SLB 7 Christian Jones 6-4 240 So.
28 Nigel Terrell 6-2 230 r-Fr.
MLB 11 Vince Williams 6-1 245 Jr.
or Telvin Smith 6-3 209 So.
57 Holmes Onwukaife 6-2 245 r-Fr.
WLB 13 Nigel Bradham 6-3 240 Sr.
48 Jeff Luc 6-0 245 So.
BC 27 Xavier Rhodes 6-2 211 So.
1 Michael Harris 5-11 195 Sr.
21 Avis Commack 6-4 203 Jr.
SS 20 Lamarcus Joyner 5-8 204 So.
31 Terrence Brooks 5-11 193 So.
FS 4 Terrance Parks 6-2 215 Sr.
or 10 Nick Moody 6-2 224 Jr.
3 Justin Bright 6-1 190 So.
FC 5 Greg Reid 5-8 186 Jr.
15 Nick Waisome 5-10 175 Fr.
Kickers
PK 18 Dustin Hopkins 6-2 190 Jr
P 45 Shawn Powell 6-4 235 Sr
Returner
KR/PR 5 Greg Reid 5-8 186 Jr.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Terrell Buckley's Jersey Will Be Retired
Former Florida State Seminole great Terrell Buckley will have his jersey retired at the Florida State vs. Louisiana-Monroe game on September 3rd. Terrell left the team as Florida State's all-time leader in interceptions and interception return yards. He was named first team All-American, won the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in the nation, and finished 7th in the Heisman voting in 1991.
Buckley was drafted by the Green Bay Packers as the 5th overall pick in the NFL draft and he was also drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the MLB draft. At the age of 21, Terrell Buckley became the youngest player in NFL history to return a punt for a touchdown. Buckley played for 7 different NFL teams, including the Super Bowl Champions New England Patriots in 2001-2002.
Terrell Buckley's final NFL season was in 2005 with the New York Giants. Afterwards, Buckley returned to Florida State and finished his degree in the fall of 2007. Currently, Terrell Buckley is the assistant strength and conditioning coach at FSU.
Buckley was drafted by the Green Bay Packers as the 5th overall pick in the NFL draft and he was also drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the MLB draft. At the age of 21, Terrell Buckley became the youngest player in NFL history to return a punt for a touchdown. Buckley played for 7 different NFL teams, including the Super Bowl Champions New England Patriots in 2001-2002.
Terrell Buckley's final NFL season was in 2005 with the New York Giants. Afterwards, Buckley returned to Florida State and finished his degree in the fall of 2007. Currently, Terrell Buckley is the assistant strength and conditioning coach at FSU.
College Gameday Predictions
Every Saturday in the fall, the ESPN College Gameday crew travels to a college football stadium that will host one of the most anticipated games of the week. The first ever broadcast 'on the road' took place in 1993 for the Notre Dame-Florida State game. Ever since then, the pregame show has gained much popularity. It is highlighted when Lee Corso (former FSU qb) puts on a mascot head piece of the team he chooses to win the game. The show is broadcasted in front of thousands of fans who gather outside the stadium. The Gameday crew chooses their destinations a week before each game. However, rather than waiting until the season starts, I made a list of my predictions for where the College Gameday crew will end up each week. The bolded game is my first pick for each week, followed by two other notable games.
Week 1: Oregon vs. LSU
Boise St. vs. Georgia
Minnesota vs. Southern Cal
Week 2: Notre Dame vs. Michigan
Alabama vs. Penn State
BYU vs. Texas
Week 3: Oklahoma vs. FSU
Auburn vs. Clemson
Ohio St. vs. Miami
Week 4: Arkansas vs. Alabama
LSU vs. West Virginia
FSU vs. Clemson
Week 5: Nebraska vs. Wisconsin
Alabama vs. Florida
Notre Dame vs. Purdue
Week 6: Ohio State vs. Nebraska
Texas vs. Oklahoma
Florida vs. LSU
Week 7: Arizona State vs. Oregon
Michigan vs. Michigan State
Florida vs. Auburn
Week 8: Wisconsin vs. Michigan State
USC vs. Notre Dame
Washington vs. Stanford
Week 9: Stanford vs. USC
Wisconsin vs. Ohio State
Michigan State vs. Nebraska
Week 10: LSU vs. Alabama
Stanford vs. Oregon State
Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma
Week 11: Oregon vs. Stanford
Texas vs. Missouri
Miami vs. FSU
Week 12: USC vs. Oregon
LSU vs. Ole Miss
Nebraska vs. Michigan
Week 13: Oregon State vs. Oregon
Notre Dame vs. Stanford
FSU vs. Florida
Week 1: Oregon vs. LSU
Boise St. vs. Georgia
Minnesota vs. Southern Cal
Week 2: Notre Dame vs. Michigan
Alabama vs. Penn State
BYU vs. Texas
Week 3: Oklahoma vs. FSU
Auburn vs. Clemson
Ohio St. vs. Miami
Week 4: Arkansas vs. Alabama
LSU vs. West Virginia
FSU vs. Clemson
Week 5: Nebraska vs. Wisconsin
Alabama vs. Florida
Notre Dame vs. Purdue
Week 6: Ohio State vs. Nebraska
Texas vs. Oklahoma
Florida vs. LSU
Week 7: Arizona State vs. Oregon
Michigan vs. Michigan State
Florida vs. Auburn
Week 8: Wisconsin vs. Michigan State
USC vs. Notre Dame
Washington vs. Stanford
Week 9: Stanford vs. USC
Wisconsin vs. Ohio State
Michigan State vs. Nebraska
Week 10: LSU vs. Alabama
Stanford vs. Oregon State
Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma
Week 11: Oregon vs. Stanford
Texas vs. Missouri
Miami vs. FSU
Week 12: USC vs. Oregon
LSU vs. Ole Miss
Nebraska vs. Michigan
Week 13: Oregon State vs. Oregon
Notre Dame vs. Stanford
FSU vs. Florida
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Pay for Play?
Should student-athletes be paid to play an NCAA sport? This is a topic that is being talked about more and more. The two main sports that it surrounds are football and men's basketball, the two most profiting college sports. In particular, football players at the big name scools help their athletic department earn millions of dollars thru game attendance, tv deals, sponsorships, and school recognition. All of this money is brought into the university but the athletes legally earn $0 outside of a scholarship, housing, clothing, and food. Add it all up and that value isn't anywhere near the amount of money some football or basketball players earn for their school. So does this mean college athletes should get paid to play?
