:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49797567/usa-today-8151381.0.jpg)
Football
- FSU checks in at No. 4 in Mark Schlabach of ESPN's latest top 25 rankings behind No. 1 Alabama, second-ranked Clemson, and No. 3 Michigan. The Seminoles return more players from last year than any of the teams above them in the list but the lack of a definite quarterback at this point casts some doubt in Schlabach's mind.
4. Florida State Seminoles
2015 record: 10-3, 6-2 ACC
Returning starters: 11 offense, 6 defense, 1 special teams
Key losses: CB Jalen Ramsey, DT Nile Lawrence-Stample, LB Reggie Northrup, LB Terrance Smith, FS Lamarcus Brutus, QB Everett Golson, K Roberto Aguayo
Post-spring outlook: With incumbent quarterback Sean Maguire sitting out the spring while he recovers from a broken ankle, redshirt freshman Deondre Francois gave FSU coach Jimbo Fisher plenty to think about heading into the summer. Francois completed 20 of 33 passes for 246 yards with two touchdowns and two picks in the spring game. Maguire started seven games during the past two seasons, but he'll have to hold off Francois in preseason camp to keep the job. Star tailback Dalvin Cook had surgery to clean up his right shoulder but is expected to be ready for the start of camp in August.
- ESPN Stats and Info paired Schlabach's new rankings with a horrifying statistic for each of the new top-25 teams. FSU's stat is staggering but not surprising.
Manageable third downs: Florida State won 10 games and reached a New Year's Six bowl for the fourth straight season in 2015, but the Noles did so despite struggling mightily on third down. Florida State ranked 81st in the FBS in third-down conversion percentage (37.7 percent) thanks to an average conversion distance of 7.8 yards to go, which was nearly a yard longer than the FBS average and ranked 115th nationally. -- J.S.
- Chris Vannini of Coaching Search takes a stab at projecting each College Gameday site for the 2016 season. After playing in no Gameday games last year, the Seminoles could very well return to the College Gameday fold in 2016, projected here to play in a pair of primetime showdowns.
Week 6 (Oct. 8): Florida State at Miami - It's a new era in Coral Gables with Mark Richt, and QB Brad Kaaya will give the Canes a chance in every game. FSU has won six straight in this series, and Miami hasn't beaten FSU at home since 2004 at the old Orange Bowl.
Week 9 (Oct. 29): Clemson at Florida State - This game has decided the last five ACC Champions. Both teams will likely in position for the College Football Playoff at this point in the year.
- ESPN's David Hale tweeted a pair of telling comparisons on the difference between FSU/Clemson and Miami with regard to booster support and success of the team.
Getting $$ numbers on Miami football is tough bc it’s a private school, but here’s another big diff w/FSU, Clem… pic.twitter.com/XRm6XGimz7
— David Hale (@DavidHaleESPN) June 7, 2016
Regarding those Miami-FSU-Clemson comparisons, here’s how much ground Canes have to make up: pic.twitter.com/NBXkVwv92x
— David Hale (@DavidHaleESPN) June 7, 2016
Recruiting
- FSU recently offered a pair of four-star 2018 recruits from Houston who happen to be brothers in running back/safety Jordan Moore and wide receiver/safety Joshua Moore.
Beyond blessed to receive an offer from Florida State University. #GoNoles pic.twitter.com/bWuRCjiinV
— Jordan moore⭐️ (@Jo_moore2) June 6, 2016
Blessed To Receive An Offer From Florida State University!!! #GoNoles pic.twitter.com/w51Gyrlcji
— ★JOSHUA MOORE★ (@_TheJoshuaMoore) June 6, 2016
NFL
- Matt Claassen of Pro Football Focus analyzes whether Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota will have a more successful sophomore campaign.
- Former FSU specialist Roberto Aguayo made it official on Tuesday, signing his contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Other Sports
- Florida State baseball shortstop Taylor Walls joined elite company on Tuesday when he was named an All-American by Baseball America.
Congrats, Taylor!
— FSU Baseball (@FSUBaseball) June 7, 2016
Walls becomes the 3rd FSU shortstop to receive 1st team honors (Stephen Cardullo & Dick Howser) pic.twitter.com/Kyb6d1yzAa
- Florida State basketball alum Malik Beasley experienced a setback in his preparations for the NBA Draft when he was recently diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right leg.
Malik Beasley coming off stress fracture surgery on his right leg. Won't be able to do team workouts. Just interviews.
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 7, 2016
- With the MLB Draft looming on Thursday, one major FSU baseball target who seems poised on attending college is among Jim Callis', writer for MLB.com, most undraftable first-round talents.
Drew Mendoza, 3B, Lake Minneola HS (Minneola, Fla.), No. 36. He's one of the best all-around hitters in the Draft and may be the toughest sign in this group. Clubs think negotiations will start at at least $3 million and aren't sure even that will be enough to pry him away from attending Florida State.