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5 Things You Might Not Know About The Seminoles

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 27, 2008

One Offensive Outburst
•FSU scored more than 30 points in a game once last season (34 vs. UAB)

Defensive Letdown

•In six losses last season, FSU gave up an average of 34.2 points

Early Graduates

•Two players - redshirt sophomore Christian Ponder and third-year junior Myron Rolle (above) - have already earned undergraduate degrees and have at least two years of eligibility remaining (Ponder has three).

Double Duty

•Senior Graham Gano might handle both punting and place-kicking duties this season, a rarity under Bobby Bowden.

Noles Unranked

•FSU is unranked in the preseason AP poll for the first time since 1982.

SOMETHING TO PROVE

Tailback ANTONE SMITH

CLASS: Senior HT./WT.: 5-9/190 HOMETOWN: Pahokee HIGH SCHOOL: Pahokee

THE SKINNY: Once hailed as the nation's top high school running back, Smith hasn't exactly rewritten the record book at FSU. He has had a productive career, but he has yet to emerge as the game-changer coaches envisioned when they signed him. His 156-yard effort in the Music City Bowl and a more explosive look this preseason could be a sign of promising things to come this fall.

EXPECTING BIG THINGS FROM ...

DE EVERETTE BROWN

CLASS: Redshirt junior

HT./WT.: 6-4/248

HOMETOWN: Stantonsburg, N.C.

HIGH SCHOOL: Beddingfield
WHY HE'S READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT: At times last season, Brown looked every bit as dominant as some of the All-Americans who once made the defensive end position famous at FSU. As the Seminoles deal with early-season suspensions on the defensive line and at linebacker, Brown could very well be the key to keeping the young replacements heading in the right direction. He had a monster offseason in the weight room, and it looks like he is headed for an NFL future.

POINT ...

The Seminoles will meet expectations if ...

•They find consistent quarterback play: Returning starter Drew Weatherford threw just three interceptions a year ago, so it's not like he's making all the wrong decisions. But he's fighting for his job this preseason because coaches are hoping to see more big plays out of the position.

•The defense finds a way: Veteran defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews brought in what appears to be a talented group of newcomers. Too many of them may have to play major roles this season, especially on the defensive line and at linebacker. That's not a traditional recipe for success.

•Special teams become special again: An infusion of talent at the receiver, linebacker and tailback positions should bode well for FSU's return game and kick- and punt-coverage units. It might be too much to expect all these first-year players to stand out at their regular positions, but getting them to deliver big returns or blocked kicks could be a realistic first step.

... COUNTERPOINT

The Seminoles will fall short of expectations if ...

•The offense sputters again: The Seminoles simply have to figure out a way to put points on the board, especially as the defense plays through its early season suspensions. With a lot of new toys to play with at receiver and tailback, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher could have a few more options this year.

•The youngsters act their age: FSU's coaches don't expect the nation's third-best signing class to completely take over the program, but they are hoping for some much-needed contributions at several positions. That means some of them - especially at linebacker and receiver - need to play like veterans in their first year on campus.

•The secondary remains a concern: Giving up big plays in the passing game has been a problem the past two seasons. Myron Rolle and Darius McClure, the projected starters at the safety spots, combined for zero interceptions a year ago. That has to change if this defense is going to be successful.

ON THE SLATE

Sept. 6: Western Carolina, 6 p.m. - Catamounts were 1-10 a year ago.

Sept. 13: Chattanooga, 3:45 p.m. - Mocs were 2-9 a year ago; play Oklahoma and FSU in two of first three games.

Sept. 20: Wake Forest, TBA. - Final game of the suspensions for FSU's academic mess. Deacs own two-game win streak over Noles.

Sept. 27: Colorado (at Jacksonville), TBA - Duval County has been kind to Noles, who are 5-0 in Jax since start of 2000 season.

Oct. 4: At Miami, TBA - Do FSU's Orange Bowl demons fade with move to new stadium?

Oct. 16: At North Carolina State, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) - Seminoles have lost past two Thursday night games, including at N.C. State in 2006.

Oct. 25: Virginia Tech, TBA - Hokies broke through to snap long skid vs. Noles in '07; can they make it a streak?

Nov. 1: At Georgia Tech, TBA - After four-year absence, Jackets re-appear on FSU's schedule. Tech still hasn't beaten FSU in an ACC game.

Nov. 08: Clemson, TBA - First of three games that should decide FSU's bowl fate. Tigers have two-game win streak vs. Noles.

Nov. 15: Boston College, TBA - The home team is 0-3 in this series since teams became ACC opponents.

Nov. 22: At Maryland, TBA - Terps have won two in a row at home vs. FSU.

Nov. 29: Florida, TBA - Noles 0-2 vs. Gators in games on Bobby Bowden Field.

SOMETHING TO PROVE

EXPECTING BIG THINGS FROM ...

POINT ...

... COUNTERPOINT

ON THE SLATE

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