10 Most Effective Pro Seminoles in 2018

Now that the Super Bowl has is over, we can officially put the 2018 season behind us. So with that said, it begs the question of which Seminoles were most effective during the calendar year. This post looks at the 10 Most Effective Noles in the Pros for the year 2019. The list is below and is not limited to football. These players have all earned some recognition.

10. Xavier Rhodes
Rhodes only had 1 interception, but he has done a great job. Teams simply don't test him anymore, but Rhodes is still as good as it gets.

9 . Telvin Smith

Lets take a few looks about Telvin and his case.
134 tackles
2 INT
1 defensive touchdown.
This guy is an absolute stud of a linebacker and he should be recognized for how outstanding he has been for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

8. Buster Posey
Buster Posey usually is higher on this list. The only reason Posey isnt higher this year is that he only played in 105 games. He was having another terrific year and made yet another all-star game. When healthy, Posey is still the best catcher in baseball. The last time Posey hit .284 in an injury shortened season, he won MVP the following season. Baseball, you have been placed on notice.

7. Jessica Warren
Jessie only hit .262 for the 2018 summer season for the USSSA Pride, but that doesn't tell the whole season. Warren won FSU a national title in 2018 and then had a successful season in her 1st year of pro ball. Be very proud of Ms. Warren for a fantastic 2018.

6. Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley is having a fantastic year for Denver. He is a vital part of a strong rotation in the Rockies. Beasley has just 12 starts on the year, but is averaging 11.6 points per game. This guy is a very big part of the Nuggets success as a team this year. Denver is 2nd in the West and was ahead of them until the current losing streak (streak counts as 2019.

5. Natasha Howard
Natasha Howard won her 2nd WNBA Championship in 2018. She was also named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team last year. Howard averaged 13.2 points per game and started 33/34 games for the WNBA champion Seattle Storm.

4. Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey wasn't quite as dominant in 2018 and he was in 2017, but many still consider him the best cover corner in the NFL (including me). He also had 3 picks this season. Ramsey made the pro bowl again in 2018.

3. Derwin James
Derwin James was clearly the best player in the draft last year and the Bucs will be kicking themselves for decades for passing on James. He had more than 100 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 INTs. The guy is a swiss army knife that can do everything. James was an all-pro and was the defensive rookie of the year.

2. Rodney Hudson
This might seem odd to have Rodney Hudson this high, but the man is amazing. He is the best center in football. In fact, since 2017 Hudson leads all centers in pass blocking snaps per pressure allowed. He allows just one QB pressure per every 151 snaps. To give you some perspective #2 on the list has 60 snaps per QB pressure.

And the number 1 Seminole for 2018 was.....

1. Brooks Koepka
This one is pretty obvious right. Koepka is the #1 golfer in the world and won 2 majors in 2018. There was not a person in all of sports that had a much better year than Koepka

Let's see what the Noles in the Pros have in store for 2019.

Until then have a great week

- Noland

Looking Back @ the College Football Season and Forward to the Draft

Before anyone makes more predictions, they should review the ones that they already have made. It is for this reason that after every sport season for which I make predictions, I go back and review those predictions. To see what I got right and what I got oh so horribly wrong. I will start out there with my two sets of college football predictions and then go into my 1st bit of talking about the NFL Draft. Buckle up, because it is the accountability thread. You get to say you told me so, if you told me so that is...

For college football, I did two prediction posts. There was one full of ACC predictions and one for the entire country. Both sets of predictions were filled with a lot of accurate statements, some 1/2 true statements, some inaccurate statements, and some categorically false statements. Let's start with the good....

Derwin James is/was FSU's best player on defense. It has been widely acknowledged. Unfortunately, for him and for my predictions, he got injured for the duration of the season in week 2. While that slighlty affected many of my predictions, my overall one about the ACC Atlantic rang true. There were three really good teams in the ACC Atlantic. FSU finished 8th with a New Years 6 bowl win, Clemson won the national championship, and Louisville spent most of the season in the Top 5 until a late season collapse. That Louisville team was the most dangerous for FSU early for numerous reasons and they took FSU to the woodshed. I was correct in saying that game would be FSU's most likely loss. I also called Lemar Jackson as a serious Heisman contender and said that he would be named player of the year. Deondre Francois was the top newcomer for the ACC also as he won the ACC Rookie of the Year. I hit on 5/11 1st team All ACC Offense predictions. There were also 5/11 correct on the defensive side this year.

