Schlabach's Way-Too-Early Top 25
3. Florida State Seminoles
If FSU fans needed another indication that Jimbo Fisher has the Seminoles headed back toward the sport's upper crust, it was delivered on national signing day. FSU signed the country's No. 1 class and there's more help coming for an improved defense. Quarterback E.J. Manuel played well as an emergency starter in 2010, and nine starters are coming back on both offense and defense. FSU has a favorable schedule -- it doesn't play Georgia Tech, North Carolina or Virginia Tech during the regular season -- and if it can defeat Oklahoma at home on Sept. 17 it might be a serious contender to win the BCS national championship.
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Was just about to make a post about this
#3? Seems a bit high for my likings. Hoping that the media doesn’t hype up FSU too much. Seems like they’re really setting up the Noles for immediate disappointment.
In Jimbo, We Trust.
Actually at #3, I have to retract that second statement and say they already have hyped the Noles up too much.
In Jimbo, We Trust.
So was I.
Man I am slow today. I am not sure about #3 pre season. Maybe if we beat Oklahoma. But I would rather start 8-15. If FSU starts in that range, and goes undefeated, they will be in the title game.
Roll Bass and War Ryno for me
Definately strange
I know our recruiting class was great and all, but they should seriously not impact this team, I hate how ESPN was acting like great classes can turn your program around in the first year. Very, very unlikely.
I agree
with all of the above comments. Not comfortable with all of this hype.
by Shooter McFrattin on Feb 4, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
We might be ranked to high but after Oklahoma I don't see a team favored against us.
Outside of Oklahoma I would have to say Clemson and Florida are our toughest teams and those teams are bringing in new coaching staffs while ours has been in place for a year and a half.
UF will likely be favoured over us
seeing as the game will be at the Swamp.
"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." Vince Lombardi
"We'll win games with talent, we'll win championships with character." Jimbo Fisher
How can you possibly say that with any certainty?
At this moment I’d say we should be favored. With six months of off season and 11 games before that one nobody has any idea who will be favored.
Some players move chains and some change numbers on the score board.
by Dr.KennethNoisewater on Feb 6, 2011 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
In the unlikely event that the stars align and we go undefeated
starting with this high ranking is huge. If Wisconsin or Michigan State went undefeated last year they would have had no shot at the title. Voters are very hesitant to move undefeated teams from the 5 major conferences down when they win. Even if we don’t deserve it, this ranking would make us one of four teams that probably control their own destiny for the title. How is that a bad thing?
by SDnole on Feb 4, 2011 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The team is still relatively young
I doubt they’ll live up to the hype.
Apologies for my negativity. The lost decade does that to ya.
In Jimbo, We Trust.
by NolefromPA on Feb 4, 2011 12:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Battered Booster Syndrome. We see it all the time here.
"My mistress is pooped, the reds have Oklahoma, and I'm going to bed."
-Hodge Podge, Bloom County
"In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. "
"In practice, there is."-Yogi Berra
Nothing Strange About This
Not because we disserve to be #3 but because ESPN is in the business of making money. #1OU vs. #3FSU two weeks into the season. ESPN is drooling… hell I am drooling. Talk about Ratings….
Don't like to see this either
We need a little chip on our shoulder this year.
Hype us when we beat OK.
The chips already there
I expect some smashmouth FB next year, this team wants to make a statement.
'see da broad ta get tha booty yackum, layem down smackum yackum...ho got ta be.... shiiiiiit!' 'early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise'
This is too high. FSU is laying the foundation for a dominant team with this recruiting class, but these guys will be freshmen.
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'11: Conference Champions?
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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seriously, our greatest talent will still belong to underclassmen
"FEAR is just the Opening ACT!!!" Coach Coley
I agree
Schlabach seems to be forgetting that most of these guys will see very little if any playing time. No reason to update preseason rankings after NSD. This seems more like a measure of momentum than anything else.
I think he is looking at it like this and I almost cant help to see it the same way
thought its a little scary to have such lofty expectations. If we totally excluded this year’s #1 class and just played the season with last year’s team excluding the graduating seniors we would still be favored in all the games except OU. Now add in a couple immediate impact guys like O’leary and Karlos, then factor in EJ preparing like he’ll take all snaps and the maturation of guys like Rhodes, Haulstead, Smith, Thompson among all the other underclassmen we get back. Sometimes I think we forget that we played well enough LAST year to win 12 games, not just 10 vs a stronger schedule than we will face this year.
by cerebralfish on Feb 4, 2011 11:45 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
agreed...i think that is exactly his thought pattern...and MAN do an want to beat OU into the dirt this year.