Why they should get paid
-Star athletes in sports such as football and men's basketball bring in millions of dollars for the school so they should receive some of that money, not just the university.
-Paying athletes will help keep the students in school longer and allow them to earn a degree rather than leaving for the NBA after only one year in college.
-Paying the athletes might stop somek of the illegal payments from boosters and agents.
-The poor athletes will have a way to support themselves while attending school and playing a sport. Many athletes can't hold a job due to the lack of free time outside of school and sports.
-Athletes risk injury while playing a college sport so paying players will help cover that risk.
-Athletes make money for sports networks such as ESPN. They make money for clothing companies such as Nike and they also earn money for companies such as EA Sports. However, the athletes don't earn any money from any of these companies.
Why they should not get paid
-Title IX is implemented in colleges and high schools. Title nine is an equal rights law that states "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance..." If schools pay football and men's basketball players, there would be a lawsuit filed if women athletes also aren't paid.
-The Title IX lawsuit would lead to another problem. Most NCAA sports are 'non-profiting' sports. At most schools, only football, men's basketball, and baseball earn a profit for the school. So how would a sport like women's soccer afford to pay it's players?
-Paying players won't necessarily end illegal payments to players. In all likelihood, paying players will just increase the amount of money the athletes have available rather than end illegal payments by boosters or agents.
-Paying athletes would have to be spread out among all athletes evenly. Therefore, the star quarterback of a football team would earn the same amount of money as the punter. This will likely cause problems and lead to the quarterback seeking more money from illegal sources.
-A scholarship that leads to a college degree is priceless. Most people graduate college with thousands of dollars in loans. College athletes can graduate without having any loans. Shouldn't this be good enough?
-One way that college sports are appreciated more than professional sports is the idea of amateurism. The athletes are playing for school pride rather than for money. Paying the players will eliminate this advantage of college sports.
Bottom line
The debate about whether or not college athletes should be paid will go on for a while. Everyone has a different opinion on the topic. Even those who agree with paying athletes have different opinions on how it should be done. Only time will tell if one day college athletes will earn an income for playing a sport they love at a school they attend.
Why they should get paid
-Star athletes in sports such as football and men's basketball bring in millions of dollars for the school so they should receive some of that money, not just the university.
-Paying athletes will help keep the students in school longer and allow them to earn a degree rather than leaving for the NBA after only one year in college.
-Paying the athletes might stop somek of the illegal payments from boosters and agents.
-The poor athletes will have a way to support themselves while attending school and playing a sport. Many athletes can't hold a job due to the lack of free time outside of school and sports.
-Athletes risk injury while playing a college sport so paying players will help cover that risk.
-Athletes make money for sports networks such as ESPN. They make money for clothing companies such as Nike and they also earn money for companies such as EA Sports. However, the athletes don't earn any money from any of these companies.
Why they should not get paid
-Title IX is implemented in colleges and high schools. Title nine is an equal rights law that states "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance..." If schools pay football and men's basketball players, there would be a lawsuit filed if women athletes also aren't paid.
-The Title IX lawsuit would lead to another problem. Most NCAA sports are 'non-profiting' sports. At most schools, only football, men's basketball, and baseball earn a profit for the school. So how would a sport like women's soccer afford to pay it's players?
-Paying players won't necessarily end illegal payments to players. In all likelihood, paying players will just increase the amount of money the athletes have available rather than end illegal payments by boosters or agents.
-Paying athletes would have to be spread out among all athletes evenly. Therefore, the star quarterback of a football team would earn the same amount of money as the punter. This will likely cause problems and lead to the quarterback seeking more money from illegal sources.
-A scholarship that leads to a college degree is priceless. Most people graduate college with thousands of dollars in loans. College athletes can graduate without having any loans. Shouldn't this be good enough?
-One way that college sports are appreciated more than professional sports is the idea of amateurism. The athletes are playing for school pride rather than for money. Paying the players will eliminate this advantage of college sports.
Bottom line
The debate about whether or not college athletes should be paid will go on for a while. Everyone has a different opinion on the topic. Even those who agree with paying athletes have different opinions on how it should be done. Only time will tell if one day college athletes will earn an income for playing a sport they love at a school they attend.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Examining the Rivalry: Clemson
The Clemson Tigers out of the state of South Carolina are members of the ACC Atlantic Division. The Tigers have 19 conference championships, however, they have yet to win an ACC Championship since Florida State joined the conference in 1992. Clemson was the dominant team of the ACC, but Florida State stole the spotlight when the Seminoles won the ACC their first 9 seasons in the conference.
The rivalry peaked when Tommy Bowden, son of legendary coach Bobby Bowden, became Clemson's head coach December of 1998. The "Bowden Bowl" began in 1999 and lasted for nine seasons until Tommy Bowden resigned as Clemson's head coach. Bobby Bowden won the "Bowden Bowl" series 5-4.
The Seminoles lead the all-time series 17-7, however, Clemson has won 5 of the last 8 games in the rivalry. The two teams were both placed into the Atlantic Division of the ACC in 2005 when the conference created two separate divisons, ensuring that each team would continue playing each other on a yearly basis. In most seasons, Clemson and Florida State are the top two teams of the Atlantic Divison so the intensity of the rivalry should continue for years to come.
The rivalry peaked when Tommy Bowden, son of legendary coach Bobby Bowden, became Clemson's head coach December of 1998. The "Bowden Bowl" began in 1999 and lasted for nine seasons until Tommy Bowden resigned as Clemson's head coach. Bobby Bowden won the "Bowden Bowl" series 5-4.
The Seminoles lead the all-time series 17-7, however, Clemson has won 5 of the last 8 games in the rivalry. The two teams were both placed into the Atlantic Division of the ACC in 2005 when the conference created two separate divisons, ensuring that each team would continue playing each other on a yearly basis. In most seasons, Clemson and Florida State are the top two teams of the Atlantic Divison so the intensity of the rivalry should continue for years to come.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Conference Expansion Part 2
The other day I posted part one of the two part segment on conference expansion and it's effect on Florida State and the ACC. Today, I will discuss what the effect would be on FSU and the ACC if one of it's members left the conference to join a conference like the SEC. In part one I mentioned that Clemson would be the most likely team to leave the ACC for the SEC; However, whether the team(s) that left were Clemson, Virginia Tech, or Miami, the resulting effect would still be similar.
