Tomahawk Nation: FanPosts

Off-Topic/Ongoing Discussion Thread #104

2013-05-16T14:42:35Z

You know the drill. If you have a off-topic comment or want to start a off-topic thread, please do it here instead of in an existing thread on another subject. If you have a non-recruiting question, ask it here.

This had to be done...

2013-05-13T17:32:21Z

Does Wiggins commit to the Seminoles?

For me, I'd love it... Recalling memories of the early 90's when I was a student... Last time (IMO) since the unquestionable national spotlight was on both of our football AND basketball programs.

If I could, I would tell him, "Make this alum, you're parents and Seminole Nation very proud by making Tallahassee your home during your college career."

Tomorrow, by the time the day starts here (pacific time zone), the suspense will be over.

BUT FIRST ...What is your prediction?

Does Wiggins commit to the Seminoles?

For me, I'd love it... Recalling memories of the early 90's when I was a student... Last time (IMO) since the unquestionable national spotlight was on both of our football AND basketball programs.

If I could, I would tell him, "Make this alum, you're parents and Seminole Nation very proud by making Tallahassee your home during your college career."

Tomorrow, by the time the day starts here (pacific time zone), the suspense will be over.

BUT FIRST ...What is your prediction?

4 Star Running Back Drew Harris to FSU?

2013-05-06T13:52:14Z

I saw some buzz on Twitter over the weekend suggesting FSU may land the #1 "prep school" running back in the land, and that he might even count toward the 2013 class and enroll this summer.

Drew Harris was a 4 star recruit in 2012 who signed with Virginia Tech.

Can't find anything concrete about why he didn't end up playing in Blacksburg (admittedly not looking too hard) but it appears he wasn't eligible to enroll in college, which probably explains why he didn't enroll in JUCO either, and instead spent last year at a prep school.

It seems Harris is still sorting through his eligibility with the NCAA, but it also appears that his recruiting is open, with FSU gaining serious ground. According to 247Sports, FSU offered him on Saturday, 5/4/2013.

Harris would be a huge get for FSU. He's a superior talent at running back who would also provide much-needed depth. As far as I know, if he passes the NCAA clearinghouse Harris would enter as a freshman with all four years of eligibility.

If anyone out there knows anything about this situation please share.

I saw some buzz on Twitter over the weekend suggesting FSU may land the #1 "prep school" running back in the land, and that he might even count toward the 2013 class and enroll this summer.

Drew Harris was a 4 star recruit in 2012 who signed with Virginia Tech.

If anyone out there knows anything about this situation please share.

Florida State Championship Rings

2013-05-05T21:40:28Z

Hello there when are we going to see the ACC championship rings along with the Orange Bowl Championship rings the Tomahawk Nation needs to see them as well as all the other Seminole Fans.We as fans of this championship team should see these rings because we earned them and should show them of just as other teams are doing. These players and coaches deserve the respect and honor they have earned.Jimbo did one hell of a job and told all of them if you work hard nobody can take it away and he meant nobody.

Report from Fisher's South Florida Booster Visit 5/4/13

2013-05-05T21:30:22Z

Here’s a little report from Jimbo Fisher’s Fort Lauderdale Booster visit last night. Nothing earth shattering to report, but I'm happy to pass on the info. Hopefully I don't ramble on too much, we'll see.

He was brought on stage with Jerry Kutz (from Seminole Boosters) acting as an interviewer. Here are some highlights from the night, as best as I can remember. This is probably out of order and definitely paraphrased, so if anyone was there as well, feel free to correct me or fill in some missing info:

*Started talking about all of the draft picks. Jimbo spoke about how impressive it was, how proud he was of his players and also how it is a great tool to use for future recruits. Even mentioned that he got calls from at least 14 recruits while he was in the green room. Jimbo spoke about people questioning how only 3 picks came from the offensive side of the ball. He reminded everyone that the offense was pretty young last year. There were only 5 draft eligible guys on offense and 3 of them got drafted. Offense was predominantly made up of sophomores with a few seniors and juniors mixed in.

*They then talked about the accomplishments from last year. Jimbo spoke about how important winning the ACC is for his football team. They needed to see what it felt like to win a championship. Spoke about how this team has never felt it and how they all really appreciated being ACC and Orange Bowl champs. Even mentioned how the players would not take off their ACC Championship hats. They just kept wearing them around campus.

