College Football Playoff: Top Legitimate Contenders
Florida State Seminoles
Stability is still trying to be found at the most important position for the Noles. Quarterback Sean Maguire (1,520 yards, 11 TDs, six INTs) was the favorite heading into the QB battle with redshirt freshman Deondre Francois but a foot injury will have him out of action until late September. This means Francois is pretty much handed the job.
Florida State Seminoles
Handing off to Heisman candidate
Dalvin Cook
(229 carries, 1,691 yards, and 19 TDs) will definitely come in handy.
Francois has a trio of receivers in Kermit Whitfield, Travis Randolph, and Bobo Wilson who combined reeled in 174 receptions and 16 touchdowns last season. Interestingly, the Seminoles were 17th in the country in red zone offense with an 89% conversion rate. A possible key factor with a young starter in Francois at QB.
The departure of defensive back Jalen Ramsey to the NFL was something that was pretty much forthcoming but the presence of free safety Derwin James (91 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four pass breakups) will ease some of that pain. Defensive end DeMarcus Walker (56 tackles, 14.5 TFLs, nine sacks) returns but the most talented pass rusher may very well be true sophomore Josh Sweat (41 tackles, five TFLs, two sacks, three fumble recoveries).
A lot will be asked from linebackers Matthew Thomas (ineligible in 2015) and Ro’Derrick Hoskins, who totaled 52 tackles and 6.5 TFLs. The unit was ninth in the country in scoring defense, allowing 17.5 points per game and even with several new starters, the expectations are still there.
Starting off the season with Ole Miss will be a nice test, especially for the young QB in Francois. A September 17th road game at Louisville can pose a bigger hurdle than expected.
Showdowns against North Carolina, Miami, and Clemson during the month of October will set the table pretty much for the Noles and their Playoff hopes.