12.07.2016

What is Next for Florida State Athletics

The Florida State Seminoles were expected to be a major force this football season. Preseason #4 with title aspirations. This team was predicted by many, including me to win the whole thing this year. That didn't happen. FSU faltered early by getting smoked by Louisiville and losing heart-breakers to UNC and Clemson. The regular season is now over with the Seminoles a top 10 team heading to the Orange Bowl with three losses. They got their season together and finished strong, but what is next for the football team and for the rest of the athletic department?

FSU Football is in a great spot. They have only had two coaches in 40 years and Jimbo Fisher has once again turned down LSU to stay with the Seminoles. This already young team, lost their defensive leader in week 2 in Derwin James and still went 9-3 with a Top 10 finish. Nobody is hurting in the FSU Football program, the team is in a great spot and will have yet another 10 win season with a bowl win. The young freshman QB was ACC Rookie of the Year and this team has a lot of skill returning next season. The future is bright with at least one more year with Deondre Francois and Derwin James. FSU is losing some major contributors though.....

Dalvin Cook is FSU's all-time leading rusher in terms of yards and touchdowns. It is incredibly sad that he is leaving, but a great feeling at the same time. Cook truly deserves to get paid and enjoy the fruits of his amazing work and talent. He is a true Seminole and bailed us out many a times during the past three seasons. The only player currently that can even come close to rivaling what Dalvin Cook has done for the Seminoles is DeMarcus Walker. I will always be thankful for DeMarcus and what he has accomplished. Walker led the nation in sacks this season and has been an absolute force for the Seminoles for years. He was an amazing Seminole. His greatest accomplishment though was leading the Seminoles to an incredible 8-0 record against the Gators and Hurricanes.
Image result for Demarcus walker

From the future of the football programs, we move to basketball. You see even though some people are Florida State Football and Duke Basketball fans, some people do actually care about FSU Hoops.

As of December 6th, the Seminoles are 8-1 with a single loss to Temple and seem to be the best squad Hamilton has produced in years. It certainly is the most talented group in years. This team has many Seminoles excited and they seem to be playing with the most heart since the team that won the conference title a few years ago. FSU Basketball is in a really good spot and could make some noise in March. You read that correctly, they can make some noise in March.

The always strong FSU Women's basketball team is looking even better than the men. Then again, isn't that always true?

FSU has that same 1 loss record record on the women's side, but its even more impressive. The only loss that these women have obtained is at the hands of perennial powerhouse UCONN. That UCONN team only beat FSU by 2 points. Had FSU nailed the three at the buzzer, they'd be 9-0 with a win over UCONN. It is easier to see then why the athletic department is so stoked about these fantastic ladies.

FSU Volleyball advanced to the Sweet Sixteen fresh off of beating the Gators in Gainesville. Let me repeat, Florida State beat the Damn Gators in Gainesville to advance to the Sweet 16. Chris Poole has done a phenomenal job as always and has the Noles primed to make a further dent in the NCAA Championships.

All of this and it isn't even mentioning FSU baseball. The baseball team is once again expected to be a threat nationally and has a great chance to win the conference. Hopefully this will be the year we deliver for #11. The season begins on Feb. 17 with a visit from Virginia Commonwealth.

FSU Soccer was knocked out of the NCAA Championships, by Utah, but had another phenomenal season. The Seminoles were ACC Champions and right there nationally again. Expect the Seminoles to be title contenders again next season.

FSU Track is expected once again to be a major threat in the ACC and nationally. The tennis teams could make some noise. Beach Volleyball is a national powerhouse. Swimming is underway and both teams are looking strong. FSU placed 5th in the southern region is Cross Country as well. These programs are strong all the way around.

The Future is bright for FSU Athletics!!!!

-Noland

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