* They then moved on to talk about the offense. He spoke about the QB situation briefly. Jimbo mentioned Coker’s ankle injury and how we never really saw his full game this spring and he expects good things from him in the fall, when he’s healthy. He said Winston had a tremendous spring, ate things up, highly intelligent. He’s the "real deal", a very special player, 6’ 4" 225 and makes a ton of plays. Then spoke a bit about how Maguire might have been the most improved player in spring. He’s coming from a wing T offense but he’s picking things up and has a big arm and a lot of ability.

* Receiving group is returning 6 of top seven. Spoke about how Rashad Greene is a very special player and great kid. Spoke about Dent playing well. And then said K Benjamin’s last 8 practices were great. He didn’t want to jinx him, but said the light really came on for him. He’s excited what he can bring.

*Then moved on to the defense. Jimbo spoke about the inside DL guys. Mentioned how even though we lost 2 good players, the guys that return probably made more plays last year. He then rattled off all the names of guys returning at DL and how much talent we have. Spoke about DEnds briefly, nothing really of note to report. Talked about Joyner returning, he called him the Energizer Bunny. Then discussed the other d-backs. Made a point of mentioning Darby and how he expects to see him walk across the stage in New York one day, as well as PJ Williams. Spoke about PJ being a big time player who could walk in NY as well. Then said don’t forget about Hunter, another very talented kid.

*The night then moved on to questions from the crowd. Someone asked if Jameis becomes the starter, will we see more running from him than with EJ last year, and would we see different formations like the pistol: Jimbo said something that I found interesting here. He said that this year is different because both Coker and Winston are similar players in that both can run the ball really well. So it is easier for him to game plan. He then said, last year EJ’s back-up was not as good a runner, so he had to game plan with that in mind. I’m sure I’m paraphrasing here, but I took it to mean if he spent the whole week practicing plays that take advantage of EJ’s legs and then EJ gets hurt, they would not be prepared when Tricket came in.

*Here’s another question/answer that I thought was interesting. He was asked about losing 2 strong South Florida recruiters (Gran and Coley) and replacing them with guys who are not as familiar with the area. Does he have a plan for South Florida? He said we need to remember there is someone on staff who spent his entire career recruiting South Florida. And that was Jimbo Fisher. He said he has over 20 years experience recruiting South Florida and it will always be a place that they will prioritize. Also spoke about Sunseri’s experience here.

Well that is all I can think of off the top of my head. Needless to say the Kool-aid was flowing freely last night and we were all gulping it down.

Off-Topic/Ongoing Discussion Thread #103

2013-05-02T18:00:35Z

Ok, let's crowd-source this...ACC divisions must be fixed

2013-04-29T22:36:51Z

Now that the ACC GOR has pretty much put an end to speculation about the ACC's future member lineup, it's time for the ACC to put all it's focus on maximizing revenue and improving its football brand. One of the most daunting tasks ahead of the ACC is improving on the current divisional allignment.

For FSU fans, divisional allignment usually revolves around one issue...the Georgia Tech game. It has never sit right with Noles that it rarely plays it's closest geographic rival, and the series had produced a lot of memorable moments prior to the divisional allignment. And some since.

But the FSU-GT situation is not THE problem, it's only a symbol of the problem. The current 14-team ACC allignment simply mandates too many sub-par or unappealing matchups be played every year, and too many valuable matchups to take place twice every twelve years. FSU-GT is the most visible to us, but it affects everyone.

Here are some of the matches that the ACC gets EVERY SINGLE YEAR:

BC-Clemson

BC-FSU

BC-NCSU

BC-WF

CU-SU

FSU-NCSU

FSU-SU

FSU-WF

NCSU-SU

SU-WF

VT-Duke

GT-Pitt

GT-UVA

GT-Duke

UM-UVA

UM-UNC

UM-Duke

UVA-Pitt

UNC-Pitt

Pitt-Duke

Now, that's not to say none of those will be good games, or that they will never be important games. All I'm saying is that there are at least 20 games that don't match up traditional opponents, close geographic partners, or traditional football powers. The ACC has too many games that are played every year that don't move the needle for fans or TV.