If any of the above teams were to leave the ACC, it would hurt the image of the conference even more than the rather weak image the conference currently perceives. The ACC is usually known as the 5th best BCS conference in the nation and there are only 6 BCS conferences. (Note: I disagree that it's the 5th best, but that topic will be brought up in a later post on conferences). Therefore, losing one of the top football schools in the conference would be a huge blow, and if Florida State somehow became a team that left the ACC, the conference would have a hard time receiving any more recognition.
For this post, assume a team that isn't Florida State leaves the ACC. If this happens, which schools would be most likely to JOIN the ACC? Here are some names that have been mentioned as potential ACC teams in the future if an event like this were to happen.
-West Virginia
-Rutgers
-Pittsburgh
-USF
-UCF
-East Carolina
-Notre Dame
The first four teams on the list are current Big East football teams that would be upgrading if they were to move to the ACC, given that the Big East is considered to be the worst BCS conference. Among those four teams, USF is an uprising Florida school in addition to UCF. East Carolina is a non-BCS school that has the chance to upgrade to a BCS conference in the near future and Notre Dame is currently an Independent football program but they are a member of the Big East in all other sports.
So which teams should the ACC invite to join it's conference? Notre Dame is the obvious favorite. If Notre Dame were to ever join the ACC, it would significantly enhance the image, talent, and tradition of the conference. Unfortunately, Notre Dame is the least likely team to accept an invite among the mentioned teams. They are hesitant on joining any conference in football, even the Big East. If the Irish were to ever switch conferences, the Big 10 would be the conference that makes the most sense.
Pittsburgh is another school that could be hesitant on joining the ACC, simply because of location. Just like Notre Dame, a team located in Indiana, the University of Pittsburgh isn't exactly considered to be in ACC territory. However, would makes Pittsburgh and Notre Dame interesting are their basketball traditions. Both schools are great basketball programs and the ACC is known as a great basketball conference. So for basketball, a move to the ACC would make sense and would add an incentive to join. However, I still believe the move by either team is unlikely.
East Carolina, however, would have a high chance of accepting a bid to play in the ACC. Unfortunately, they would probably be the ACC's last choice among the teams listed in this post.
West Virginia, UCF, USF, and Rutgers are the four most likely future ACC prgrams. Imagine if both UCF and USF joined the conference. That rivalry would be taken to a new level and the state of Florida would definitely be considered ACC territory. I think that move would be great for the ACC, if only USF and UCF make some giant improvements to their football programs in the near future. Otherwise, the ACC would be adding a couple of mediocre teams that do little to enhance the image. Who the ACC invites to join the conference is a mystery. In the mean time, it is interesting to talk about.
If any of the above teams were to leave the ACC, it would hurt the image of the conference even more than the rather weak image the conference currently perceives. The ACC is usually known as the 5th best BCS conference in the nation and there are only 6 BCS conferences. (Note: I disagree that it's the 5th best, but that topic will be brought up in a later post on conferences). Therefore, losing one of the top football schools in the conference would be a huge blow, and if Florida State somehow became a team that left the ACC, the conference would have a hard time receiving any more recognition.
For this post, assume a team that isn't Florida State leaves the ACC. If this happens, which schools would be most likely to JOIN the ACC? Here are some names that have been mentioned as potential ACC teams in the future if an event like this were to happen.
-West Virginia
-Rutgers
-Pittsburgh
-USF
-UCF
-East Carolina
-Notre Dame
The first four teams on the list are current Big East football teams that would be upgrading if they were to move to the ACC, given that the Big East is considered to be the worst BCS conference. Among those four teams, USF is an uprising Florida school in addition to UCF. East Carolina is a non-BCS school that has the chance to upgrade to a BCS conference in the near future and Notre Dame is currently an Independent football program but they are a member of the Big East in all other sports.
So which teams should the ACC invite to join it's conference? Notre Dame is the obvious favorite. If Notre Dame were to ever join the ACC, it would significantly enhance the image, talent, and tradition of the conference. Unfortunately, Notre Dame is the least likely team to accept an invite among the mentioned teams. They are hesitant on joining any conference in football, even the Big East. If the Irish were to ever switch conferences, the Big 10 would be the conference that makes the most sense.
Pittsburgh is another school that could be hesitant on joining the ACC, simply because of location. Just like Notre Dame, a team located in Indiana, the University of Pittsburgh isn't exactly considered to be in ACC territory. However, would makes Pittsburgh and Notre Dame interesting are their basketball traditions. Both schools are great basketball programs and the ACC is known as a great basketball conference. So for basketball, a move to the ACC would make sense and would add an incentive to join. However, I still believe the move by either team is unlikely.
East Carolina, however, would have a high chance of accepting a bid to play in the ACC. Unfortunately, they would probably be the ACC's last choice among the teams listed in this post.
West Virginia, UCF, USF, and Rutgers are the four most likely future ACC prgrams. Imagine if both UCF and USF joined the conference. That rivalry would be taken to a new level and the state of Florida would definitely be considered ACC territory. I think that move would be great for the ACC, if only USF and UCF make some giant improvements to their football programs in the near future. Otherwise, the ACC would be adding a couple of mediocre teams that do little to enhance the image. Who the ACC invites to join the conference is a mystery. In the mean time, it is interesting to talk about.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Conference Expansion Part 1
Last summer, there was much talk about conference realignment and in some conferences, changes were actually made. The PAC-10 added Colorado and Utah to become the PAC-12. The Big 10 added Nebraska in order to gain a 12th team and the Big 12 lost Nebraska and Colorado so they now have 10 teams. The ACC, SEC, and Big East remained unchange, for now.
Among the three conferences that experienced no change, the SEC had the most speculation surrounding it. There was a lot of talk surrounding the idea of the SEC expanding from 12 teams to 14 or 16 teams. The reasoning behind this possible conference expansion is related to money and market size. The addition of a couple teams will allow the SEC to receive an even larger tv contract from ESPN and CBS. Plus, expanding the conference to more national regions will generate greater popularity and money as well.