"What kind of addicting substance has Jimbo spiked the Tally water with?
It’s this new thing going around campus lately-I think it’s known by the term…"winning". I hear it’s really addictive and the real hardcore victory junkies can smell it from all the way across the nation."
by SmoothCrimiNole on Feb 4, 2011 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
*****and MAN do I want to beat OU into the dirt this year.
"What kind of addicting substance has Jimbo spiked the Tally water with?
It’s this new thing going around campus lately-I think it’s known by the term…"winning". I hear it’s really addictive and the real hardcore victory junkies can smell it from all the way across the nation."
by SmoothCrimiNole on Feb 4, 2011 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
I also forgot to mention the immediate impact of
Fahrenkrug and Tank.. Damn its nice to be a nole! My single biggest fear with our season next year is how we will deal with the mental hangover after a win or loss in that OU game. We rebounded well last year but expectations werent that high anyway with it being in Norman. A loss in that game this year will be a bigger obstacle to overcome mentally with our guys chomping at the bit to be recognized as elite and with the game being at home. The same could be said with a win too though. I mean a win in that game will put our guys in a media whirlwind of expectation that theyve never had to handle before. Our coaches really have to stress(and i’m sure they will) that it really is just another game and will not make or break our season.
by cerebralfish on Feb 4, 2011 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
What if.....
- FSU loses a tight game to #1 Oklahoma, then runs the table. Oklahoma then loses a game later, and there are no undefeated teams in college football. Would FSU still have a chance at a national championship because they started with such a high ranking?
Depends on a lot of things
If the SEC winner and a TX / OU / Oregon all have only 1 loss also I doubt it. Also if that one other team is OU, how late and how highly ranked a team they lose to will make a big difference. The ranking of our opponents in the ACCCG and how good of a season FU is having will play a part in it too.
One thing is for sure, we will definitely be in the conversation.
"When in doubt - SPEAR IT"
Coach Coley
Indeed. I love that FSU will be ranked highly. Guarantees a higher eventual finish no matter the on-field product. Writers vote to reinforce their pre-season notions.
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'11: Conference Champions?
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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Unless
we lose to Oklahoma in anything other than a well-played game that comes down to the end, in which case that #3 immediately becomes #13 or worse as people say “Same old FSU, preseason princes that can’t back it up on the field.” If we lose by 14 or more to OK, it won’t matter what our initial ranking was, whereas if we start where we finished last year (16) we barely drop with a loss to OK and jump 8-10 spots with a win, putting us directly into the BCS conversation.
if we get it handed to us like last year from OU, the last thing we need to worry about is rankings and BCS conversations...IMO
"What kind of addicting substance has Jimbo spiked the Tally water with?
It’s this new thing going around campus lately-I think it’s known by the term…"winning". I hear it’s really addictive and the real hardcore victory junkies can smell it from all the way across the nation."
by SmoothCrimiNole on Feb 4, 2011 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe national title talk
But the BCS conversations can continue. We were in the ACCCG last year and I expect to be there and win it this year regardless of the OU outcome.
"A prediction, in a field where prediction is not possible, is no more than a prejudice."
- Malcolm Gladwell
"The reason you can't play defense is because you can't."
- Jerry West
Dropping to 13 is still higher than we were at any point last season
So I’ll take a high ranking to begin the season. I’d rather drop from 3 to 13 than from 15 to not ranked.
"A prediction, in a field where prediction is not possible, is no more than a prejudice."
- Malcolm Gladwell
"The reason you can't play defense is because you can't."
- Jerry West
Agreed
"Fedor Emelianenko is the Baddest Mother F@@@@@ on the Planet!" -- Joe Rogan.
by Aaron Tampa Nole on Feb 5, 2011 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
Don't think we'd drop otu of the poll from 15
Drop down to 20-21, and we’d likely be top-ten by the end of the year if we won out. My point is, the higher they put us preseason, the further we have to fall, wheras if we start lower, we can still make up enough ground to be in the MNC conversation should we win out.
I'm not comfortable with this projection either but I understand it.
Even without this #1 recruiting class and just fielding last year’s team minus the graduating seniors wouldnt you still have us solid favorites in all games besides OU? I personally think we lose 2 games, one being OU and one being the random slip up in focus due to the youth vs a team we shouldnt lose to.
by cerebralfish on Feb 4, 2011 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Also is there any point at all in scheduling OU?
Personally I think its a risk not needed.
by cerebralfish on Feb 4, 2011 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Absolutely not
and it has been discussed on these boards many a times. Until we start scheduling like the Bama’s / UF’s / Texas’ of the world we will probably not win any Championships.
