Florida State football this year should be exciting! Clemson’s ACC dominance should at the very least be tested in 2023. Florida State finished the regular season 9-3 and capped off 2022 with a win over Oklahoma in the Cheez-It Bowl and they have pretty much everyone coming back. This team is set up to do big things this year.
No Jaimme Robinson, no prob
The Noles defense last year was stellar. They allowed fewer yards than both Alabama and Georgia, and was the best overall in the ACC. They’re losing their leading tackler with DB Jaimme Robinson heading to the NFL. It’s a loss but there are other tools in the toolbox.
As of right now, Tatum Bethune is coming back and looks to have a monster year. Fellow Linebacker Kalen DeLoach should be returning after a breakout year in 2022. Jared Vance and Patrick Payton will also be returning on the defensive line. This unit should still be the best in the ACC again.
Lighting up the State of Florida
Offensively, the Noles are prepped to have another big year. Second team all ACC quarterback Jordan Travis announced his return for a fifth year. Leading rusher Trey Benson will be back along with receiver Johnny Wilson. Not to mention 5-Star wide receiver Hykeem Williams who should contribute. This team last year led the ACC in every offensive category, including averaging over 200 yards rushing per game.
Best Case Scenario: 11-1
Florida State football will be tested early. By early I mean, the very first game. True, it’s in Orlando, but it’s a tall order. In the Camping World Kick Off Classic, the Noles will open up against Brian Kelly’s LSU Tigers. The defending SEC West Champs. So, as much as I like this Florida State football team, I can’t see them overcoming that.
I can however see them overcoming Clemson and Wake Forest. This year they have them both on the road, but best case scenario they win them both. That’s a tall order, but we’re talking best case scenario. The Noles have the talent and the coaching to run the table in the ACC. That should put them in a good spot to win the ACC overall.
I’m not a betting man but the Atlantic Division is 17-1 in Championship games when they held the traditional format. So, let’s assume it’s going to happen until it doesn’t.
Worst Case Scenario: 9-3
So, the loss to LSU is still figured into this one. We’re also looking at worst case. In that worst case scenario they drop to both Clemson and Wake Forest on the road. Had even one of those games been scheduled in Doak Campbell Stadium, I give the Noles the ‘W’. However, it’s tough to win in college football on the road. Granted Truist Field in Winston-Salem isn’t know for it’s intimidating nature, it’s still a hostile environment. Not to mention the fact that they are returning close to 20 starters to the team that handled the Noles on the road in 2022.
There is Hope in Tallahassee
Mike Norvell is building something in the Florida state capital. Both Miami and the University of Florida are still in flux, but the Noles are solid. The question of whether or not Norvell is the right coach for the job seems to be answered. He is a solid program, with a good group of young players and is recruiting in the top 20. That may not win you too many fans at Georgia, but in the ACC it’s saying something.
2022 was a breakout year for the program. Getting 10 wins was huge for Florida State football. If they follow it up with an ACC championship this year it will be a statement that Florida State football is back to relevancy. It’s also a huge bonus that they are moving forward while the rival Gators are still in a holding pattern.
Good Luck Noles! I will be watching you all year, cheering you on.
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