#10 Florida State Seminoles Season Preview

Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel has gained experience the last two years playing when 2011 First Round Pick Christian Ponder got injured.

Offensive Outlook: Quarterback EJ Manuel will be the leader of this offense.  His supporting cast will include left tackle Andrew Datko and running back Chris Thompson.

Datko is a very balanced left tackle who can pass block for Manuel and run block for Thompson.  Datko was Christian Ponder’s blindside last season fro Florida State.

Defensive Outlook: Florida State’s defense is led by pass rushing defensive end Brandon Jenkins.  Jenkins is a pass rushing sack artist that can play in the 4-3 or the 3-4 as a jack linebacker hybrid.  Jenkins recorded 13.5 sacks during the 14 games he played in.

Florida State has a run stuffing weak side linebacker in Nigel Bradham who can also pass rush if Jenkins get double teamed.  I have to assume Jenkins will get double teamed at some point this season because he recorded 13.5 sacks in 14 games.

Even if Jenkins does not succeed in sacking the quarterback all he has to do is pressure the quarterback for the secondary to have success.  Florida State has 3 quality corners in Greg Reid, Xavier Rhodes, and nickel corner Mike Harris.  As long as Jenkins forces the opposing quarterback to throw into coverage, Florida State has a chance to convert a turnover.  Harris and Rhodes combined for 8 interceptions each tallying 4 picks in 2010 so I believe Florida State’s defense could wreak all kinds of havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

Projected Record 10-3 (ACC Champions): I believe Florida State loses 2 straight after a 2-0 start.  Then they win 7 straight before a loss to Florida to wrap up the season.  Florida State then faces a 12-0 Virginia Tech team and manages to defeat the Hokies for the ACC Title.