Florida State football, recruiting news: FSU atop preseason ACC rankings

Football:

Clemson is your reigning ACC and National Champion but the Seminoles are getting all the preseason love in ESPN’s first edition of ACC Power Rankings.

The offensive line is going to be tested early and often, but if it can provide a little time for quarterback Deondre Francois, the Seminoles should be as good as any team in the country. From returning superstars like Derwin James to brand-new ones like Cam Akers, this roster is loaded from top to bottom. The only problem is, FSU is going to play a lot of teams with loaded rosters, too, this season.

Wide receiver Auden Tate left practice with an undisclosed malady; while Matthew Thomas wasn’t spotted at all despite Jimbo Fisher’s earlier assertions.

The most hyped player in the country is also FSU’s secret weapon vs. Alabama.

Greg Mcelroy and David Pollack debate: Can Derwin James really win the Heisman?

If people think that FSU or Alabama can make the playoff regardless of whom loses this weekend’s contest; then where’s the drama?

Here’s everything you might’ve missed from Jimbo Fisher’s weekly press conference.

Alabama is a seven point favorite, too high, too low, or just right?

What do you think is FSU’s most likely record this year?

Jim Mcelwain has won back to back division titles yet there’s a referendum on Florida football this year. The pressure is on.

Recruiting:

In case you missed it; here’s how the various members of #Tribe18 & #Tribe19 did in their opening weekend match-ups.

Warren Thompson, the wide receiver committed to Oregon that keeps showing up to FSU, will be in Atlanta for FSU’s game vs the Tide. (VIP)

The visitor list for FSU-Alabama is loaded and growing.

FSU needs to get these seven recruits on campus this fall.

Alumni:

Xavier Rhodes is No. 82 in ESPN’s NFL top 100.

Rhodes’ five-interception 2016 campaign solidified that he could reliably match up on opposing No. 1 receivers. His physical presence and ample speed left opponents with no obvious weaknesses to exploit. Safety Harrison Smith’s take speaks volumes: "As far as covering guys all the way, man-to-man, I don’t think there’s anybody better." — Kevin Seifert

Demarcus Walker will be in attendance this weekend:

Meanwhile Jalen Ramsey is more than confident in his Seminoles and says Alabama is lucky that they haven’t faced FSU sooner: