Ranking The ACC Atlantic Division Teams: FSU

The Nole's poster motto for 2007 is "The Awakening." After last year's 7-6 season, the Noles better be awake. One good thing is that "The Jeff Bowden Experiment" is over. The Noles over the last five years saw offensive production decline under his leadership. There is almost a completely new staff with the notable additions of Jimbo Fisher as offensive coordinator and Rick Trickett as coach of the offensive line.

To say that this year's schedule is tough is an understatement. The Noles once again take on a tough opponent in their first game. No time to iron out the kinks. In addition, the Noles only have five home games. Whoever made up that schedule should be fired. Wait, that was Dave Hart and he is gone after this year.

Florida State returns 14 starters including 6 on offense and 8 on defense. The Noles lost some key players. On defense, they lose Buster Davis and junior linebacker Lawrence Timmons, who declared early for the NFL draft. Offensively, running back Lorenzo Booker, the team’s leading rusher, and wide receiver Chris Davis, the Seminoles leading receiver, both will be missed.

Key players on offense will be Drew Weatherford. and Antoine Smith. Weatherford cannot make the mistakes that he has made in the past. He cannot continue to make stupid interceptions if the Noles expect to contend for the Atlantic Division title. Antoine Smith is poised to be a big time player and if he stays healthy he should add the dual threat that the Noles need in the passing and run game The receiving corps with Fagg, Carr, and others must run better routes and hang on to the ball. On defense, two words. Mickey Andrews. Mickey always manages to have the defense ready to play and I see nothing different in 2007.

If the Noles can survive a horrible road schedule and avoid trap games such at Colorado, they may be able to have a good season and reclaim the Atlantic Division.

FSU It's Time Ranking Prediction: The Noles don't have to wait for a key ACC game. They will have to be near perfect to survive their game at Clemson. If the Noles can have solid QB play and a running game, they can compete for the Atlantic Division. I am ranking them at #1 to win the Atlantic in a hotly contested division.