Nationally, I did not do as well as I did in the ACC, but I still had some success. My 5 darkhorse teams were all hits. The worst one of the group was a 7-6 team that knocked off Louisville. Every other darkhorse team won at least 9 games and all exceeded expectations. Wisconsin was tops with an 11 win season and New Years 6 bowl win, but Oklahoma State also had 10 wins. The big 12 missed the playoffs as predicted. I was correct that the SEC East favorite, Tennessee, would not win the division. Washington made the playoff and were my one correct prediction there. While I missed them in the playoff, I said Alabama and Clemson had a better chance to win the championship than most the teams I had in and that proved true. All 10 of the teams I had predicted to have a great shot at the title were contenders at one point as well, with the exception of LSU. Clemson v. Florida State and Florida State v. Ole Miss were both thrilling matchups as predicted. I had one Heisman finalist correct (Baker Mayfield) even though that finalist shouldn't have been really invited. On offense I hit on 3/11 AP All American selections. Defensively, I only had Alabama standout Jonathan Allen correct. Now, for things I can justify getting wrong.

The easiest one to justify is both FSU's record and Derwin James' postseason awards. First in regards to the record, I said Clemson would be a major challenge and that the ACC was loaded. Derwin James injury in week 2 changed the complexion of the season. He is that special of a talent. Because he was injured for basically the entire season, he was unable to collect any postseason awards.
LSU's season I have no justification for, but Leonard Fournette didn't have the season he was expecting because he didn't have the same volume he has had in the past. 6.5 yards a carry is incredible, but he had 171 fewer attempts this season than last season.

Now the predictions I just can't justify they were just bad....
LSU winning the SEC! What the heck was I thinking. Bama owns the SEC. LSU lost to one of my darkhorse teams in week 1 (Wisconsin) and struggled. They would ultimately fire their coach.
Only 1 All-American correct prediction on defense. Embarrassing! Will have to watch more film next season.
Texas fired their coach and lost to Kansas! Yikes! They did not take a step forward as expected and Charlie Strong ultimately lost his job because of it.
Alabama v. USC was not a good game. Alabama dismantled USC in a way that most Tide fans didn't even expect to happen.
John O'Korn was not a Heisman darkhorse candidate. He was not even the starting QB at the end of the season for Michigan. This is one of the worst predictions of all-time. At least I had him as a darkhorse candidate and not a finalist though.
Miami actually exceeded my expectations too. They finished ranked and 9-4. I predicted 7-5 and for them to be a disappointment. They were not. Richt did a fine job.

My predictions were pretty solid despite only hitting on 1/4 playoff teams. Most of them were at least partially true or I had solid justification for them. Now onto the draft!!!

There will be a lot more about the draft to come, but let me get it started by just briefly talking about the top Seminoles on the board.

Dalvin Cook    RB
Projection: Top 10 Pick
I project that Dalvin Cook will be a top 10 pick and the 1st RB off the board. He is one of the most complete backs to come out in a long time. Cook is the whole package. He can run, has elite speed, has hands, and can block. This guy is a special player and a game changer. I hope he lasts until the Bucs as a Tampa fan, but don't see it happening. More to come on Dalvin in later entries.

DeMarcus Walker       DE
Projection: Late 1st
DeMarcus Walker did himself well returning to school as he was the Seminoles team leader on and off the field. It also did not hurt that he led the nation in sacks. This guy is a classic example of the fact that it can benefit a player to return to school. His draft stock soared following his senior season. I just hope the guy gets into the best situation for him. Walker led the first Seminoles class to go 4-0 against both Miami and Florida. This guy is a winner, and his work ethic could really help a lot of teams for the 2017 season....

- Noland

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.

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

2016-2017 NCAA Football Predictions

Another glorious football season is upon us. Fall is practically here and our favorite sport will be played before you know it. Since it is so close, that can only mean that it is prediction time again. So my predictions for the 2016-2017 football season are what this entry is all about. Last week, I focused on ACC predictions and this week it will focus on the national predictions as a whole

After another championship run, most people are on the Alabama bandwagon, but not this guy. Despite their manageable schedule and incredible amount of talent returning, they are losing more than people realize and it is very difficult to repeat. Something can and will go wrong for the Tide. Who does that leave us to compete? Let's start with some teams that nobody is talking about that could have an impact on the College Football Playoff that I have outside of my playoff and most people have outside their top 10 teams.

