Is Florida State Back?

Before I get started today, let me just say that for some reason my Twitter account has been suspended. They said this usually happens due to unusual following practices which is strange because I am only following like 34 people and have very few followers due to my short time on Twitter. The only thing I can think of is that I challenged the writer from SI, but even then it does not make sense. I will keep you posted when it is no longer suspended.

Anyways this is my final post about the Athlon feature on FSU football. It talks about whether FSU is back as a national title contender. Here are some thoughts. The full article is here.

David Fox said FSU is on the right track, but not truly back. He said they won't be back until they compete for the national championship. Finishing in the top 25 isn't good enough for them to be back according to Fox.

Brandon Gaell said FSU's dominance in the ACC will likely never be replicated, but if being back is saying the Noles can win the ACC, then yes they are back.

Steve Lassan said they are going in the right direction, but it will take another year or two likely.

Mark Ross contends that FSU never left. He said the following "I know that it was the '90s when the Seminoles dominated the ACC and won their two national championships, the last one coming in 1999. And I know that this is 2012, which means it's been more than a decade since the mighty 'Noles were on top of the college football mountain and six seasons since they made their last BCS bowl appearance (2006 Orange Bowl), but it's not like they've plummeted to the bottom of the rankings either. Overall, Florida State has won its last four bowl games and in Jimbo Fisher's first two years as head coach, the 'Noles have won 19 games combined and were ACC Atlantic Division champions in 2009."

Patrick Snow thinks that it would be a fair statement to say FSU is back.

While I would prefer the dominance of the 90s, I am kind of with Ross on this one. We have to put things in perspective. The Seminoles have had a winning year every season since 1976. That is absolutely amazing. Even in the down decade of the 2000s the Noles averaged 8.5 wins. I mean that is still pretty impressive. No team will replicate the run from 1987-2000. We should be thankful that the dark days for FSU appear over and that even during the dark days they had winning seasons. This FSU team is the best we have had in a while and we should be very excited for this year.

-Noland

Greatest Moments in Seminole History

I am almost done with the Athlon Sports features on the Florida State Seminoles and my breakdown of them. This is something fun to look at in the offseason. Today I will focus on the greatest moments in Seminole history slideshow they posted. Then, either later today or tomorrow, I will break down their article about whether the Seminoles are back. Should be interesting. If you go over to Athlon they have video of each of their moments. Hard to argue with the moments they chose. I will only post video of the top 2.

5. Choke at Doke
4. 1991 Michigan Rout
3. Bowden's 1st Big Road Win
2. Peter Warrick Goes Off in National Championship
1. 1994 Orange Bowl

Here is the video of Warrick dominating the title against the Hokies. That catch with the defender all over him gets me every time.

And Here is the 1994 Orange Bowl against Nebraska. The original video posted by Athlon belongs to a disabled account, so I posted another video. This video really only has the field goals, but still great.

Interesting that two of the big moments came against Nebraska.

I can't really replace anything on that list. The only one I'd consider is taking out the one before my time, but how can you really it was so significant. I did want to share this footage of Greg Jones the beast though because he had some of the best moments in Seminole history as far as I am concerned.

Vs. Dexter Reid

Vs. Sean Taylor

Vs. Entire Clemson Defense

O man those were the days of FSU greatness.

-Noland



FSU Seminoles 2012 Team Predictions

Before I get into the 2012 Seminole Team Predictions from Athlon, I wanted to say that on Monday, I will be posting a few stories about sports heroes that were also American heroes. As someone that has a great appreciation for what the military does and for everything they sacrifice I think it is important to do that. Look for those stories on Monday.

Now, getting back to the Seminole stories from Athlon, we look at their predictions for players at FSU. We already know that Athlon has FSU at #9 and thinks they will win the ACC, but what else do they have predicted for the Noles this year. Here is the full story.

Athlon has put us on upset alert in our trip to Raleigh, NC. The October 6th date with the Wolfpack is not a game the Noles should take lightly. The last time our team traveled to Carter-Finley stadium we lost. Although we beat the Wolfpack 34-0 last year, we can't expect that to happen again.

They picked our offensive MVP to be EJ Manuel. No surprise there. EJ needs to be the offensive MVP and needs to have improved play this season if we are to get back into the BCS.

Our biggest game according to Athlon is against the Clemson Tigers on September 22. I could not agree more. There is a strong chance that the winner of this game will represent the ACC Atlantic in the title game. If FSU wants to win the ACC, this very well could be a must win game. Luckily the game will be at Doak Campbell Stadium. This one should be an easy sellout.

