Filed under:
We are back! With under two months to go until kickoff, it’s time we start diving back into BC football. Yes, there has plenty of news with Bill O’Brien and co. hot on the recruiting trail and lawsuits galore surrounding the ACC, but will cover that another day. Today, we look at the first team on the Eagles’ calendar, the Florida State Seminoles.
Last Season (8-0, 13-1)
It feels like eons ago, but you may recall how miserably FSU ended their season. With the inside track to make the College Football Playoff, it all went downhill for the undefeated Seminoles. Star quarterback Jordan Travis tore his ACL, the team rode a stellar defense to win the ACC championship, but were overlooked by the committee. Much of the team opted out of the Orange Bowl and Georgia, also on the outside looking in, mopped the floor with the FSU remnants 63-3.
Departed
10 key contributors across both sides of the ball were drafted in this past NFL draft. No more Jared Verse, Keon Coleman, Braden Fiske, Renardo Green, or Jordan Travis. Then again, this team only squeaked by BC. The point is this isn’t the same team that was stood up for the big dance.
Key Returners – Offense
Only 4 starters return on offense, but significantly three on the offensive line including All-ACC LT Darius Washington. TE Kyle Morlock is the other returner and was named the team’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
Three receivers return, but only one with double digit passes in slot Ja’Khi Douglas. The team’s leading rusher is out, but they do have a number of players that could play a role including Lawrance Toafili who started five games last season.
Incoming Transfers – Offense
Just as Norvell brought in Coleman last year to give the offense a huge boost, he’s replenished this year’s team with plenty of big time transfers.
First and foremost is the ACC return for quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. Yes, the former Clemson man has made his way to Tallahassee by way of Oregon State. DJ is coming off his best college season, throwing 2600 yards for 21 TDs to only 7 interceptions. He has been receiving strong praise early on, with the staff crediting his years of experience to go with his great frame and speed. He’ll transition well with FSU.
The Seminoles committed a bit of inter-state robbery taking Florida’s starting left guard Richie Leonard IV to bolster its offensive line to go with former Alabama guard Terrence Ferguson II.
‘Bama provided a few skill position players as well. Big play receiver Malik Benson is the main man to watch poised to play a major role on the offense. They also picked up senior running back Roydell Williams, a bigger back who doesn’t shy away from contact. He’ll be the thunder to former Indiana back’s Jaylin Lucas lightning. Lastly, the wide receiver room grew with another SEC player in LSU’s Jalen Brown.
Key Returners – Defense
DC Adam Fuller was a name floated around for the BC job and for good reason. He has built a dominant force in his time.
They lost a lot on the defensive front. Both starting linebackers and most of the top lineman are out. But this is Florida State, and all they do is replenish. Of the returners, the main man will be DE Patrick Payton. Coming off a seven sack season, Payton put on more weight and will fully take on Verse’s role. Joshua Farmer on the inside had seven tackles for loss last season as well in a second team All-ACC season. Senior linebacker DJ Lundy received ACC honorable mention last season and did intercept Thomas Castellanos in last year’s contest.
In the secondary, the team sees more continuity with one of the most elite units in the country. Third Team All-ACC safety Shyheim Brown is the leader of the group logging 53 tackles and one interception last year. Fentrell Cypress II had eight pass break-ups last season to go with 40 tackles. On the other side is Azareye’h Thomas who had ten PBUs.
Incoming Transfers – Defense
FSU continues to pilfer from their dream conference. Georgia’s Marvin Jones enters the fray to go opposite Payton on the defensive front. Inside, they’ve fortified their run defense with upperclassmen Oregon State’s Sione Lolohea and Colorodo State’s Grady Kelly, who both have started 22 games with their previous programs. West Virginia’s second leading pass rusher Tomiwa Durojaiye and Darrell Jackson Jr., a former Miami DT who had to sit out 2023, fill out the other newcomers on the front.
Alabama’s Earl Little Jr. joins an already strong secondary after playing in 11 games across two seasons with the Crimson Tide.
Odds (o/u 9.5 wins)
After winning their first conference title in nine years, they are once again favorites (+290) to do so again. Mike Norvell is entering his fifth year in charge and no longer needs to worry about being left out of the CFP if his team to does its job.
It’s a Monday night kickoff for this one down in Tallahassee. Will the Seminoles remain hung up on their agonizing end of 2023 or will they build on a brilliant season and strive for redemption?
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/ME/MI/NC/NJ/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY / text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-522-4700 (NH), 888-789-7777 / visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). Void where prohibited.
21+ (18+ KY/NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/KY/LA(select parishes)/MA/MD/ME/MI/NC/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS).