UF plays FSU and 3 cupcakes out of conference
Texas plays no one out of conference
Bama’s biggest rival is in conference so they schedule a mediocre OOC opponent and 3 cupcakes
We need to do the same, UF is already on our schedule so lets schedule 3 schools of the blind and put one of those games the week before UF (as they do to us every year) and we will have easier schedule to get to the NCG as well as enough of a strengh of schedule to get us there.
"When in doubt - SPEAR IT"
Coach Coley
Would the ACC let us put some FCS patsy the week before UF?
by Jonathan Loesche on Feb 4, 2011 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
How about Duke?
'see da broad ta get tha booty yackum, layem down smackum yackum...ho got ta be.... shiiiiiit!' 'early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise'
Excellent point. Get a Wake or a Duke or a UVA before UF and it is fine.
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'11: Conference Champions?
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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Might not have to
Edsall could very well run them into the ground with an assist from the administration.
That was a response to the suggestion that FSU play 2 major non-con games.
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'11: Conference Champions?
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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Yes, they must schedule around our non-conference slate. I believe FSU had the option to do this but declined this year because of when the ACC was going to place an important game.
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'11: Conference Champions?
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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Which important game? Did I miss a memo?
by Jonathan Loesche on Feb 4, 2011 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
I can’t go into detail on here out of respect for my source. Major conference game.
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'11: Conference Champions?
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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So there was absolutely no reason at all?
I mean whats the difference in financial gain for the university between playing an OU vs a cupcake? Is it substantial?
by cerebralfish on Feb 4, 2011 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
The people I speak with say no.
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'11: Conference Champions?
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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A small portion (way less than 10,000) of the ticket sales, right?
TV contracts are what they are.
And, I think you have to discount that single-game loss in revenue vs. the likelihood that you lose and thereby get knocked down a game come bowl selection time. If it’s the game that costs you a national title shot or BCS appearance, that is serious coin, even if spread across conference.
Dont forget
FSU made its reputation as the standard of performance BECAUSE it never backed down from these games. We take all comer’s your house or mine and we will whip you regardless. Believe me I recognize that there is no love in the BCS picture for scheduling the toughest teams in the country….unless we win…..but there is a pride and heritage issue. The Noles aren’t like the rest of the college football world. The Noles pave the road to the NC by stomping on any and all competition…especially the competition that we aren’t supposed to beat.
by Talonkarde on Feb 4, 2011 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
NO WAY is bragging rights worth dropping your odds of a NC by 75%.
I know that process is the focus, but I would really LOVE to see some results against UM and UF.
Braging rights over who?
If you win a NC you have bragging rights over everybody.
I would also like to point out that FSU wasn’t in a conference the same caliber as the ACC. We HAD to play those games because playing a bunch of cupcakes when we were independent or early in the ACC wouldn’t net us anything (think Boise St or TCU). However, now that we are in a BCS conference we don’t need those games.
I'm always proud that we have such a tough OOC schedule
but I bet Texas is pretty proud of that title they one. Just saying…
That is for the come up
When you are a team no one has even heard of that is what you have to do. But once you made it you play those little pesky brat programs on your own terms.
It will take a good amout of luck no matter what scheduling path we take.
Being a fan of great games, I love when we play elite comp. It’s not the smartest way to get to the title, but the hype surrounding big OOC game is invigorating.
It's how you build Greatness
Remember Bobby as the “River Boat Gambler”
FSU would play anyone anywhere. Travel to Neb and they won’t come to tally? No problem! That being said, I don’t think CJF will continue that trend quite as much. But who knows? If you believe in your kids, play anyone. At least until we get a playoff.
"Fedor Emelianenko is the Baddest Mother F@@@@@ on the Planet!" -- Joe Rogan.
by Aaron Tampa Nole on Feb 5, 2011 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
You have that backwards
If there is a playoff you don’t have to go undefeated so you can play whoever you want. But when you need to have 1 or less losses you schedule as many wins as possible.
by osceolafan2.0 on Feb 5, 2011 10:21 PM EST up reply actions
Don't forget immediate impact from Tank and Krug
Still agree that freshmen shouldn’t affect things this much, but we did address some of our greatest needs with JUCO.
Good piont
I didn’t even think about those two, and I think O’Leary and Los wil make some kind of impact.
'see da broad ta get tha booty yackum, layem down smackum yackum...ho got ta be.... shiiiiiit!' 'early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise'
true
I see the incoming freshman making an impact by becoming the special teams guys and our sophs that were there last year should be ready to take more snaps on O/D.
by garnetandgold on Feb 4, 2011 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
Another sometimes overlooked impact
is the incoming studs pushing our current players to step it up or step off the field.
