ACC Football Preview Countdown – Atlantic #1: Florida State
Posted by Brandon Rink on July 16, 2010 under ACC Football | 
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The Seminoles are once again the favorite in the Atlantic – here’s why…
With a top team and Heisman campaign going, Christian Ponder has a lot riding on his previously injured shoulder.
Projected Record: 10-2 (7-1 ACC)
Returning Starters: 18 (10 on offense and 6 on defense; 2 on special teams)
Schedule Difficulty in ACC: Third.
Offense Rides On… Establishing enough run to make defenses think. With a Heisman-worthy QB, five returning starters on the offensive line, and solid weapons at WR – FSU will throw around effectively in 2010 and a strong year on the ground will make the ‘Noles one of the best in the NCAA.
Defensive Deficiency: Pick a position – New defensive coordinator Mark Stoops is taking over the 98th ranked total defense, 94th scoring defense, and 108th rushing defense. Stoops’ top job will be teaching his defense to play, well, defense.
Keyword: Improvement – the ‘Noles defense has to improve, but the degree of improvement determines how far the Seminoles go in 2010.
Position by Position Grades (2009 Stats)
QB: A-
MVP: Christian Ponder (2,717 passing yards with 14 TDs)
Gotta Step-Up: E.J. Manuel (817 yard and 2 TDs)
RB: B
MVP: Jermaine Thomas (832 rushing yards and 9 TDs)
Gotta Step-Up: Chris Thompson (120 yards and 2 TDs)
WR/TE: B+
MVP: Bert Reed (710 receiving yards and no TDs)
Gotta Step-Up: Jarmon Fortson (610 yards and 4 TDs)
OL: B+
MVP: LT Andrew Datko
Gotta Step-Up: C Ryan McMahon
DL: C
MVP: DE Markus White (38 tackles[2 for loss], 2 sacks)
Gotta Step-Up: DT Jacobbi McDaniel (25 tackles[4 for loss], 1 sack)
LB: C+
MVP: Kendall Smith (85 tackles, 7 for loss)
Gotta Step-Up: Nigel Bradham (93 tackles, 5.5 for loss)
Sec: C
MVP: CB Ochuko Jenije (31 tackles, 4 INTs)
Gotta Step-Up: CB Greg Reid (23 tackles, 2 INTs)
K/P: C+
MVP: Shawn Powell (41.6 average per punt and long of 64)
Gotta Step-Up: K Dustin Hopkins (19/27 on FGs, 14/22 from 30+)
Schedule Analysis + W/Ls
| DATE | OPPONENT | W/L |
| 9/04 | Samford | W 56-14 |
| 9/11 | @ Oklahoma | L 28-24 |
| 9/18 | Brigham Young | W 42-17 |
| 9/25 | Wake Forest | W 45-13 |
| 10/02 | @ Virginia | W 34-17 |
| 10/09 | @ Miami (FL) | L 38-31 |
| 10/16 | Boston College | W 24-17 |
| 10/28 | @ North Carolina State | W 35-27 |
| 11/06 | North Carolina | W 27-13 |
| 11/13 | Clemson | W 31-21 |
| 11/20 | @ Maryland | W 31-17 |
| 11/27 | Florida | W 24-21 |
Bye Week: Before NC State, October 28.
Toughest Game: at Miami, October 9.
Key Conference Game: at Miami, October 9.
Season Hinges on… North Carolina, November 6.
The Why…
Why First?: Yes, we’re trying this again. I picked the ‘Noles last season without anticipating the spectacularly-awful defensive performances in Andrews’ last season at FSU. Without Ponder going down and even a decent defense, they could have pulled it off, and the case is the same in 2010. Their top rivals come to Tallahassee and the play split home/away their toughest Coastal opponents with a trip to Miami and back home with the Tar Heels. Fisher has the ‘Noles on track to be a top 3 offense in the ACC and among the best in the nation. Even with Ponder going down to a shoulder injury in 2009, FSU finished in the top 25 in passing offense and 28th in total offense. If the ‘Noles get a little – just a little more defense, they will take the Atlantic and compete for a conference title.
Could be lower if... The defense leaves the ‘Noles hanging and Ponder doesn’t recover well from his injuries.
Loading ...Are the Noles your favorite to win the Atlantic? Tell why/why not in the comments…
Previews So far…
Atlantic #6: Wake Forest
Atlantic #5: NC State
Coastal #2: Georgia Tech
Atlantic #2: Boston College
Coastal #5: Duke
Atlantic #4: Maryland
Coastal #3: Miami
Atlantic #3: Clemson
Coastal #4: UNC
Intro to the Countdown