The Darkhorse Teams

5. Utah Utes
The Pac 12 seems wide open, especially in the South. That opens the door for defending South co-champ Utah, a team nobody is talking about. Utah has their offensive line returning and most of their defense. A defense that typically is one of the best in the Pac 12. I am not sold on UCLA and should the Bruins stumble, that opens the door for a talented Utah team to play for the Pac title. These defending champs are not getting nearly enough credit as most outlets have them outside the top 25.

4. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
As mentioned in the ACC preview, nobody is talking about the yellow jackets. Nobody! Now, they won't win the ACC, but they will be much improved over last year's team in my opinion and will make a mark in the top 25. They are being picked near the bottom, so they are definitely a darkhorse to do some damage in my view.

3. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Picked by many outlets to finish 3rd in the Big 12, I can easily see the Cowboys winning the Big 12 and crashing the college football playoff. The Cowboys won 10 games last year and have 16 starters back including their QB. Honestly, I am shocked that they are not being talked about more. 9 wins seems a lock and 10+ is a near lock. Road Trips to TCU and Oklahoma could be all that is standing in OK State's way of making a playoff bid.

2. Kentucky Wildcats
The Kentucky Wildcats have fallen short of a bowl bid the past few seasons with 5-7 finishes. This year will be different. They are picked to finish 4th in the SEC East at best and lower in some outlets. However, these guys can finally start to rise up the ladder in the SEC this season. They now boast the brilliant offensive staff from Cincinnati and they have the overwhelming majority of their offensive starters returning. Additionally, they get to play South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State at home this year. The Wildcats will go to their first bowl game since 2010 this season, the question is how good of a bowl game it will be.

1. Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers are predicted to finish 3rd in the Big 10 West. They are predicted 30th overall. These guys are predicted to not be a factor at all, but they are a powerhouse. They do lose a QB and a defensive coordinator, but they are in a wide open Big 10 West. Good Wisconsin teams are really known for grueling offensive lines and they return 7 offensive lineman with starting experience. Their starting runningback, Corey Clement, is also back after missing most of last season due to injury. A healthy Clement behind an experienced offensive line should make the Badgers running game quite formidable again in 2016. The running game lacking last year is a reason the program dropped off a bit last year, but it won't be an issue in 2016. We can find out early how formidable Wisconsin is with a Week 1 match-up against LSU. Should they win that one, the Badgers are a legit playoff threat.

5 Burning Questions Around the Country

5. Does the Big 12 get a playoff bid?
Short answer to this question is no, but I will give a longer answer. Oklahoma is strongly favored in the Big 12, but they likely won't go undefeated in conference doing so. They have non-conference games against Houston and Ohio State as well. This information leads you to believe that the Sooners will lose at least 2 games and the Big 12 will be on the outside looking in come playoff time. No conference championship game hurts the conference a lot and unless Oklahoma or Texas have an equal or better resume than other contenders they will be left out. Other Big 12 teams won't get as much benefit of the doubt as Oklahoma or Texas and will have to have resumes much better than other contenders to get in.

4. Is Tennessee The Favorite In the SEC East?
Most are predicting Tennessee around the country, but I just don't see it the more I look. As bad as the SEC East is, Georgia is better than Tennessee. Kirby Smart is a better coach than Butch Davis and Tennessee has to play Alabama. I just can't see Tennessee besting Georgia in the East.

3. Can Michigan State reload quickly?
Michigan State has been one of the most consistently great teams in college football. They have been excellent for several years now. Last season they parlayed their success into a college football playoff berth. However, this season they lost two starters on the offensive line including one of their best offensive lineman in school history (Jack Conklin), their number 1 receiver, and one of the best quarterbacks in school history (Connor Cook). Are 5 returning starters on defense enough to keep them in the race in a tough Eastern division?
They could be a factor, but I'd expect them no better than 3rd with Michigan and Ohio State in the mix.

2. How Much Will Washington Breakout?

Washington looks like they are headed in the right direction and they are trending upward. How far upward though? Are they contending for a division title, winning their division, or winning their conference?
You will see shortly that I am bullish on the Huskies and expect them to win the Pac. They are a team I expect to make a lot of noise in 2016. Their excellent coach Chris Peterson is a big reason why.