'see da broad ta get tha booty yackum, layem down smackum yackum...ho got ta be.... shiiiiiit!' 'early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise'
Defensively we mature a whole bunch and it's with players that have been in the system for a year
I don’t think the #3 class is based on this year’s recruiting outside of fulfilling depth issues.
Agreed.
I think winning the BCS championship is a possibility, but a very small one. #10 still sounds about right to me.
"Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assault of thought on the unthinking."
- John Maynard Keynes
"We'll be here 'til midnight. We ain't not gonna practice."
- Jimbo Fisher
These analysts all know that FSU is going to back eventually
they just want to be the first to say “look see, I told you so, me so smart”. Herby’s been doing it for a while now and we’ve made him look pretty stupid.
by Shooter McFrattin on Feb 4, 2011 11:00 AM EST reply actions
that's why brando had us playing for title preseason...
it was a TOTAL LONG SHOT… but if he was right.. he looks like a genius
by garnetandgold on Feb 4, 2011 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
I think it's fine because of our schedule.
I expect to see significant improvement from last year in endurance, depth, understanding of the play book, WRs and even speacial teams. With an easier ACC schedule why wouldn’t people have us high in their poles? We play OU week 3 in Tallahassee, if we lose to the number 1 team in the country we go on to win a ton of games regardless. And if we win (has to be a pretty decent chance we win that game at home) then ANYONE who picked up higher then top 10 looks like a genius.
Someone else will set this (article) straight...meanwhile,
coaches need to get the kids mentally prepared for the upcoming season: shore up that defense and figure the TE position into the playbook.
Because right now: Seminole (fans) spirits are soaring and with that comes high expectations.
Trust me, this ESPN writer is not the only person who is making lofty predictions.
They have us too high, they have uf and um too low
No need to talk about us being too high, others will do that.
But as to UF, if our number one class, this year, is a reason to expect us to be really good, then UF’s number one class that is a year older is a reason to expect more from uf. Ditto for Miami and their number one class of 2008.
Both schools were supposed to be better, much better in fact, than they were this past season. And after years like that, you get a different approach in the offseason and in spring. Throw in a new staff that won’t be out to make friends, (Urban) but rather, look to kick some ass and things will go much better in both of these places. Not that that is what I’m hoping for but rather, that is what is realistic.
Think about how good many thought Miami would be in 2010. Huge disappointment BUT was that because the entire world overrated Miami talent? I tend to doubt it, personally. Now, who did UM lose off the 2010 team? Not much, Harris is the only underclassman but after that….they’ve got a lot back, seems to me.
Bailey is a loss at DE. At WR, Clankerson was over rated and is easily replaced. Their two big freshmen tackles will improve immensely (and they are immense!) and having Kehoe back to teach them is large, as well.
Think UF will be soooo much better on the chalkboard now on offense. Weis is a lardass, but he can teach the passing game. None of my acquaintances that yell for the gators believe this but Brantley will be a completely different guy with tubbo calling the shots. And they have plenty of defensive talent, hell, losing Will Hill was addition by subtraction!
But as to UF, if our number one class, this year, is a reason to expect us to be really good, then UF’s number one class that is a year older is a reason to expect more from uf. Ditto for Miami and their number one class of 2008.
Both schools were supposed to be better, much better in fact, than they were this past season. And after years like that, you get a different approach in the offseason and in spring. Throw in a new staff that won’t be out to make friends, (Urban) but rather, look to kick some ass and things will go much better in both of these places. Not that that is what I’m hoping for but rather, that is what is realistic.
Agreed. UF should be top-15 easily. Can make an argument for top-10. I think UF should be favored at home.
Think about how good many thought Miami would be in 2010. Huge disappointment BUT was that because the entire world overrated Miami talent? I tend to doubt it, personally. Now, who did UM lose off the 2010 team? Not much, Harris is the only underclassman but after that….they’ve got a lot back, seems to me.
Bailey is a loss at DE. At WR, Clankerson was over rated and is easily replaced. Their two big freshmen tackles will improve immensely (and they are immense!) and having Kehoe back to teach them is large, as well.
Disagree on Clankerson. He was their only good receiver this year. But yeah, they should be good in 2011 before a likely 2012 dropoff.
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'11: Conference Champions?
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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Clankerson looked unstopable in the Senior Bowl
with Ponder throwing to him.
"When in doubt - SPEAR IT"
Coach Coley
Maybe he was just bad against us?