So who would the SEC attempt to add to their conference? It's all speculation so everyone has their own opinion, but the team with the most talk is Texas A&M. The SEC would love to expand their market to the state of Texas, but it is unlikely the University of Texas would ever join the SEC given that UT already has their own tv network with ESPN. Therefore, the SEC would take the #2 team in Texas, the Aggies of Texas A&M. This would be a very smart move by the SEC. However, that would give the SEC an odd number of teams. In order to make the divisions even, the SEC would have to add one or three more teams in order to bring the total to 14 or 16 teams. 14 teams definitely seems more likely, so who would be the other team besides Texas A&M?
This is where the ACC comes into play and it's affect on FSU. If the SEC were to ever expand, there is no doubt that atleast one of the teams it adds would come from the ACC. The SEC and ACC share much of the same territory so it only makes sense. There are arguably five reasonable ACC teams that the SEC would consider to invite. They are Clemson, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Miami, and Georgia Tech. I mention these teams based on location and football potential.
Among those five teams, Georgia Tech would be the school less-likely to go to the SEC. Among the five schools, Georgia Tech bring the least amount of football tradition. GT is a relatively small school with a stadium way too small for the SEC. Plus, the University of Georgia is nearby and the Bulldogs already belong to the SEC.
Many of those reasons, except for tradition, are the same reasons why Miami would most likely not be invited to the SEC. The Hurricanes lack a home stadium and their fanbase is not up to par with the SEC teams. The few things Miami brings to the table include excellent TV ratings (better than almost all SEC schools),tradition, and a more southern location.
Virginia Tech would enter the discussion of joining the SEC, but it seems unlikely they would leave the ACC. Virginia Tech would improve the overall talent of the SEC as well as help the SEC expand to the state of Virginia, but I think the ACC is a perfect fit for VT after the move from the Big East so it would be unlikely VT would risk playing in the SEC.
Florida State would no doubt be brought up again as a possible addition to the SEC, just like they were in the 1990's when they switched from being an independent school. FSU would obviously improve the quality of the SEC as well as make it even more popular. FSU would be able to fit in and compete against SEC schools. However, this is one of the main reasons why FSU is unlikely to join the SEC. The SEC wants to add a program that is good enough to improve the quality of the conference, but won't pose a serious threat to schools like UF, Alabama, LSU, and Auburn. There is no way UF would ever agree to allowing FSU play in the SEC, it took them long enough to even allow FSU play them in a non-conference game.
The final possible team is Clemson. I think Clemson is the most likely ACC team to move to the SEC. Clemson is very "SEC-like" in the idea that they always sell-out their games, they have a great fanbase, and have a decent tradition. At the same time, Clemson isn't a team that would win the conference much, which is perfect for the SEC. Like I already mentioned, the SEC wants a good team, but not a team that'll completely takeover the conference. The only negative about Clemson is their location. The SEC already has University of South Carolina so the addition of Clemson wouldn't increase the market size of the SEC.
Conference expansion is only talk right now for the SEC. If anything were to happen, it would be a few years down the road. So any affect that it has against FSU won't be felt anytime soon. However, if the SEC ever does expand, I believe Texas A&M and Clemson are the two most likely teams. Tomorrow I will have Conference Expansion Part 2, which will examine what would happen to the ACC if a team like Clemson were to leave and what teams would be possible replacements for the ACC.
Among the three conferences that experienced no change, the SEC had the most speculation surrounding it. There was a lot of talk surrounding the idea of the SEC expanding from 12 teams to 14 or 16 teams. The reasoning behind this possible conference expansion is related to money and market size. The addition of a couple teams will allow the SEC to receive an even larger tv contract from ESPN and CBS. Plus, expanding the conference to more national regions will generate greater popularity and money as well.
So who would the SEC attempt to add to their conference? It's all speculation so everyone has their own opinion, but the team with the most talk is Texas A&M. The SEC would love to expand their market to the state of Texas, but it is unlikely the University of Texas would ever join the SEC given that UT already has their own tv network with ESPN. Therefore, the SEC would take the #2 team in Texas, the Aggies of Texas A&M. This would be a very smart move by the SEC. However, that would give the SEC an odd number of teams. In order to make the divisions even, the SEC would have to add one or three more teams in order to bring the total to 14 or 16 teams. 14 teams definitely seems more likely, so who would be the other team besides Texas A&M?
This is where the ACC comes into play and it's affect on FSU. If the SEC were to ever expand, there is no doubt that atleast one of the teams it adds would come from the ACC. The SEC and ACC share much of the same territory so it only makes sense. There are arguably five reasonable ACC teams that the SEC would consider to invite. They are Clemson, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Miami, and Georgia Tech. I mention these teams based on location and football potential.
Among those five teams, Georgia Tech would be the school less-likely to go to the SEC. Among the five schools, Georgia Tech bring the least amount of football tradition. GT is a relatively small school with a stadium way too small for the SEC. Plus, the University of Georgia is nearby and the Bulldogs already belong to the SEC.
Many of those reasons, except for tradition, are the same reasons why Miami would most likely not be invited to the SEC. The Hurricanes lack a home stadium and their fanbase is not up to par with the SEC teams. The few things Miami brings to the table include excellent TV ratings (better than almost all SEC schools),tradition, and a more southern location.
Virginia Tech would enter the discussion of joining the SEC, but it seems unlikely they would leave the ACC. Virginia Tech would improve the overall talent of the SEC as well as help the SEC expand to the state of Virginia, but I think the ACC is a perfect fit for VT after the move from the Big East so it would be unlikely VT would risk playing in the SEC.
Florida State would no doubt be brought up again as a possible addition to the SEC, just like they were in the 1990's when they switched from being an independent school. FSU would obviously improve the quality of the SEC as well as make it even more popular. FSU would be able to fit in and compete against SEC schools. However, this is one of the main reasons why FSU is unlikely to join the SEC. The SEC wants to add a program that is good enough to improve the quality of the conference, but won't pose a serious threat to schools like UF, Alabama, LSU, and Auburn. There is no way UF would ever agree to allowing FSU play in the SEC, it took them long enough to even allow FSU play them in a non-conference game.