1. Will Texas take a step forward in 2016?
Texas is a team that many people are unsure of this season. It seems they have some talent now in place and could take a leap forward under Charlie Strong. Most people are predicting around 7 wins for the Longhorns and a finish around 50 in the country. My prediction is that they will take a step forward and win 8 or 9 games. They will finish 4th in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and TCU.

10 Teams Most Likely to Win the Title

10. Louisville Cardinals

Louisville edges out Houston for my #10 team most likely to win the title. Houston will also have a shot, but has a tough nonconference schedule and is still a Group of 5 team. There is a lot for Houston to overcome, but they will be formidable and likely win the American Conference. Houston needs to run the table to get in tough and Louisville can get in with one loss if they win the ACC. I do not expect Louisville to beat either FSU, or Clemson, but it is possible. The #1 thing working in Louisville's favor is that they get FSU early and on short rest @ home.

9. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State has a lot of pieces to replace, but as much as I do not like him, Urban Meyer is a winner. Additionally, Ohio State is a powerhouse program that reloads. They very well could compete for a title again in 2016.

8. Oklahoma Sooners

Winning the Big 12 would get them in the conversation. I think they fall just short, but they certainly have the talent to win it all. They have to have better resumes than the other conference champs due to no conference title game. The name brand doesn't hurt them like other big 12 schools though.

7. Stanford Cardinal

The most consistent Pac 12 team with one of the best coaches and best players in the nation certainly deserves mention. I expect them to finish 2nd to another Pac 12 school, but would not be surprised if they won the Pac.

6. Michigan Wolverines

I am picking Michigan to win the Big 10, but believe they will lose to either the SEC or ACC Champ. Getting to the playoff vaults them up the list.

5. Washington Huskies

Take what I said to Michigan, but apply it to the Pac 12. I do believe though that these guys are going to be a force this year. This is my ultimate sleeper and they will be a major threat to the national title.

4. Clemson Tigers

I expect the Tigers to be left out of the playoffs, but they could easily not only get in, but win it all. These guys are super talented and DeShaun Watson is an incredible player. Don't be shocked if they win it all. That Clemson-FSU game is the game of the year.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

I am picking LSU over Alabama and that seems blasphemous. Alabama has been the class of college football this decade. They have won 4 of 7 National Championships. It would surprise nobody if they won again this year. I suspect they will fall short having to replace some key pieces. Just remember though that Alabama does not rebuild they reload. This school has incredible athletes.

2. LSU Tigers

Behind one of the best players in the nation, LSU will be back in 2016. They will compete and could easily win the national championship. Do not let it surprise you if they pull it off.

1. Florida State Seminoles

Florida State is returning every single offensive starter from 2016 including the explosive Dalvin Cook. Every single starter from one of the most talented rosters in the country. From a team that went to a New Years 6 bowl and had Clemson on the ropes last year on the road. They get Clemson on the road and have the opportunity to make a statement against the SEC in Week 1. Florida State is my pick to win the national championship and I love their roster. Their coach is not too shabby either!

The Playoff Teams
This is not just the same as the teams most likely to win. I expect the ACC or SEC Champion to take home the crown, but only one team from each league will likely make the playoffs. It has only been conference champions to date, and I expect that trend to continue.

4. Michigan Wolverines

3. Washington Huskies

2. LSU Tigers

1. Florida State Seminoles
I told you what I thought would happen in the previous section, but still thought you should see the actual playoff teams I am predicting. I believe that FSU will win it all! It would not surprise me to see either 2 ACC teams or 2 SEC teams depending on their records. I would be shocked though if either conference is left out of the playoffs. Due to the depth at the top of each, they should compete.

5 Best Regular Season Matchups

5. 9/17 Florida State @ Louisville ABC Noon Eastern

4. 9/30 Stanford @ Washington   ESPN 6PM Pacific

3. 11/26 Michigan @ Ohio State

2. 11/5  Alabama @ LSU

1. 10/29 Clemson @ Florida State

5 Best Week 1 Matchups

5. Saturday 9/3 Alabama v. USC (AT&T Stadium) 8PM ET ABC

4. Saturday 9/3 North Carolina v. Georgia (Georgia Dome) 530PM ET ESPN

3. Saturday 9/3 LSU v. Wisconsin (Lambeau Field) 330PM ET ABC

2. Saturday 9/3 Oklahoma v. Houston (NRG Stadium) Noon ET ABC

1. Monday 9/5  Florida State v. Ole Miss (Citrus Bowl) 8 PM ET ESPN

Heisman Darkhorses NOBODY is Talking About

5. Boom Williams      RB     Kentucky
The Kentucky runningback is starting behind an offensive line returning 4 of 5 starters in an offense that is destined to have better play-calling than in the past. Many people will not see it coming, but he will be a contender for the All-SEC team and thus could make a push into the Heisman picture. A favorable schedule by SEC standards helps.