I do tend to judge players by how they did against us (if they are um/uf guys) or how our guys did against them. Probably due to my age and the heavy amount of importance I place on those two games every year.
He had a chance to keep the drive going against us on a third down, when they kicked the FG to make the score 31-17. If um scores a TD there, who knows?
Think he had about three drops total against us that night, thus my name for him. Clankerson.
They have nothing on their roster that can replace what Hankerson did to bail out their QBs.
by TuckNole on Feb 4, 2011 2:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Couldve been Harris
His QB, but he did have some drops. Kind of reminded me of Fortson, great one play, crap the next.
by NoleySmokes on Feb 4, 2011 4:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Hankerson & the rest of the Miami WR were getting **THUMPED** last year.
Not many college Receivers could take a beating like that & not be affected.
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Talent-wise they are top 10 but
in order for them to be a legit top 10 team you would have to think a new coaching staff could take a non-existent offense and turn it into something in one off-season with no stability at QB. Seems like a stretch to me. I think UF is more of a top 20 than top 10 due to all the changes, not to mention I thought they even lose some big impact guys on the defensive side too. Still they will be tough in the swamp.
by cerebralfish on Feb 4, 2011 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
They were very poorly coached last year.
'09: 8th in offense, 88th in defense. 7-6 (4-4)
'10: 7th in offense, 41st in defense. Division Champions. 10-4. (6-3)
'11: Conference Champions?
Tomahawk Nation: Nole-Holds-Barred Analysis of FSU Sports!
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agreed but it takes more than one off-season
for even the best coaches(Saban) to turn it around in my opinion.
by cerebralfish on Feb 4, 2011 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
Every situation is unique
They have the talent, so it’s not like they need multiple years to recruit. This spring will be the deciding factor – it will come down to how well the players pick things up.
Let me suggest
Terry Bowden went into Auburn in 1993 and won 20 straight football games.
My guess is, Florida’s talent base this year, will me much better than Terry’s was, at Auburn then. Further, it would be my belief that Weis is a better offensive mind than was Terry (who was essentially the OC for AU then).
It can be done, because it has been done.
I think the most important element will be the intangibles, the attitudes of players getting ready, etc.
by Sobering on Feb 4, 2011 1:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I see 4 probable losses for UF already
LSU, Bama, USCe, and FSU. Weak division or not, I’m not sure if they will win more than 8 games.
"A prediction, in a field where prediction is not possible, is no more than a prejudice."
- Malcolm Gladwell
"The reason you can't play defense is because you can't."
- Jerry West
Don't count out UGA either
They may just have enough this next year to pull one off on the Gators
2010 served notice that the flame is getting hotter, the spears are sharpened, the drums are getting louder, and Renegade is getting restless. Look out nation, the Noles are coming back and were not settling for the ACC, we want it all!
by PTCNole on Feb 4, 2011 1:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
For every Terry Bowden situation
where a coach has excelled greatly his first year there are 30 Saban situations where it takes at least a year to get things rolling. The Terry thing is a definite exception to the rule. Although you are right that UF’s talent is better and even their OC is better, but I would bet my life a 9 win season is BEST case scenario for UF next year and 8 is much more realistic.
The big difference in FSU vs UF and Miami
is consistency at QB. That is HUGE and we have it. Also I dont think Schlabach based his poll on our dominant in-coming class as much the fact that we return almost an entire team that played well enough to win 12 games this past year, not just 10 and will face a weaker schedule this year. The 2 games we shouldve won were against teams we wont even face this year or teams who lose their all everything guy(Nc state/Wilson). I agree its uncomfortable to have those expectations to meet but we were a missed routine FG and a fluke fumble away from the top 10 this year. Now add immediate impact guys like Los and O’leary and I understand the ranking.
by cerebralfish on Feb 4, 2011 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
We also played poorly enough to be 6-5...
almost an entire team that played well enough to win 12 games this past year, not just 10
…instead of 8-3. It is easy to see where we could have won against NCSU and UNC; but Boston college and Clemson could have just as easily been losses. Tossing a coin, 8-3. The ball bounces right every time, 10-1. All goes against us, 6-5. Probability in action.
Dogs bark in the night but the caravan moves on.
by fmnole on Feb 4, 2011 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Anytime we start in or around the top 10
I get extremely nervous. I love the Noles, but anytime we get high like this, it just heats up the media if we fail. I’d rather be a sleeper at this point, than have people expect a championship.
"If you don't have the good sense to know it's "y'all", then there isn't a thing I can do to help you, except pray God will have mercy on your soul."
by JustLikeYouOnlyPrettier on Feb 4, 2011 11:20 AM EST reply actions
I've always liked Schlabach
He loves Bowden but doesn’t dislike Jimbo at the same time like some of these others that just didn’t get it.
My favorite article of his was his love to hate article before 2009 season.
The other part that justifies this ranking is that raw hunger we have to be great. The same hunger Bama this past season. Jimbo won’t let us get complacent with these rankings.
that's a big diff with this regime
High rankings used to me unprepared players playing let down games.
I don’t see Jimbo letting that happen.
by garnetandgold on Feb 4, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
Well it has happened on Jimbo's watch
but there is only so much a coach can do with the amount of young guys and I think our coach is one of the top 3 coaches in the country at preparing his team mentally. The game i was referring to was that UGLY Boston College game that was a picture perfect example of a let down game.
yea...
i think a lot of that has to do with relying on young guys…
they’ll be less susceptible to that as they mature
by garnetandgold on Feb 4, 2011 1:11 PM EST up reply actions
The cool thing about our struggles last year
Is that most all of these players experienced them together. We are returning all that tough tight game experience. They are already battle-tested in let down games. I said it last year, the BC and NCST games would do more for the 2011 squad than any other game we played. They learned how to win together and they learned how little things can lose a tight one. I bet they draw from those two games a bunch this year.
2010 served notice that the flame is getting hotter, the spears are sharpened, the drums are getting louder, and Renegade is getting restless. Look out nation, the Noles are coming back and were not settling for the ACC, we want it all!
by PTCNole on Feb 4, 2011 1:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think they look at how Saban/Bama and Auburn/Chizik turned it around so fast
with great recruiting classes and assume FSU should do likewise, especially in the ACC. Robert Smith has us at #2 I think.
I don't mind this too much just because we have to play OU the 3rd week of the season
It’s great for the team confidence that they are being regarded as great and we all know Jimbo and Co. won’t let them get complacent. The fact that we got completely destroyed by OU last year when our team was riding on a fake high coming off a victory over a cupcake is still fresh in the teams mind and I am sure they will be ready this time around. Sure it will be a tough game but I don’t expect us to lay an egg like last year, and eve if we lose it will be to the #1 team in the country that is predicted by everyone to win it all. Not to mention that if they go undefeated and we only lose to them, there is a chance that we could play again for it all at the end of the season.
"When in doubt - SPEAR IT"
Coach Coley
I don't see where it matters
It’s still gonna be up to us to put our team on the field and play. If we win we win if we lose we lose, what we are ranked has nothing to do with the outcome of the game. I am very excited by this team, I see a fire and hunger that has been missing for a long time. I’m not saying this new class will have much of an impact, because I doubt it will. Our WR’s starting getting a lot better towards the end of the season and, I think they will continue to develope next year esp. since they are gonna have some serious comp. from KB and RG. The defence is coming around, so I think people might be suprised by the Noles next year.
'see da broad ta get tha booty yackum, layem down smackum yackum...ho got ta be.... shiiiiiit!' 'early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise'
I specially like the WR's from last years class that will be contributing this year
Smith and Haulstead started to come through at the end of the year and that helps to slide Bert back to the slot where he is comfortable. Last years guys will also be getting a chance to show us that talent that the coaches were raving about on signing day 2010.
Our defense should improve even more, specially now that we have more number along the trenches to keep them fresh as well as another year in SC program to get bigger. Not to mention Carradine (sp.), I think he will be a beast.
Our main hurdle next year is our schedule.
"When in doubt - SPEAR IT"
Coach Coley
I'm guessing Bert's going to have so
2010 served notice that the flame is getting hotter, the spears are sharpened, the drums are getting louder, and Renegade is getting restless. Look out nation, the Noles are coming back and were not settling for the ACC, we want it all!
by PTCNole on Feb 4, 2011 1:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I'm guessing Bert's going to have some
Stiff competition for that slot position this year. He has been inconsistent to say the least.
2010 served notice that the flame is getting hotter, the spears are sharpened, the drums are getting louder, and Renegade is getting restless. Look out nation, the Noles are coming back and were not settling for the ACC, we want it all!
by PTCNole on Feb 4, 2011 1:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Inconsistent...
…but still as as talented as any WR not named Smith or Greene on the team.
by TuckNole on Feb 4, 2011 2:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
He just needs to leave the buttersticks at the house.
He had too many drops, but when he did catch it, he looked good.
by NoleySmokes on Feb 4, 2011 4:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think he's including SOS
At 10-2, FSU is a top 10 lock. 11-1 and we are Top 5 lock. All of those SEC teams have a much tougher road than the Noles this year. I could see FSU sneaking into Nat’l title game this year and getting beat pretty soundly by an Alabama-type team. Reminds me of UF in ‘95 when they didn’t deserve to play against Nebraska and got shellacked and then came back in ‘96 to win the title (of course they didn’t deserve that title, FSU should have never agreed to a rematch, but I digress.)
Worst team to make it to a title game?
Nebraska in 2001. They never had a chance, Miami had their 2nd string in the 1st quarter.
"When in doubt - SPEAR IT"
Coach Coley
Agreed
Isn’t Eric Crouch selling insurance or something?
I'd rather be number 1.
The higher we start, the higher we’ll be if/when we lose.
"A prediction, in a field where prediction is not possible, is no more than a prejudice."
- Malcolm Gladwell
"The reason you can't play defense is because you can't."
- Jerry West
I think #3 is high
I think a 10-2 regular season is my upper level of optimism. I guess an ACC championship and a BCS bowl win could put you at #3 depending on how everying else plays out, but it just seems high. I think of #3 as a national title contender, and I don’t have those aspirations for us next year yet.
I think the person is right who said some writers want to “call it” before anyone else.
If there’s a precedent, I’m thinking maybe you look at what OU did in 2000. I think they came off a 4-loss season the year before, but there were still signs of life in the program that hadn’t been there in a long time. They jumped straight from there to a national title.
You could see a similarity there to us I guess, but I still think it’s unlikely.
True. I’ve seen some people compare Meyer’s 2nd year to what we may do in 2001. However, people forget that team was loaded from Zook’s recruiting, especially on defense
by Jonathan Loesche on Feb 4, 2011 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
10-2 is and national title contender IMO.
"A prediction, in a field where prediction is not possible, is no more than a prejudice."
- Malcolm Gladwell
"The reason you can't play defense is because you can't."
- Jerry West
How many two loss teams were considered contenders last season?
Bama, LSU, and Oklahoma were all considered title contenders in November and they all lost 2 regular season games. I think it depends on when you lose those 2 games. For instance, if we lose to OU by 7 but win the next 10 and head into Hogtown 10-1, I think we would be considered a contender. If we lose to UF by 3 that doesn’t mean we weren’t contenders late in the season and justified for being in the preseason discussion.
"A prediction, in a field where prediction is not possible, is no more than a prejudice."
- Malcolm Gladwell
"The reason you can't play defense is because you can't."
- Jerry West
I don't think anybody seriously considered either team a NC contender after their 2nd loss.
A lot of teams would have to lose an extra game or two for them to be considered.
In your scenario we wouldn’t have been considered contenders after our second loss. Yes, a 1 loss team would be considered but you are almost assuredly out of it after the 2nd loss.
I get what he is saying
You can end up 10 2 and out of the discussion in the last month but teams like Bama, LSU and OU where in the discussion for most of the season and it was not until the second loss they where out of it. If FSU loses close to Oklahoma and runs the table until fu they will be in the discussion even if they end up lossing the fu game or the ACCCG.
High Expectations
There are high expectations that EJ will have to live up to, as good as he is. Would rather the pressure not be there, but clearly it wil be. I don’t really agree with his top five. Placing OK at the top means that he expects OK to beat FSU – in which case, I do not believe FSU would end up in the #3 spot.
Pressure will be the same
no matter where we are ranked. We still have to play. The higher we are ranked at the begining of the season gives more room if we lose a game or two.
'see da broad ta get tha booty yackum, layem down smackum yackum...ho got ta be.... shiiiiiit!' 'early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise'
look at what we have for SoS
We are looking at a 10+ season easy. We should only lose no more than 2 games next season. At the same time OU should be the hardest game but whats not to say we cant hang with them. Also look at everone elses SoS. Bama and OU are good teams but could lose more games.
Dont get sucked up into this also. We do not need to look at going for the NC next year. If it happens then thas great. IMO I think winning the OB is the next goal. We should expect to win the ACCCG but getting to the OB and winning is the goal. Then we can go for the NC in 12 and 13. If we push to much we will fail and everyone will think maybe we are not back and bla bla bla. Keep the goal small and hopes big.
Why is the sky blue? Because, God Loves the Infantry
They can rank us
anywhere we want, we will know were we deserve to be Sept 17th.
i'll take a top 5 preseason ranking every year, thank you very much
this HELPS. it will help in recruiting 2012 kids at camps this spring and summer. it will help w/our final ranking next season. it will help w/a possible mnc berth or an at large bcs berth. we didn’t finish in the top 5 14 years in a row or win 2 national championships by starting as a top 10-20 team every year and working our way up.
by nole country for old men on Feb 4, 2011 1:13 PM EST reply actions
I don't see how this could possibly be bad.
If we start off 2-0 and get blown out against OU, we likely drop to around 12-17 at the lowest. Which would put us in great position to be able to climb the polls again. If we start off around 12-15 and get blown out by OU we likely drop out of the polls and it would take some work to get us back. Who cares if we are deserving or not, starting this high puts FSU in a great position to have a big year. Sure expectations will be high, but with success comes expectations. The expectations were bound to come sooner or later. This team is young and probably not ready, but if we can get past OU a high preseason ranking will put us in terrific position, regardless if we deserved the preseason ranking or not.
I agree with almost everybody above.
I love the fact that we are starting to get recognition, but 3 is too high. I would rank us somewhere between 10-15.
3 is not too high.
no preseason poll is correct. but no1 i mean no1 should complain about us being too high. ill take #1. IT DOESNT HURT EVER. it helps if u have a great coaching staff to distract players away from your ranking
Regardless of what the pre-season stuff is saying,
I don’t think the AP has the balls to rank us a top 5 team to start 2011. If anything, this just moves us up a few spots from the 12-15 mark to the 8-11 mark.
by FSUActuary on Feb 4, 2011 2:27 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Agree
I do think we will start the season 6 or 7 though but I think we will have one of the biggest spreads with a ton of voters having us 3 to 5 and a ton 11 to 16 and very little where we actually wind up.
6 OR 7 would be fine
If we started at 6 or 7 we would prob. 5 or 4 by the time we played OK because, UGA-Boise LSU-OR play before that game and would likely be ranked ahead of us.
'see da broad ta get tha booty yackum, layem down smackum yackum...ho got ta be.... shiiiiiit!' 'early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise'
Not UGA ranked ahead
'see da broad ta get tha booty yackum, layem down smackum yackum...ho got ta be.... shiiiiiit!' 'early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise'
Win shares
I have us at 9.61 wins. If someone doesn’t have us top 5, tell me what 5 teams you have with a better total.
by TuckNole on Feb 4, 2011 2:43 PM EST via mobile reply actions
AND a comparable schedule
Though a few should likely be in there due to a tougher schedule than us. But this brings back the age old debate of whether we are ranking record or power
I like the high ranking only because
of what it does long term. Say we lose early on – we dont drop that low, and if we have a good season we finish the season ranked relatively high (because of the preseason high rank) which eventually ends up helping us out in 2012. Its all related, so Ill take the higher ranking when I can get it – would love to play a solid game against OU
Starting to think
that keeping EJ healthy should be a top priority. Didn’t he miss the last two spring practices due to injury? I don’t think we can afford to have him miss a few games the way Ponder did.
by devnole on Feb 4, 2011 4:51 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
Depth should help create blow outs so we can sit him more. Fisher will still need to run him though as that’s part of his game.
Marketing. Does ESPN get the OU - FSU game?
Don’t underestimate the marketing for a #1 vs. #3 match-up early in the season. Viewership is The Prom Queen … and ESPN courts her well.
A Texan humbles himself before God; there the list ends. - Gen. S. Houston
I'd say ABC Night game
with Miami OSU either on ESPN at night or ABC during the afternoon (3:30).
"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." Vince Lombardi
"We'll win games with talent, we'll win championships with character." Jimbo Fisher
we will no matter what
be the night game. this game will be huge. your talking about a bottom 10 outside 10 OSU team playing a non ranked miami, will not get the night slot
people would rather we start of lower?
Why? It’s not like being ranked lower is going to take any in-game pressure off of anyone. Team may as well expect to play and be regarded as elite.
"Are they ranking us too high?"
Is a FANTASTIC problem to have.
"Fedor Emelianenko is the Baddest Mother F@@@@@ on the Planet!" -- Joe Rogan.
by Aaron Tampa Nole on Feb 5, 2011 10:09 AM EST reply actions
Depends on what we're basing rankings on.
Talent-wise we should be somewhere between 10 and 16 or so, but as others have said I think a very realistic goal is 10-2, ACC champs, BCS bowl game. I suppose if that happens we’d finish the season ranked in the top 5 or 6 depending on what happens in the bowl game.
I don’t think the hype is a bad thing. No intelligent FSU fans are being set up for disappointment because we know what our team will be. The media will be happy to tear us down if we don’t live up to their unrealistic expectations in 2011, but they also have a very short memory so it really won’t have any long term effects.
by Dent Street Nole on Feb 5, 2011 11:23 AM EST reply actions
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