The final possible team is Clemson. I think Clemson is the most likely ACC team to move to the SEC. Clemson is very "SEC-like" in the idea that they always sell-out their games, they have a great fanbase, and have a decent tradition. At the same time, Clemson isn't a team that would win the conference much, which is perfect for the SEC. Like I already mentioned, the SEC wants a good team, but not a team that'll completely takeover the conference. The only negative about Clemson is their location. The SEC already has University of South Carolina so the addition of Clemson wouldn't increase the market size of the SEC.
Conference expansion is only talk right now for the SEC. If anything were to happen, it would be a few years down the road. So any affect that it has against FSU won't be felt anytime soon. However, if the SEC ever does expand, I believe Texas A&M and Clemson are the two most likely teams. Tomorrow I will have Conference Expansion Part 2, which will examine what would happen to the ACC if a team like Clemson were to leave and what teams would be possible replacements for the ACC.
Examining the Rivalry: Miami
Today, we continue in our rivalry series with the University of Miami. The Miami football program began in 1926 and has won an impressive 5 National Championships. All of this success came prior to Miami joining the ACC in 2004 as they have yet to win an ACC Championship. Just like FSU, Miami has just been mediocre lately but is looking to rebuild under it's new coaching staff.
The Miami-FSU rivalry is also known as one of the greatest rivalries in the nation. Some can argue that the FSU-Miami rivalry tops the FSU-UF rivalry because both teams are members of the ACC. This game usually have more implications due to conference records being on the line in addition to bragging rights.
The rivalry has had a history of unforgettable heartbreak endings. "Wide right" I, II and III in addition to "wide left" gave the 'Noles four tough losses by 3 or less points on a missed fied goal as time expired.
There is no doubt that a couple of the Hurricanes' National Championships were taken away from the Seminoles. In years such as 1991 and 1992, when "wide right I" and "wide right II" occured, the loss was the only one of the season for Florida State whereas Miami went onto play in the National Championship game both years, winning one of them.
The matchup of Miami-Florida State is always one of the most watched games on television. The 2006 and 2009 FSU-Miami games are the two most watched regular season college football games in ESPN's history. Miami currently leads the series 31-24, but FSU has won 4 of the last 6 meetings and seems to be ahead of Miami in returning to a national powerhouse. This impressive rivalry will only heat up once more when both teams return to the national spotlight.
The rivalry has had a history of unforgettable heartbreak endings. "Wide right" I, II and III in addition to "wide left" gave the 'Noles four tough losses by 3 or less points on a missed fied goal as time expired.
There is no doubt that a couple of the Hurricanes' National Championships were taken away from the Seminoles. In years such as 1991 and 1992, when "wide right I" and "wide right II" occured, the loss was the only one of the season for Florida State whereas Miami went onto play in the National Championship game both years, winning one of them.
The matchup of Miami-Florida State is always one of the most watched games on television. The 2006 and 2009 FSU-Miami games are the two most watched regular season college football games in ESPN's history. Miami currently leads the series 31-24, but FSU has won 4 of the last 6 meetings and seems to be ahead of Miami in returning to a national powerhouse. This impressive rivalry will only heat up once more when both teams return to the national spotlight.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Examining the Rivalry: Florida
In the next few days, I'll be examining Florida State's rivalry with each of the Seminole's three main rivals: Florida, Miami, and Clemson. Today we'll start with the Florida Gators.
University of Florida
The Gators established their football program in 1906, which was 41 years before the Seminoles. They play in the South Eastern Conference in the Eastern Division. Florida has 3 National Championships and 8 SEC titles since joining the conference in 1932.
Florida State established a football team in 1947 after switching from an all-girls school. They immediately requested to play the University of Florida in football but the Gators declined. It wasn't until 1958 when the two schools finally began playing each other. At this point, the University of Florida football team was well-established while the Seminoles were still new and the program was inexperienced. FSU wasn't even allowed to host a game against the Gators until 1964 due to their stadium being too small. All of this led to UF gaining a 15-2-1 series advantage in the first 18 meetings.
The following season was when a man named Bobby Bowden took over at Florida State. The Seminoles had struggled the first 30 years as a football program. However, Bobby Bowden completely turned around the program and made them a national powerhouse. Ever since Bowden became head coach at Florida State University, the UF-FSU rivalry has been even, with both teams owning a record of 18-18-1. The overall series is now 33-20-2 in favor of the Gators.
There have been many great games in the rivalry. Among them include the 1994 "Choke at Doak" game where the Gators led 31-3 at the start of the 4th quarter but the Seminoles rallied and the game ended in a 31-31 tie.
The 1996 season had two more memorable games in this rivalry. The Gators were ranked #1 and FSU was #2 in the nation when the teams met at the end of the season. The 'Noles pulled off a 24-21 upset in Tallahassee. However, in the National Championship game, the two teams met for a rematch. The Gators won 52-20 and won their first National Championship.
The UF-FSU rivalry is among the best in the nation. When each team meets on the final Saturday of the regular season, there is no doubt an extra level of passion displayed by both teams. The game is significant for recruiting purposes as the winner of this game has an upper-hand grabbing the state's most elite recruits. Majority of the time this game also has BCS implications as one or both of the schools are usually ranked in the top-10 when the two teams meet. It is a rivalry among two schools located only two hours apart. It's Florida-Florida State, the battle of the Sunshine State.
University of Florida
The Gators established their football program in 1906, which was 41 years before the Seminoles. They play in the South Eastern Conference in the Eastern Division. Florida has 3 National Championships and 8 SEC titles since joining the conference in 1932.
Florida State established a football team in 1947 after switching from an all-girls school. They immediately requested to play the University of Florida in football but the Gators declined. It wasn't until 1958 when the two schools finally began playing each other. At this point, the University of Florida football team was well-established while the Seminoles were still new and the program was inexperienced. FSU wasn't even allowed to host a game against the Gators until 1964 due to their stadium being too small. All of this led to UF gaining a 15-2-1 series advantage in the first 18 meetings.
The following season was when a man named Bobby Bowden took over at Florida State. The Seminoles had struggled the first 30 years as a football program. However, Bobby Bowden completely turned around the program and made them a national powerhouse. Ever since Bowden became head coach at Florida State University, the UF-FSU rivalry has been even, with both teams owning a record of 18-18-1. The overall series is now 33-20-2 in favor of the Gators.