4. John O' Korn    QB    Michigan

O' Korn has not even officially won the job yet. Quarterback is the biggest question on Michigan's roster. So how is he a Heisman darkhorse?
I expect him to be the quarterback in an explosive offense of a team that makes the playoffs. Should Michigan be as good as I think they will be and should he win the job, then he will likely be in the race. The Houston transfer has 34 touchdowns as a college quarterback already and looks to double that amount this season. He very well could be one to watch.

3. James Washington   WR   Oklahoma State
Should Oklahoma State sneak into the playoff picture or make it in, this becomes a real possibility. Washington is predicted to be an All-American by me, but it is possible he can be more. With Mason Rudolph at QB in the offensive friendly Big 12, I expect this offense to be quite explosive. Washington will be the star and could emerge as a Heisman candidate. This certainly could happen. It is just tough for a receiver to receive this honor.

2. Corey Clement   RB   Wisconsin
The talented Clement is back behind a great offensive line and the Badgers are my darkhorse this season so naturally he appears on this list. Most people are not to high on Clement or the Badgers, but an early match-up with LSU can certainly get Clement some early Heisman looks. A breakout game against the Tigers could vault him up the Heisman list.

1. Jake Browning     QB   Washington

There seems to be a trend with the Washington Huskies. There will be much more on Jake Browning to come in this post....

My Heisman Top 5

5. Jake Browning    QB    Washington
You already have seen how high I am on the Washington Huskies this year. I expect them to win the Pac and for Browning to be a major reason why. He will have a breakout year in his second year and look to improve upon his 63% completion percentage. As a freshman, Browning threw for 2,955 yards and I would expect that total to jump over 4,000 in year 2 of Chris Peterson's offense.

4. Baker Mayfield     QB     Oklahoma

Mayfield will be back in the conversation again this season. Expect Oklahoma to be back in the thick of the playoff race, making it likely Mayfield has a strong shot at the award.

3. Christian McCaffrey    RB   Stanford

You could argue that McCaffrey should have won the award last year, and that he is the favorite this year. He certainly is one of the top contenders. It likely will come down to these three backs that have been outstanding, but I have the other two edging him out.

2. Dalvin Cook     RB    Florida State

IMO, Dalvin Cook should have won the award last year. The season he had with that injury and the negative press was otherworldly. This guy is an absolute machine. However, the fact that he was left off so many All-American teams last year and that he was not invited to New York makes me think he will get passed up again. It seems that the voters simply will not vote for him for whatever reason. It is a shame because he will possibly deserve it again, but the numbers will have to be insane for him to get it.

1. Leonard Fournette       RB    LSU

Fournette will be aided by 2 factors
1) LSU will be tremendous this season
2) Dalvin Cook is hated nationally
Those factors + the fact that he is excellent and plays in the SEC is why I predict Fournette to be our next Heisman trophy winner.

Offensive All-Americans

QB Jake Browning     Washington

RB Dalvin Cook           Florida State

RB Leonard Fournette   LSU

WR Calvin Ridley        Alabama

WR James Washington  Oklahoma State

TE Bucky Hodges         Virginia Tech

OT Roderick Johnson  Florida State

OT Cam Robinson        Alabama

OG Billy Price               Ohio State

OG Dan Feeney             Indiana

C  Ethan Pocic               LSU

Defensive All-Americans

DE Jonathan Allen    Alabama

DE Chris Wormley    Michigan

DT Charles Walker   Oklahoma

DT Lowell Lotuleli    Utah

LB Ben Boulware      Clemson

LB Devontae Fields   Louisville

LB Raekwon McMillan Ohio State

CB Desmond King   Iowa

CB Sidney Jones      Washington

S   Derwin James     Florida State

S   Jamal Adams      LSU

Specialist All-Americans

K Andy Phillips          Utah

P  Hayden Hunt          Colorado State 

KR Evan Berry           Tennessee
PR William Likely      Maryland

Coach of The Year

Jimbo Fisher!!!!

