ACC Football: Top 5 teams that can win the conference in 2015
Let me guess, you’re shocked that I don’t have the Seminoles atop my list? Well, you shouldn’t be.
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Florida State, although loaded with top talent, is going to be extremely inexperienced this season. Losing eight starters on offense — including Dalvin Cook — and four on defense, the Seminoles have basically an entirely new squad from the one that went 13-1 last season with an appearance in the College Football Playoff.
Let’s take a look at the departing stars from last year’s squad. You have former Heisman winner Jameis Winston, solid backup running back Karlos Williams, the school’s all-time receptions leader Rashad Greene, suspended starting running back Dalvin Cook and the 2014 Mackey Award winner Nick O’Leary.
That basically diminishes the offense and leaves projected starter Sean Maguire with very little returning talent to work with. Oh yeah, and the entire offensive line has graduated.
The Seminoles did bring in some solid talent on offense via recruiting as wide receiver George Campbell and running back Jacques Patrick will look to make an instant impact.
As for the defense, it reloaded due to a solid recruiting class and a decent returning secondary.
I don’t think there’s any doubt the Seminoles will contend for the league title, but if the offense doesn’t click, it will fall short for the first time in four years.
Next: 1. Clemson Tigers