There have been many great games in the rivalry. Among them include the 1994 "Choke at Doak" game where the Gators led 31-3 at the start of the 4th quarter but the Seminoles rallied and the game ended in a 31-31 tie.
The 1996 season had two more memorable games in this rivalry. The Gators were ranked #1 and FSU was #2 in the nation when the teams met at the end of the season. The 'Noles pulled off a 24-21 upset in Tallahassee. However, in the National Championship game, the two teams met for a rematch. The Gators won 52-20 and won their first National Championship.
The UF-FSU rivalry is among the best in the nation. When each team meets on the final Saturday of the regular season, there is no doubt an extra level of passion displayed by both teams. The game is significant for recruiting purposes as the winner of this game has an upper-hand grabbing the state's most elite recruits. Majority of the time this game also has BCS implications as one or both of the schools are usually ranked in the top-10 when the two teams meet. It is a rivalry among two schools located only two hours apart. It's Florida-Florida State, the battle of the Sunshine State.
Toughest Schedules in the Nation
According to Bill C. of www.footballstudyhall.com here is the list of the 10 teams with the hardest strength of schedules in the nation from 2003 to 2010. What do I notice? There are 8 SEC schools and 2 ACC schools on the list. However, FLorida State sits at #6, which shows that the Seminoles face as difficult of a schedule as anyone in the nation despite playing in the weaker Atlantic Coast Conference. The same goes for Virginia Tech. Both teams may face weaker conference games than a school like Florida, but each of them certainly make up for it in their non-conference schedules. The next step for these ACC schools is to win the tough non-conference games and either win the Orange Bowl or reach the national championship game.
Average FEI SOS Ratings For All
FBS Teams (2003-10)
Team
1)Arkansas
2)LSU
3)Tennessee
4)Florida
5)South Carolina
6)Florida State
7)Georgia
8)Alabama
9)Auburn
10)Virginia Tech
Average FEI SOS Ratings For All
FBS Teams (2003-10)
Team
1)Arkansas
2)LSU
3)Tennessee
4)Florida
5)South Carolina
6)Florida State
7)Georgia
8)Alabama
9)Auburn
10)Virginia Tech
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
More Florida State Players Added to Watchlist
Andrew Datko, Brandon Jenkins and Nigel Bradham were named to the watch list for the Rotary Lombardi Award. This watch list is limited to offensive and defensive lineman as well as linebackers. There have now been seven Seminoles named to a pre-season watch list. Just like pre-season rankings, these watch lists don't have much meaning to them. However, they are another good indicator that the team keeps improving from the "lost decade".
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Rooting For Your Conference
This is a topic that I wanted to bring up reguarding the ACC in order to see how ACC fans view rooting for other teams in the ACC when they play non-conference games. What led me to bringing this topic up was all the talk from SEC fans saying "Go SEC! We're the best conference in America! Champions again!" I've had lengthy talks with some fans about this topic and I've asked them to explain to me what is the big deal about rooting for your rival in a National Championship game just because they are in your conference? UF fans, for example, have bragged to me about the SEC when Auburn, Alabama, and LSU have won the National Championship. This would be equivalent to FSU fans bragging that Virginia Tech, Miami, and North Carolina won a Championship. I don't know about all of you, but I certainly wouldn't be happy if any of those teams won a Championship, especially Miami.
If any other team in the conference wins a National Championship, we don't get to hold the trophy. We don't get any Championship rings, or banners, or school bragging rights. So why is it such an accomplishment for schools if other teams in their conference win the National Championship? If anything, it means you have more challenging competition in your conference, which makes it more difficult for your team to reach the Championship game.
I tell SEC fans that I would put FSU in the ACC rather than the SEC any day of the week. I prefer having a conference schedule like the 2011 season where FSU has to win at Clemson, home against Miami, and possibly against Virginia Tech in ACCCG. Compare that to a UF schedule that includes games at Auburn, at LSU, at South Carolina, and home against Alabama.
Sure, being in the SEC where teams win more Championships gives each team more money. Those SEC schools are enjoying a better tv deal than the SEC and they earn more money from ticket sales based on better fan bases and stadiums. But so what? We play in the state of Florida so we are more tha capable of grabbing a top recruiting class. (Just look at this past year). FSU having less money than SEC schools doesn't prevent us from having great facilities, coaches, players, or fans. FSU is capable of being a national powerhouse without the extra money. Therefore, I'd prefer having an easier conference schedule and an easier road to an undefeated season than to play in the SEC where going undefeated in your own conference is much harder. Once Oklahoma is off our schedule, compare our road to a championship to any SEC school.
I'll end this with a final question to the readers: If an ACC team such as Clemson, Miami, or Virginia Tech were in the National Championship against a school from another conference and won the National Championship, would you brag to all your friends that the ACC was the best that season? I'd only 'root' for an ACC team if it was an ACC team playing Florida. Otherwise, if an ACC team like Miami was in the national championship, I would not be pulling for the Hurricanes.
If any other team in the conference wins a National Championship, we don't get to hold the trophy. We don't get any Championship rings, or banners, or school bragging rights. So why is it such an accomplishment for schools if other teams in their conference win the National Championship? If anything, it means you have more challenging competition in your conference, which makes it more difficult for your team to reach the Championship game.
I tell SEC fans that I would put FSU in the ACC rather than the SEC any day of the week. I prefer having a conference schedule like the 2011 season where FSU has to win at Clemson, home against Miami, and possibly against Virginia Tech in ACCCG. Compare that to a UF schedule that includes games at Auburn, at LSU, at South Carolina, and home against Alabama.
Sure, being in the SEC where teams win more Championships gives each team more money. Those SEC schools are enjoying a better tv deal than the SEC and they earn more money from ticket sales based on better fan bases and stadiums. But so what? We play in the state of Florida so we are more tha capable of grabbing a top recruiting class. (Just look at this past year). FSU having less money than SEC schools doesn't prevent us from having great facilities, coaches, players, or fans. FSU is capable of being a national powerhouse without the extra money. Therefore, I'd prefer having an easier conference schedule and an easier road to an undefeated season than to play in the SEC where going undefeated in your own conference is much harder. Once Oklahoma is off our schedule, compare our road to a championship to any SEC school.