We all know the Seminoles have an amazing defense. Everyone also knows that Brandon Jenkins is the leader of that defense and the team. This guy is a 1st round pick. The stud pass rusher will lead the Seminole defense back to the BCS.

They picked USF as a trap game. I don't know about that one. This could be a trap technically, but in state opponents aren't usually taken lightly. Ya, it will be the week after the Clemson game, but these Seminoles should be hyped for it. It will be in Tampa which is awesome because that is my new city. However, I don't think I'll be going to this game. It is on September 29th which is my baby boy's due date. Well actually the date was moved up to September 25th, but even a diehard Nole like me wouldn't miss the birth of his son for anything.

Their breakout candidate is Rashad Greene. I say that Rashad Greene has already broke out. He was the leader in receiving last season. My choice is Christian Jones. I believe Jones will be 1st team All ACC.

Athlon's bounce back candidate was Xavier Rhodes. I agree 100%. Rhodes has amazing talent and if he really wants to be that top 10 pick will have to bounce back. I see it happening.

The national championship defining moment game should be an ACC Championship preview. If the Seminoles are undefeated heading into their November 8th showdown at VT, they have a great chance at the National Title. This is the biggest obstacle to that. Lane Stadium is a very tough place to play though and I am not sure they will get their unscathed. It is a real possibility though that they can do it.

There is more covered on predictions over at Athlon, so be sure to check the article out. I feel a big year for the Seminoles. However, I will admit to being a big time homer. This year there is plenty of reason to be excited though with nearly everyone coming back. Including our best defensive line since the 90s.

-Noland

FSU's Ten Best Ever

Much like with the ten best current players, I decided to post Athlon's top 10 and then my top ten and analyze the pics. Here is the article/slideshow from Athlon.

Athlon Sports
10. Terrell Buckley
9. Warrick Dunn
8. Chris Weinke
7. Marvin Jones
6. Ron Sellers
5. Derrick Brooks
4. Peter Warrick
3. Ron Simmons
2. Deion Sanders
1. Charlie Ward

Simmons and Sellers are clearly Seminole legends, but they are also before my time. Therefore, I cannot put them on my list. Simmons is probably better known by my generation as Farooq. The guy is an absolute legend, but its hard to put him in a top ten when you haven't seen the guy play that much.

My List
10. Corey Simon
9. Reinard Wilson
8. Terrell Buckley
7. Warrick Dunn
6. Chris Weinke
5. Peter Warrick
4. Marvin Jones
3. Deion Sanders
2. Derrick Brooks
1. Charlie Ward

It is hard to argue with the people on Athlon's list. They all played professionally with the exception of Ward who is one of the most decorated athletes in history. Ward decided to play in the NBA rather than the NFL. The only thing that is up for debate is the order in which the athletes appear. Like I said earlier, I could not possibly pick someone who I didn't see play that much. I left on the other 8 though and added 2.

I added Corey Simon who was the anchor of the 1999 championship defense at #10. Simon was an animal inside. It was hard to not pick Andre Wadsworth, Samari Rolle, or Leroy Butler, but I think Simon was the slightly better choice. Also hard not to put Tra Thomas or Walter Jones two legends on the offensive line on this list either. During the dynasty years, FSU sure was loaded. Simon is an FSU Hall of Famer and was a consensus All-American during the wire-to-wire season. Since that may be the best team in NCAA history, I think 3 members of it can be in the top 10.

The other player I added to my list who wasn't on Athlon's was Reinard Wilson. Wilson has the school record for sacks in a career with 35.5. He won a national title as a freshman in 1993 and is another FSU Hall of Famer. The guy had 100+ tackles in the 1996 season where he was an All-American while also recording 13.5 sacks. How many guys get 100 tackles and that many sacks?

Terrell Buckley was #10 on Athlon's list and #8 on mine. Buckley was an animal at defensive back. This guy has the interception record at FSU (not Deion) and the Int return yards record (not Deion). He was named an All-American in the season he got 12 INTs and won the Jim Thorpe award that season.

Warrick Dunn was one spot ahead of Buckley on each list. Dunn is one of my all time favorites. If this list was about that, he would come in at #2 behind only Derrick Brooks. Despite being incredibly small Dunn was the best runningback in FSU history. He played with the heart of a champion and lead FSU to several victories. Dunn was 3 time All-ACC. He's the only Seminole to top 1,000 yards in 3 straight seasons. Dunn holds the career and single season rushing records for the Noles. This guy could have easily been higher on either list, but check out the other guys on the list.