Again, Fisher probably should win this award that he has never gotten, just like he has never gotten the ACC Coach of the Year, but he won't. I would actually assume this award will go to Chris Peterson if the Huskies are as good as I think they will be this year. The Huskies making the playoffs should get Peterson to win the award. Should the Oklahoma State Cowboys make it though, Mike Gundy could easily win. 10+ wins down in Texas will win Charlie Strong the award.

It will again be a wonderfully exciting football season indeed.

-Noland

2016-2017 ACC Football Predictions

We are almost there, it is almost football season!!!
It's about time and I am once again excited to watch with my family. Once again, I will be making predictions and getting them written down and doing them the same as last year. 2 college football prediction posts, with the main one next week, and one pro prediction post.

These predictions, will be of what will happen in Florida State's conference and they will be focused on Florida State.  Being honest, Florida State has ran the ACC on the football side since their inclusion in 1992. Even last year in a rebuilding year, FSU took national runner-up Clemson to the wire. A game that FSU could have easily pulled out. Since 1992, FSU has won 15 conference championships out of 23 seasons. That means that 65% of the seasons Florida State has played in the conference, they have won! Incredible! It is even more incredible when you consider that rival Miami has been to 0 conference championship games since joining the conference. With this information, the questions start at who can challenge FSU?

The obvious answer in challenging for the ACC Championship is the Clemson Tigers. Many experts have both Clemson and FSU making the playoff. It seems that the majority feels that it is 50/50 who wins that FSU-Clemson game which is in Tallahassee this year. A strong Louisville team could also challenge. The Seminoles though return every single offensive starter and despite losing #5 overall pick Jalen Ramsey, look to be even better on defense as well. Florida State is locked and loaded for a national championship run. Let's look at the threats in greater detail though.

Biggest Threats to FSU

The top threat is Clemson for obvious reasons. The Tigers return the Heisman favorite and were national runner-up last year. Clemson rolled through the ACC schedule and really only struggled with Florida State on the way to an undefeated regular season. With Watson and many other key players returning, it is easy to see how the Tigers can be National Championship contenders again.

Right behind Clemson and I mean right behind Clemson is a dangerous Louisville Cardinals team. These guys will be the trendy sleeper pick in the conference, but they are no sleeper at all. The Cardinals could easily give the ACC Atlantic 3 Top 10 teams. They could also be so dangerous that they cost the ACC 2 playoff teams and possibly wipe the ACC from the championship picture all together. Playing Louisville on the road early in a 12 pm kickoff as a 3rd game in 19 days terrifies me. If FSU drops a regular season game, this one to me is the most likely. QB Lemar Jackson is a Heisman Trophy sleeper and Louisville absolutely is good enough not just to win the ACC, but the national championship. Louisville is loaded for the 2016 season. Watch out!

ACC Darkhorse

Last year, my dark horse started out 3-0, but then they lost everything, so it has to get better for 2016. Still I will not make an easy pick like Louisville, because as stated earlier, Louisville is not and should not be a dark horse. For my darkhorse to compete in the coastal, I am actually going with Georgia Tech who disappointed in 2015. They were able to knock off Florida State though which shows they still have the chops to make a run. With Justin Thomas returning for his senior season, I could easily see the Jackets competing for a title on the Coastal side. That being said, I believe that the Atlantic is much better than the Coastal this season because of the three teams that I mentioned earlier. The Yellow Jackets though will go bowling at least this season and finish better in the Coastal than their predicted finish which is last in some outlets and 5th or lower in most.

Who Wins the Conference?

As you might expect, I am picking the Seminoles in the ACC. I do realize the threats that the other teams possess, especially Clemson and Louisville, but at the end of the day, Florida State just has too much talent. I think people underestimate the hits Clemson took to the NFL on the defensive line as well. When in doubt, it is prudent to pick the Seminoles anyways as they have won the conference more than 50% of the time since they joined. The Seminoles win the ACC and perhaps the National Championship due to their incredible talent and the amazing job that Jimbo Fisher does with that talent. Florida State looks to have a strong 2016.

5 Questions and Answers

1) How many wins will Mark Richt get in year one at Miami?