I'll end this with a final question to the readers: If an ACC team such as Clemson, Miami, or Virginia Tech were in the National Championship against a school from another conference and won the National Championship, would you brag to all your friends that the ACC was the best that season? I'd only 'root' for an ACC team if it was an ACC team playing Florida. Otherwise, if an ACC team like Miami was in the national championship, I would not be pulling for the Hurricanes.
2012 Recruiting Rankings
It is still very, very early in the 2012 recruiting season as national signing day isn't until February. However, ESPN continues updating it's class rankings every couple of weeks. Below is the current class rankings accoring to ESPN. I'll post updated rankings during the season and then again after the season to see how the regular season success or lack of success affect the rankings.
1)Texas
2)Florida State
3)Alabama
4)Texas A&M
5)Florida
6)Michigan
7)Clemson
8)USC
9)Miami
10)LSU
It'll be very interesting to see the positioning of the three Florida schools at the end of the year based on how well FSU does against Miami and Florida in the regular season.
1)Texas
2)Florida State
3)Alabama
4)Texas A&M
5)Florida
6)Michigan
7)Clemson
8)USC
9)Miami
10)LSU
It'll be very interesting to see the positioning of the three Florida schools at the end of the year based on how well FSU does against Miami and Florida in the regular season.
FSU Facilities Upgrades
Photos are courtesy of seminoles.com
Below is a picture of the newly upgraded football practice fields. The three fields were flattened out over the summer. In the past, each of the three fields were each at different heights. However, with the talk of an indoor practice facility in the future plans of the university, it was neccessary to flatten out the fields prior to construction. New grass was added and the fields are in top shape for the start of fall practice.
The baseball field is also undergoing field upgrades. As seen below, the entire field is being worked on in preparation of the 2012 season.
Below is a picture of the newly upgraded football practice fields. The three fields were flattened out over the summer. In the past, each of the three fields were each at different heights. However, with the talk of an indoor practice facility in the future plans of the university, it was neccessary to flatten out the fields prior to construction. New grass was added and the fields are in top shape for the start of fall practice.
The baseball field is also undergoing field upgrades. As seen below, the entire field is being worked on in preparation of the 2012 season.
Predicting the Seminole's Record
The 2011 season is upon us and today I will give my prediction for the 2011 Florida State season. Below is the schedule the Seminoles must face this season.
Louisiana-Monroe
Charleston Southern
Oklahoma
@Clemson
@Wake Forest
@Duke
Maryland
NC State
@Boston College
Miami
Virginia
@Florida
Guaranteed Victories
Louisiana-Monroe
Charleston Southern
@Wake Forest
@Duke
Virginia
I know in sports, there are technically "no guaranteed victories" i.e Virginia Tech losing to James Madison and Michigan losing to Appalachian State. However, the five games listed above are as close to guaranteed as they can get.
Should-win games
Maryland
NC State
@Boston College
Miami
These four games are the games that Florida will be favored in but could potentially lose if the Seminoles slip up and have a bad game. Maryland had a good year last season, almost winning the Atlantic Division. However, a home game for the Seminoles should prevent FSU from being upset in that game.
The NC State doesn't look nearly as tough this year given that starting quarterback Russell WIlson decided to transfer to Wisconsin. This was a big blow to the Wolfpack and given this game is also in Tallahassee, the Seminoles should be victorious.
The Boston College game will be played on only a four-game rest and will be played in Boston. This set-up seems like a perfect trap game for the 'Noles, but given Boston College will also be on a four-game rest and the Eagles should once again have another down season, the 'Noles should escape with a win.
Miami is always a tough game to predict due to the nature of the rivalry. What makes it even more difficult is the fact that the visiting team has had the upper hand in this rivalry the last several meetings. Don't expect the Seminoles to defeat Miami by 28 points like they did last season. Miami is a very experience team this year with one of the most senior starters in the nation. This game will be very exciting and close but the Seminoles should prevail.
Most difficult games
Oklahoma
@Clemson
@Florida
The Oklahoma game is the only game on the Florida State schedule that the Seminoles will no doubt be the underdog for. The Sooners will be the #1 ranked team in the nation at the time of the game and will be comming of a 47-17 victory over the 'Noles last season. This game will be much closer than the 30-point spread last year, but the Seminoles will need to be hitting on all cylinders in order to pull off an upset in this game. The winner of the September 17th game in Tallahassee will be the favorite to reach the national championship game in January.
The most underrated game on the Florida State schedule has to be the Clemson game. The Tigers are Florida State's #3 rival and always play the 'Noles tough. Clemson has had good success against FSU the past 8 seasons with a 5-3 record against the 'Noles following an 11-game losing streak to their division rival. Clemson will be comming off a game against Auburn and FSU will be comming off a game against Oklahoma. The game will be played in a tough environment in Clemson, South Carolina. This will no doubt be a difficult game for the Seminoles who won last year's game on a game winning 55-yard field goal.
The final game of the season is against the Florida Gators, as usual. Just like Miami, don't expect a repeat of last year's 31-7 victory. This game will be much closer than that. The Gators have a new coaching staff that will be improved from last year and the game will be played in a tough Gainesville environment. Depending on how both teams perfom during the regular season, the Gators may even be favored by a point given their home field advantage. Like always, this game means so much for recruiting and state bragging rights.
Prediction: FSU will finish the regular season 10-2 and win the Atlantic Division and face the Coastal Division champion in the ACC Championship Game.
Louisiana-Monroe
Charleston Southern
Oklahoma
@Clemson
@Wake Forest
@Duke
Maryland
NC State
@Boston College
Miami
Virginia
@Florida
Guaranteed Victories
Louisiana-Monroe
Charleston Southern
@Wake Forest
@Duke
Virginia
I know in sports, there are technically "no guaranteed victories" i.e Virginia Tech losing to James Madison and Michigan losing to Appalachian State. However, the five games listed above are as close to guaranteed as they can get.
Should-win games
Maryland
NC State
@Boston College
Miami
These four games are the games that Florida will be favored in but could potentially lose if the Seminoles slip up and have a bad game. Maryland had a good year last season, almost winning the Atlantic Division. However, a home game for the Seminoles should prevent FSU from being upset in that game.