Chris Weinke was the 1st 3 year starter under Bowden at QB. He is one of two Seminoles to win the Heisman. He led the Seminoles to the 1999 title. 32-3 was Weinke's record as a starter. The guy set 26 school records. This guy could be much higher, but a lot of his success was attributed to his age and Peter Warrick. I wanted to put the guy higher because I think those are bogus excuses, but who do you move down?

Peter Warrick was right after Weinke on my list with Marvin Jones and Derrick Brooks in between on the Athlon List. Warrick should have won the Heisman in 1999. He was the best player in football that year, but the Dillard's incident cost him all of the hardware that year. #9 didn't even get the Biletnokoff for that season. He has the most touchdowns in FSU history and is only behind Ron Sellers for catches and yards. Warrick was MVP of the Sugar Bowl Championship over Virginia Tech that season though as he went off.

Jones was not at FSU that long, but he sure did make an impact. Some would call him the face of those FSU defenses and even say he is the best Seminole of all time. I didn't go that far, but I moved him up to #5 when Athlon had him at #7. Jones was a two-time consensus All-American. He also finished 4th in Heisman voting. That should really tell you how good Marvin Jones was, he almost won the Heisman as a linebacker.  In 1992, Jones won the Lombardi and Butkus Awards during that amazing season he almost won the Heisman.

Derrick Brooks was another two-time All-American. He is my favorite football player of all-time. Athlon had him at #5, but I think that doesn't do him justice. I have him at #2 and nearly had him #1. When I think of Seminole Legends, Derrick Brooks is one of the first players that pops into my head. He is perhaps the biggest reason that I fell in love with FSU football. Well him and that #1 guy. Brooks was the big play guy on the 1993 National Championship team. That season, Brooks was ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Obviously, Brooks also went on to great success in the pros, but the guy was a class act at FSU and their best defensive player of my generation, perhaps ever.

In 1988 Deion Sanders won the Jim Thorpe Award. He was also a two-time All-American. Sanders holds 7 FSU records for punt returns and INTS. Sanders is the best cover corner to ever play the game, but that doesn't make him better at FSU than Derrick Brooks. I think the fact that he played multiple sports and was such an excellent cover corner factored into Athlon's vote. Derrick Brooks was the better player at FSU. Deion was so good though that you can easily see where he finishes anywhere in the top 5. I obviously think highly of him as I have posted a few times about him. The only guys I have higher are the two greatest to ever do it.

The #1 guy has to be Charlie Ward. Ward is #1 on every Seminole fans list. This man just made it happen. He is the most decorated athlete in Seminole history. Perhaps, he is the most decorated player in NCAA history. Ward was the Heisman winner in 1993 while leading the Noles to the National Championship. Ward set 19 school records and 7 ACC records. Charlie Ward claimed 30 individual awards in his time with FSU. Everyone thought the guy was great, especially in 1993. Not only that, but Ward is the most accurate passer in FSU history to go with his run-pass ability. It would have been interesting to see what Ward could do in the NFL, but he of course chose the NBA and we will never know.

-Noland

FSU's Top 10 Returning Players

During Athlon Sports coverage of FSU yesterday, they ranked FSU's best returning players. I will post their list here along with my list and why I picked who I picked.

Athlon's Picks
10. Christian Jones LB
9. Dustin Hopkins K
8. Timmy Jernigan DT
7. Rashad Greene WR
6. LaMarcus Joyner S
5. Greg Reid CB
4. Bjoern Werner DE
3. EJ Manuel QB
2. Xavier Rhodes CB
1. Brandon Jenkins DE

My Picks
10. Devonta Freeman
9. Nick Moody
8. Christian Jones
7. Rashad Greene
6. EJ Manuel
5. Timmy Jernigan
4. LaMarcus Joyner
3. Bjoern Werner
2. Xavier Rhodes
1. Brandon Jenkins

I took Greg Reid out of my rankings because I think he is too much of an all or nothing player. Reid does not play assignment football and struggles in pass coverage 1 on 1. He has a lot of big play capability, but he gets beat in coverage far too often. Without Bradham though we can afford a player like Reid on defense. I also took Dustin Hopkins off my list because as good as he is, he is a kicker and kickers don't belong in the top 10. Other than maybe Sebastian Janikowski.

The #1 and #2 spot on each list is identical. Brandon Jenkins is clearly the best Seminole football player and was MVP of spring practice. Jenkins has a chance to be a top 10 pick in April and is an All-American candidate. The guy is poised for a monster year. Xavier Rhodes has the same potential and is expected to be one of the top DBs in the country. It is easy for those two.

