Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
Name: Florida State University
Mascot: Seminoles
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Home Stadium: Doak Campbell Stadium(Capacity: 82,300)
Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference(ACC)
Athletic Director: Stan Wilcox
Head Coach: Jimbo Fisher
Time Capsule
It's tough to win a national championship, it's even harder to repeat as FSU has found out. The Seminoles are undefeated in their drive to repeat, but it hasn't been easy. They've been behind by double digits to both North Carolina State, and Louisville, and have relied on huge scoring runs to eke out narrow victories. It's obvious that this team isn't nearly as good as last year's version, which was arguably the best in school history.
What To Expect
Offense
Jameis Winston isn't someone you'd want your daughter to date, or be the face of your University, but he's the best quarterback in the country. Despite the off-field distractions, Winston has been very good this season. Jameis can make every throw required, and he is a willing runner. The difference between this season, and last season is the fact that Winston isn't as efficient, with 11 interceptions so far this season. Winston's 2014 stats aren't as impressive as his 2013 numbers, but those numbers were legendary, and Heisman worthy. Regardless of what's on the stat sheet, Winston is a threat, he can beat a team in a variety of ways, including on the ground. Teams that have succeeded against FSU has kept Winston guessing with a variety of fronts and coverages, and forced him to make multiple reads at the line of scrimmage. Even if that's accomplished, success is far from a guarantee, as Jameis has been able to create big plays, using his uncommon athleticism. Winston will look to pass often, as the 'Noles have been awful in the run game, ranking 102nd in rushing yards per game. Karlos Williams is the leading rusher, but look for freshman Dalvin Cook to see significant playing time, if healthy. Cook is a big play threat, who has breakaway speed. With the running game struggling, the wide receivers and tight ends have been expected to provide a majority of the big plays. It's been a mixed bag so far, as only Rashad Greene has been a consistent threat. Greene, the lone returning starter from last season's receiver corps, has been outstanding, gaining 989 yards, on 71 receptions. He isn't the only major threat, as tight end Nick O'Leary has finally emerged, averaging 11 yards per reception. O'Leary is at his best on 3rd down, acting as a security blanket for Jameis Winston. Jesus Wilson has been a nice surprise, as he's caught 33 passes. Wilson is a small, quick receiver that does most of his damage out in space, and in between the hash marks.
Rimington Award winner Brian Stork is now playing in the NFL, and it's obvious that his skill, and leadership are sorely missed on the offensive line. The 'Noles have been unable to consistently run the football, and they've been unable to keep Jamais Winston from being pressured. Last season, Winston was rarely challenged in the passing pocket, this season, he's been forced out on numerous occasions. That said, this offensive line has been shuffled all season, and may be finding their niche, as evidenced by their fine performance against Louisville. Louisville has one of the best defensive lines in the country, and FSU manhandled them.
Defense
Last season, the 'Noles were a tough, fast defense that could shut down any offense. That's no longer the case, as the defense has regressed, and has looked average at times this season. FSU lost a ton of defensive talent to graduation and the NFL, but the biggest difference may be in the coaching booth, as Charles Kelly has taken over for Jeremy Pruitt, who is now the defensive coordinator at Georgia. Kelly isn't as experienced as Pruitt, and he isn't nearly the tactician, which has shown on the field. Last year, the Noles were 1st in the country in scoring defense, 3rd in total defense, and led the nation in interceptions. This season, the 'Noles are 34th in scoring defense, and haven't been able to create as many turnovers as in previous seasons.
The defensive line features Mario Edward Jr., the team leader in tackles for loss. Edwards, a highly rated recruit, hasn't been able to consistently provide a pass rush, a common problem amongst the defensive front. Eddie Goldman leads the team in sacks, but has been inconsistent. At his best, Goldman is a next level defensive tackle that can create havoc in the interior. The uneven play of the D-Line has put additional pressure on the linebacker corps, a unit that has struggled as well. Reggie Northrup is a terror, and is leading the team in tackles. He has been active all season, but he has shown a tendency to struggle in pass coverage. Terrance Smith has emerged as a solid player, making 66 tackles so far this season, and forcing 2 fumbles. Where the 'Noles have truly struggled is in the secondary. Despite having a fair number of 4 and 5 star recruits, FSU has been unable to stop the pass. Notre Dame had a field day with the 'Noles, with Everett Golson throwing for over 300 yards. Some of the blame should fall on the defensive line, but most of it should remain with the secondary. During the Notre Dame game, receivers were running their routes unimpeded, with blown coverages a frequent occurrence. Jalen Ramsey is one of the most versatile players in the country, as he's been a cornerback, and a safety for the FSU during his career. He weill start the game as a safety, but look for him to be moved all around the defensive backfield. P.J Williams and Ronald Darby will be the main guys on the perimeter, with Darby being the guy tasked with covering the opposition's best receiver.
Special Teams
It's a known fact that Florida State has struggled in the kicking game over the last 25 years. From Gerry Thomas, to Matt Munyon, the 'Noles have lost a fair number of big games due to errors in the kicking game. That is no longer the case as Roberto Aguayo is one of the best placekickers in the country. Aguayo is not only accurate, connecting on 94% of his field goal attempts this season, he's also the possessor of a strong leg, as evidenced by a made 52 yard attempt against Wake Forest. Roberto is also a weapon on kickoffs as 50% of his kickoffs have been touchbacks. Cason Beatty is a decent punter averaging over 40 yards per punt.
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