Miami will easily start 3-0 before a showdown with Georgia Tech and could be 4-0 before the rivalry contest with Florida State. However, I expect them to drop both of those games and 3 others (Virginia Tech, Notre Dame and one more). That would put Miami at 7-5 and in a winable bowl game. It is possible that Miami finally makes it to an ACC Championship behind brilliant QB play from Brad Kaaya, but don't think he has enough around him to pull it off.

2) Who is the most talented player in conference?

The most talented player in conference may surprise some of you, but not everyone. His name is Derwin James and he is a sophomore safety at Florida State. Derwin started as a true sophomore last year and Jimbo Fisher and co. said he was the best true Freshman they have coached. Given who has come through that program in recent years, that is pretty high praise.

3) How many ACC teams will make the playoff?
It is pretty safe to say that the ACC will get at least one team in the playoff with how strong Clemson, Florida State, and Louisville are supposed to be. The conference should easily get one unless each ends up with a loss or more and the other P5 conferences all have undefeated teams. I don't see that happening in the other P5 conferences though. There is an outside chance of 2 if one of the aforementioned teams loses a close game to the conference champ and finishes with 1 loss while other conference champs have 2+ losses. If I were betting I'd say Florida State makes it and the others miss. It would not surprise me to see either Clemson or Louisville in the playoff though. 

4) Who will be the top newcomer in 2016?
The top new face in the ACC will be FSU QB DeAndre Francois. It is widely expected that Francois will beat out returning starter Sean McGuire and lead the Seminoles on a national championship run. If that does not come to fruition, then I expect the top newcomer to be Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente. The Hokies will be much improved under Fuente's watch.

5) Who will be the most disappointing team in 2016?
The Miami Hurricanes seem to be the perennial ACC team to disappoint. Since joining the conference in 2005, the Hurricanes have failed to even make an ACC Championship game appearance. Anything less than that at this point is still a disappointment. With Georgia Tech coming back into the fold, a talented UNC squad, Pittsburgh emerging and the rebirth of Virginia Tech, I just can't see it for Miami. The Hurricanes could easily finish 4th or 5th in the ACC Coastal.

1st Team All ACC Predictions

Offense

QB Lemar Jackson   Louisville

RB Dalvin Cook       Florida State

RB Elijah Hood        North Carolina

WR Jamari Staples   Louisville

WR Travis Rudolph Florida State

TE Bucky Hodges   Virginia Tech

OT Roderick Johnson Florida State

OT Mitch Hyatt        Clemson

OG Dorian Johnson  Pittsburgh

OG Danny Isidora    Miami

OC Jay Guillermo    Clemson

Defense

DE DeMarcus Walker Florida State
DE Ken Ekanem         Virginia Tech
DT Derrick Nnadi       Florida State
DT BJ Hill                  North Carolina State
LB Ben Boulware       Clemson
LB Devontae Fields    Louisville
LB PJ Davis                Georgia Tech
CB Marquez White     Florida State
CB Trumaine Washington  Louisville
S Derwin James           Florida State
S Quin Blanding          Virginia

Specialists

PK Ricky Aguayo        Florida State

P  Justin Vogel             Miami

KR Artavis Scott         Clemson
PR Bra'Lon Cherry      North Carolina State

Players of the Year

Offensive: Louisville QB Lemar Jackson
Defensive: Florida State S Derwin James
Dalvin Cook should have been player of the year last year, and I believe we will be in a similar position this year. I just can't see the media giving it to him unless his numbers are otherwordly. They just don't want him getting this award and see him as a tainted individual. It is an incredibly wrong perception, but they won't give it to Cook. This award will likely go to Jackson or Watson, but a strong senior season from Justin Thomas could push the award in that direction. Brad Kaaya is another big contender here. James is the best player in the conference on the defensive side and will win the award on that side. His top competition could come from his teammates. Josh Sweat, DeMarcus Walker, and Marquez White will all vie for the award.

Coach of the Year
Jimbo Fisher!!!

Much like I said last year, Fisher will likely deserve the award and not win. This is because that is what happens every year. He has never won ACC Coach of the Year which is a crime for a national champ and a top 5 coach in the country. I believe that Paul Johnson will actually win again, due to Georgia Tech exceeding expectations in 2016 after a disappointing 2015 campaign.

Stay Tuned Next Week for My College Football Preview

- Noland