To make it worse, these are games that we will now see only twice every 12 years:

BC-Miami (History)

BC-Pitt (History/Geography)

Clemson-VT (Big Game)

Clemson-Miami (Big Game)

Clemson-UNC (History/Potential Big Game/Geography)

Clemson-Duke (Geography)

FSU - GT (History/Geography/Potential Big Game)

FSU - UNC (Potential Big Game)

FSU - VT (Big Game)

Louisville - VT (Geography. Potential Big Game)

Louisville - Pitt (History)

Louisville - UNC (Geography, Potential Big Game)

NCSU - Duke (Geography)

SU - VT (History)

SU - Miami (History)

WF - UNC (History, Geography)

Now, you can take issue with how I've qualified them, and you could make the case that some games on the first list are the equal of games on the second list. That's not the point...even if the games are equal value, it just isn't justifiable to play one every year, and another twice a decade.

Obviously, the SEC has the same mathematical problem, but it's not as bad due to the tight geographic nature of the conference and the fact that for the most part, even if you are "missing" a big game (Georgia-Alabama) it's replacement is often pretty darn good (UGA-USC). While some exist of course, there are just many fewer matchups that can't be justified by history, geography or Big Game potential. And the SEC isn't trying to improve it's football or increase it's appeal or drive up attendance like the ACC is.

So what is the solution? None that are a no-brainer. Here are the ones that I sometimes think about or hear discussed, with the pros/cons as I see them:

A) Switch GT and Louisville

Pros: Makes FSU fans happy

Cons: Does nothing for anyone else, possibly including GT who don't seem to care as much as we do. Doesn't solve the main problem at all.

2) Go to a 9-game conference schedule

Pros: Would allow the cross-division games to cycle through twice as quickly. B1G and PAC, two pretty well-run conferences, go this way.

Cons: Losing a home game is financially devastating for schools like FSU and Clemson, who the ACC needs to be in top form. Virtually impossible to accomodate any premier OOC games because four schools have untouchable OOC rivals, and five will be committed to play ND every year. The SEC, the most successful conference, has resisted this for a reason.

D) Go to a straight up North/South allignment

Pros: Hits a much higher percentage of geographically-attractive matchups, which is important for an attendance-challenged conference. Creates more "Big Games" in the South division. The B1G decided to go this way, after initially trying ACC-style divisions, even at the expense of balance.

Cons: Potentially woefully unbalanced, with the bulk of the ACC's modern national champs and traditional football schools and recruiting powers in the south. Would severely cut back the desparately needed exposure of the North schools to the recruiting hotbeds of the South.

Raycom) Go straight up North/South, eliminate the crossover game

Pros: Same as above, plus cycle through the opposite division twice as fast

Cons: Same as above, although the Southern exposure aspect could be slightly improved with two rotating crossover games

Chad Swofford) Expand with two more teams (UCONN/CINCI), set up pod scheduling

Pros: We could limit the "must play" games to three per school, which could cycle through the matchups much, much faster. Even adding two more "unnattractive" opponents, pod scheduling would not necessarilly mean schedules get worse. Conference semifinals at home stadiums could generate $. If the ACC Network can get coverage in every state, could add revenue.

Cons: Never been done successfully. Would need NCAA rules changes to do it (and probably wouldn't get support from other conferences stuck below 16). Would likely add two more football also-rans, something the ACC already has a corner on. Unless the ACC Network is successful beyond any reasonable projections, or ESPN REALLY gets behind this plan, difficult to see how adding two programs of this stature doesn't reduce per-team payout.

As you can see, none of these are a slam dunk. So, ACC big brains (that is what this conference is supposed to be known for, right?) there has to be a way that works better than this.

Perhaps, it is time to think well outside the box. Despite Swofford's recent triumphs, the ACC has never shown itself to be a thought leader in college football, basically chasing divisional allignment and conference networks only after the trail had been blazed.

Maybe this is the time. Maybe Tomahawk Nation is where it starts. Let's talk about some creative solutions, or variations on the options I've listed.

Here are some of the matches that the ACC gets EVERY SINGLE YEAR:

BC-Clemson

BC-FSU

BC-NCSU

BC-WF

CU-SU

FSU-NCSU

FSU-SU

FSU-WF

NCSU-SU

SU-WF

VT-Duke

GT-Pitt

GT-UVA

GT-Duke

UM-UVA

UM-UNC

UM-Duke

UVA-Pitt

UNC-Pitt

Pitt-Duke

To make it worse, these are games that we will now see only twice every 12 years:

BC-Miami (History)

BC-Pitt (History/Geography)

Clemson-VT (Big Game)

Clemson-Miami (Big Game)

Clemson-UNC (History/Potential Big Game/Geography)