EJ Manuel is lower on my list because I didn't put him high just because he is a QB. Based on his performance so far I can't put him higher than our defensive standouts. An argument can be made that Rashad Greene can be ahead of him as well due to his awesome freshman season. It is more like T-6 for me there instead of 6 and 7.

Bjoern Werner was an absolute animal last year and was an easy choice for me at #3. With him and Jenkins I legitimately believe we have the best DE duo in the country. Name one better. Go ahead. Timmy Jernigan was a stud last year as a freshman and is my pick to have a breakout season. With those two studs at defensive end, who is going to block this defensive line? Good luck.

Lamarcus Joyner is one of the most underrated players in the country. He had a great year last year in his first season at safety and it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect him to do even better. This is another legit NFL guy.

Christian Jones had a great year last year and is now the leader of the linebacker corps. As Athlon said, Jones is poised for a breakout season and will likely be a key figure on their defense. Also, Jones wears #7. You remember the other Christian who was #7? CJ7 anyone?

Nick Moody hits harder than anyone on the team. He seems to fire everyone up. I think this guy will make it happen this year.

I posted about the 5'8 runningback earlier today, but I am a fan of Devonta Freeman. He will likely lead the Noles in rushing again this season.

-Noland

Athlon Sports Ranks FSU #9

Athlon Sports is doing a daily countdown of their football rankings leading up to the release of their magazine and yesterday unveiled that FSU is # 9 on their list. They devoted an entire day to the Seminoles and their football history in honor of this occasion. Several of these topics I will cover during the next few days, but I decided to focus on the team preview for 2012 today. However, also included yesterday were the greatest Seminoles since 1967, the top ten Seminoles this year, is FSU back?, team predictions as far as awards, and greatest Seminole moments. Those great articles will be shared over the next couple of days again. Here is the team preview.

FSU is predicted to be #9 in the ACC and #1 in the ACC Atlantic. They have very similar predictions to last year, but it is because they have most starters and backups coming back. The preview starts talking about EJ Manuel and how fans expectations aren't as high of him after last season. Many of us do believe that he has what it takes to lead us to an undefeated season though. Big positive factors for the FSU passing game include Willie Haulstead returning from a concussion after missing 2011. Rashard Greene returning after being the leading receiver and big play threat Rodney Smith also returning.

Chris Thompson returns at runningback after missing most of last season with a back injury. His presence should help the Seminoles. The return of freshman phenom Devonta Freeman will also help the Seminole backfield. This duo should give the Noles a great 1-2 punch. Freeman is 5'8, can you think of another 5'8 Seminole who became a legend at runningback?

As Athlon points out, the biggest question surrounds the offensive line. The Noles lose Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders and must replace them. Datko missed most of last year already so that one isn't as big of a loss, but what about Sanders. Zebrie broke an ACC record for most starts so that will be difficult to overcome. The Noles look prepared to replace them, but you can never be too sure. This is the key to the season in my opinion. How the offense line plays will be crucial in the Noles success.


The FSU defensive line is as good as anybody. Led by senior Brandon Jenkins, who dominated spring practice, this unit is as good as any in the country. Jenkins decided to return for his senior year and the Noles will benefit from it. The Noles also return Bjoern Werner who was an animal last season. It will be incredibly difficult for opposing teams to block Jenkins and Werner. Not only that, but the Seminoles had the top defensive line recruiting class. These guys are loaded up front. They pulled the #1 recruit in the nation off and he will likely play tackle for the Noles. Sophomore Tim Jernigan was named pre-season All-ACC along with the two ends and will likely lead the Noles on the inside. Absolutely loaded at defensive line.

The Seminole secondary also looks very strong with the returns of Xavier Rhodes and LaMarcus Joyner. Although I am not as big of a Greg Reid fan as most Seminoles, his return is also huge. The secondary looks good and so do the linebackers. Nigel Bradham is gone at linebacker, but that could be a good thing for the Noles. Christian Jones slides over to Bradham's spot and Athlon says that he appears to be more of a playmaker. This could be great news for the Noles.

Shawn Powell is gone to the Buffalo Bills as a punter and the Noles will have to replace him. You may not think much of a punter, but Seminole fans have seen how much the team has benefited from Powell and Gano in recent years. Who will take over for Powell? Luckily, we don't have the same problem at kicker, as Dustin Hopkins returns. Hopkins may be the best in the nation at his spot. I actually feel somewhat comfortable when Hopkins comes out to kick, which as we all know is rare for FSU kickers.



After all the injuries and devastation of 2011, the Noles should be able to win the ACC Title in 2012 with everyone back. We will see shortly. Football season is 120 days away.

-Noland