The NC State doesn't look nearly as tough this year given that starting quarterback Russell WIlson decided to transfer to Wisconsin. This was a big blow to the Wolfpack and given this game is also in Tallahassee, the Seminoles should be victorious.
The Boston College game will be played on only a four-game rest and will be played in Boston. This set-up seems like a perfect trap game for the 'Noles, but given Boston College will also be on a four-game rest and the Eagles should once again have another down season, the 'Noles should escape with a win.
Miami is always a tough game to predict due to the nature of the rivalry. What makes it even more difficult is the fact that the visiting team has had the upper hand in this rivalry the last several meetings. Don't expect the Seminoles to defeat Miami by 28 points like they did last season. Miami is a very experience team this year with one of the most senior starters in the nation. This game will be very exciting and close but the Seminoles should prevail.
Most difficult games
Oklahoma
@Clemson
@Florida
The Oklahoma game is the only game on the Florida State schedule that the Seminoles will no doubt be the underdog for. The Sooners will be the #1 ranked team in the nation at the time of the game and will be comming of a 47-17 victory over the 'Noles last season. This game will be much closer than the 30-point spread last year, but the Seminoles will need to be hitting on all cylinders in order to pull off an upset in this game. The winner of the September 17th game in Tallahassee will be the favorite to reach the national championship game in January.
The most underrated game on the Florida State schedule has to be the Clemson game. The Tigers are Florida State's #3 rival and always play the 'Noles tough. Clemson has had good success against FSU the past 8 seasons with a 5-3 record against the 'Noles following an 11-game losing streak to their division rival. Clemson will be comming off a game against Auburn and FSU will be comming off a game against Oklahoma. The game will be played in a tough environment in Clemson, South Carolina. This will no doubt be a difficult game for the Seminoles who won last year's game on a game winning 55-yard field goal.
The final game of the season is against the Florida Gators, as usual. Just like Miami, don't expect a repeat of last year's 31-7 victory. This game will be much closer than that. The Gators have a new coaching staff that will be improved from last year and the game will be played in a tough Gainesville environment. Depending on how both teams perfom during the regular season, the Gators may even be favored by a point given their home field advantage. Like always, this game means so much for recruiting and state bragging rights.
Prediction: FSU will finish the regular season 10-2 and win the Atlantic Division and face the Coastal Division champion in the ACC Championship Game.
Florida State Finishes 9th Place in the Directors' Cup Standings
The 2010-2011 NCAA season came to an end a couple weeks ago when South Carolina won the College World Series. Every year, the Directors' Cup is released and it ranks every school's overall athletic success throughout the year. The top 20 sports from each school are included in the rankings. Schools earn points for national championships, conference championships, and post-season appearances. All the points are accumulated at the end of the year and the schools are ranked accordingly. The 2010-2011 athletic season marked the 17th straight year that Stanford has finished first place in the Directors; Cup standings. The Seminoles of Florida State finished in the top 10 for the second year in a row. It is also the second time ever that Florida State has finished in the top 10 in the Directors' Cup history. Here are the top 10 schools from the 2010-2011 season.
1)Stanford
2)Ohio State
3)California
4)Florida
5)Duke
6)North Carolina
7)Virginia
8)Texas A&M
9)Florida State
10)Oklahoma
1)Stanford
2)Ohio State
3)California
4)Florida
5)Duke
6)North Carolina
7)Virginia
8)Texas A&M
9)Florida State
10)Oklahoma
FSU Award Candidates
It is the month of July, that means one thing to college football fans: award watch lists are released. Here is the list of Florida State players on the pre-season lists.
BEDNARIK AWARD(Presented to the nation's most outstanding defensive player)- Nigel Bradham, Xavior Rhodes, Greg Reid, Brandon Jenkins
LOU GROZA AWARD(Presented to the nation's most outstanding place-kicker)- Dustin Hopkins
MAXWELL AWARD(Presented to the nation's most outstanding all-around player)- EJ Manuel
OUTLAND TROPHY(Presented to the nation's most outstanding interior lineman)- Andrew Datko
More watch lists will be announced in the next couple of weeks. Stay posted.
BEDNARIK AWARD(Presented to the nation's most outstanding defensive player)- Nigel Bradham, Xavior Rhodes, Greg Reid, Brandon Jenkins
LOU GROZA AWARD(Presented to the nation's most outstanding place-kicker)- Dustin Hopkins
MAXWELL AWARD(Presented to the nation's most outstanding all-around player)- EJ Manuel
OUTLAND TROPHY(Presented to the nation's most outstanding interior lineman)- Andrew Datko
More watch lists will be announced in the next couple of weeks. Stay posted.
Pre-Season Rankings
We are only 52 days away from the start of the 2011 college football season. It is never to early to make predictions so today I bring you my 2011 top 25 pre-season rankings.
1)Oklahoma
2)Alabama
3)Oregon
4)LSU
5)Stanford
6)Florida State
7)Boise State
8) Oklahoma State
9)TCU
10)Wisconsin
11)South Carolina
12)Texas A&M
13)Virginia Tech
14)Arkansas
15)Michigan State
16)Notre Dame
17)Missouri
18)Georgia
19)Texas
20)Florida
21)Auburn
22)Ohio State
23)Arizona State
24)Nebraska
25)Miami
1)Oklahoma
2)Alabama
3)Oregon
4)LSU
5)Stanford
6)Florida State
7)Boise State
8) Oklahoma State
9)TCU
10)Wisconsin
11)South Carolina
12)Texas A&M
13)Virginia Tech
14)Arkansas
15)Michigan State
16)Notre Dame
17)Missouri
18)Georgia
19)Texas
20)Florida
21)Auburn
22)Ohio State
23)Arizona State
24)Nebraska
25)Miami
Florida State University Pre-Game Tradition Voted Best in the Nation
Osceola and Renegade rode to victory today over the University of Michigan in the championship round of the EA Sports NCAA Football Traditions contest. Florida State defeated Florida, LSU and Notre Dame to advance to the title round. After some "poll tampering," voting was moved to the SportsNation facebook page where the Seminoles won by an astounding 15,000 votes. Prior to every home game, Chief Osceola rides Renegade to the 50-yard line where Osceola plants a burning field into the Seminole logo in front of 83,000 fans. This great pre-game tradition was voted the best in the nation.
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