Clemson-Duke (Geography)

FSU - GT (History/Geography/Potential Big Game)

FSU - UNC (Potential Big Game)

FSU - VT (Big Game)

Louisville - VT (Geography. Potential Big Game)

Louisville - Pitt (History)

Louisville - UNC (Geography, Potential Big Game)

NCSU - Duke (Geography)

SU - VT (History)

SU - Miami (History)

WF - UNC (History, Geography)

So what is the solution? None that are a no-brainer. Here are the ones that I sometimes think about or hear discussed, with the pros/cons as I see them:

A) Switch GT and Louisville

Pros: Makes FSU fans happy

Cons: Does nothing for anyone else, possibly including GT who don't seem to care as much as we do. Doesn't solve the main problem at all.

2) Go to a 9-game conference schedule

Pros: Would allow the cross-division games to cycle through twice as quickly. B1G and PAC, two pretty well-run conferences, go this way.

D) Go to a straight up North/South allignment

Raycom) Go straight up North/South, eliminate the crossover game

Pros: Same as above, plus cycle through the opposite division twice as fast

Cons: Same as above, although the Southern exposure aspect could be slightly improved with two rotating crossover games

Chad Swofford) Expand with two more teams (UCONN/CINCI), set up pod scheduling

As you can see, none of these are a slam dunk. So, ACC big brains (that is what this conference is supposed to be known for, right?) there has to be a way that works better than this.

Maybe this is the time. Maybe Tomahawk Nation is where it starts. Let's talk about some creative solutions, or variations on the options I've listed.

Lonnie Pryor would make an excellent tailback

2013-04-29T16:15:12Z

I'm not sure what scared off NFL scouts and coaches from drafting LP but if they had opened up their minds a bit maybe they could have seen the value for him at tailback. He came to FSU as a tailback, has great vision, excellent hands, can obviously block, and has good size. Why not draft him to play tailback, his size is perfect for an NFL tailback, plus you would get great pass protection from him, it's a no brainer. I should be a friggen NFL GM.

Is there any bowl the Noles can't play in?

2013-04-29T15:13:28Z

Some fan-boys and bloggers think that the contracts between the Pac-12 and Big Ten have shut the ACC out of the Rose bowl, and that the SEC / Big XII contract has shut us out of the Sugar and Cotton bowls, too... well, here's something to think about: because of the rotation of the bowls for semi-final games and the rule they put in place stating that no #3 or #4 seed should ever have home field advantage over a #1 or #2 (if it's possible to avoid it), that creates some interesting possibilities. Suffice it to say that it's possible for Florida State (or any ACC team who can finish in the top 10 or so) to play in ANY one of the "playoff" bowls. Hey, that might even be a good goal to achieve by 2025/26!

Here is the article I posted on my blog:

http://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2013/04/acc-teams-in-rose-bowl-etc.html

Poll

Besides the Orange, Peach and Sugar, which of the playoff bowls would yould like to see the 'Noles play in first?

Rose bowl

135 votes

Fiesta bowl

8 votes

Cotton bowl

22 votes

165 votes | Poll has closed

2013 NFL Draft Breakdown by College

2013-04-27T22:18:43Z

I couldn't easily find an overall breakdown by college (i.e. which college teams were the first to reach 2, 3, 4, etc. players drafted), so I made one.

Here is the sheet

So, which team had the best draft? Which teams made it to each number of players drafted first and when? Here are my tallies for the first five teams to reach each mark:

1 Player: Central Michigan (1), Texas A&M (2), Oregon (3), Oklahoma (4), BYU (5)

2 Players: Alabama (10), LSU (18), Oregon (20), Florida State (24), North Carolina (28)

3 Players: Alabama (11), Florida State (25), North Carolina (37), LSU (45), Oregon (46)

4 Players: Florida State (40), Alabama (61), LSU (67), Georgia (84), Florida (85)

5 Players: Florida State (42), LSU (69), Alabama (99), Florida (104), Georgia (134)

6 Players: LSU (95), Alabama (113), Florida State (154), Georgia (161), Florida (164)

7 Players: Alabama (137), LSU (138), Florida State (162), Florida (166), Georgia (188)

8 Players: LSU (142), Alabama (157), Florida (169), Florida State (177), Georgia (191)

9 Players: Florida State (180), LSU (194), Alabama (211)

10 Players: Florida State (206)

11 Players: Florida State (229)

Thoughts?