The Florida State Seminoles concluded the 2023 season with a challenging 63-3 defeat against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl.
This difficult loss may have had a different outcome had quarterback Jordan Travis not sustained a season-ending injury.
While Travis has departed, former Clemson standout DJ Uiagalelei has joined the team after spending a year at Oregon State.
The Florida State offense has performed poorly over the last three games, particularly against a strong Louisville defense and the Georgia Bulldogs.
Despite these late-season challenges, the offense ranked first in the ACC in scoring.
We can look forward to the 2024 season as an opportunity for the Seminoles’ revenge tour.
The team has strengthened its receiving corps, added a talented passer in Uiagalelei, and has the potential for an improved offensive line with time to develop.
The running back rotation is deep enough to maintain freshness and control the pace of play.
The receiving unit has been reloaded after losing key players like Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson, and tight end Jaheim Bell. Hakeem Williams is expected to make a significant impact on the outside. At the same time, Ja’Khi Douglas, who averaged over 17 yards per catch, and Malik Benson, a transfer from Alabama, aim to enhance the passing game.
The offensive line was effective last season, and with further development, this year’s group could be even better. Darius Washington is a standout talent at left tackle, and center Maurice Smith and offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers are poised to excel. The interior line was bolstered through the transfer portal, with the addition of Richie Leonard from Florida and TJ Ferguson from Alabama, both providing valuable size and strength.
Although leading rusher Trey Benson is now with the Arizona Cardinals, Florida State remains well-equipped at running back, starting with Lawrance Toafili, a speedy senior who averaged 6.7 yards per carry and contributed 463 rushing yards last season.
The Seminoles’ defense has been overlooked and deserves recognition. It ranked 11th in the nation for pass defense and sixth in third-down defense and allowed an average of 19.3 points per game. This statistic includes the heavy yardage and points conceded against Georgia during a game where Florida State was not at full strength. This defense has the potential to be exceptional.
The pass rush will remain formidable despite the loss of Jared Verse to the Los Angeles Rams. Patrick Payton recorded seven sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss, proving to be a strong professional prospect in his own right. With Marvin Jones Jr. joining from Georgia, opposing offenses will have difficulty focusing on just one player.
The cornerbacks are among the nation’s elite. Fentrell Cypress amassed 40 tackles and eight pass breakups, but opposing teams may avoid targeting him. Azareye’h Thomas, with ten pass breakups to his credit, is expected to excel when presented with opportunities.
Safety Shyheim Brown is yet another promising NFL prospect, coming off a season where he recorded 53 tackles. Miami transfer Davonte Brown and Earl Little from Alabama will complement his presence.
Seminole supporters challenge experts who claim the team did not face strong opponents last season.
The team’s significant victory over LSU at the season’s start remains a highlight, as they were one of the few teams to achieve a notable win. Alabama also had commendable victories, including against Ole Miss and Georgia. Conversely, Florida State’s close wins against Clemson and Boston College did not significantly bolster its reputation.
While credit is due for a strong defensive performance in the ACC Championship victory over Louisville and acknowledgment of their undefeated record of 13-0, it is worth noting that six of those wins came against teams with losing records.
The previous year’s team was undeniably strong; however, the schedule may have inflated perceptions of their accomplishments. This year’s squad will require some time to find its rhythm. It is unlikely to replicate a 13-0 record, and it may need to be more accurate due to the lack of the same hype and narratives. Nevertheless, the final outcomes are expected to be markedly improved.
Unexpected setbacks during the season, potentially against teams like Miami or crucial home matchups against Clemson, North Carolina, or Florida, along with the challenge posed by the trip to Notre Dame, may occur.
However, Florida State is expected to be a top-three team in the ACC, contending for the ACC Championship. If the Seminoles surpass expectations by December, they will be well-positioned for a top-four placement and a potential bye in the expanded College Football Playoff.
We anticipate setting Florida State’s win total for the upcoming season at 10.
Photo/FSUFootball/X
2 thoughts