Predicting the 2017 College Football Playoff field
Florida State Seminoles
ACC, Projected Record: 12-1
Not many teams had the confidence-building capper to their seasons that the Florida State Seminoles had. Beating Michigan in the Orange Bowl was an impressive feat, especially with a freshman quarterback leading the way all season.
Florida State is losing some key players on offense such as Kermit Whitfield, Dalvin Cook and a couple of linemen, but Deondre Francois returns and sophomore running back Jacques Patrick could be the replacement in the backfield. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2016 and looks more than capable.
Derwin James could be college football’s next Jabrill Peppers, but even better on the defensive side of the ball. The sophomore safety missed most of the 2016 season with an injury, but was expected to be an All-American type of player. He should be healthy for the start of 2017, barring any setbacks, and could lead the Seminoles’ defense back to the top.
Other than DeMarcus Walker and Marquez White, the defense doesn’t lose anyone, as of yet. Walker will be replaced by FWAA Freshman All-American Brian Burns and Jalen Wilkerson.
As far as recruiting goes, the Seminoles reeled in the No. 4 class, according to Scout, in 2016 and currently have the 10th-best 2017 group, and it could improve by National Signing Day.
Francois will lead this team to a 12-1 record, losing to Alabama in the opener, and the No. 3 ranking in the playoff.