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| Sunday, August 11 Updated: August 23, 7:56 PM ET Seminoles ready to roll back to top of ACC By Gregg Doyel Special to ESPN.com |
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Outlook: Some preseason publications have the Seminoles rated No. 1 in the country and while we wouldn't go quite that far, it is safe to say Florida State figures to become the best in the ACC again after a one-year hiatus. Unlike last season, when the Seminoles broke in new starters all over the field and the result was their worst record in 16 years, this season's FSU bunch will have an established quarterback in Chris Rix operating behind four of the team's five starting offensive linemen from a year ago with junior Greg Jones an established runner at tailback.
Add to that a defense that returns eight starters -- including the entire defensive front, and both cornerbacks -- and the Seminoles look, on paper, to be Florida State all over again. Key game: The Seminoles' third game of the season is at Maryland. Florida State beat the Terps last season, but that game was in Tallahassee, and again, the Terps won the league title anyway. If the Seminoles are out to prove that latter result was a fluke, Sept. 14 is the time to do it. Keep an eye on: Kicker Xavier Beitia was nearly perfect last season, hitting 13 of 14 field goals as a freshman, and he has range that exceeds 50 yards. It's a good year if. . .: The Seminoles reclaim their position atop the ACC and in a Bowl Championship Series game. Florida State doesn't necessarily have to contend for the national title, but to please their fans and coach, the Seminoles must re-establish themselves as the class of the league. Gregg Doyel covers the ACC for the Charlotte Observer. |
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