Florida State

The football program at Florida State University was hardly competitive before the arrival of legendary coach Bobby Bowden in 1976. Incredibly, the program has only suffered one losing season on his watch. The Seminoles have long dominated the ACC, winning 12 conference titles since 1992. In fact, the ‘Noles won 89 percent of their games during the 1990’s. This commitment to excellence is a product of the vision of head coach Bobby Bowden.

After a disappointing 7-6 record in 2006, the Florida State Seminoles will be a lot better this season. The primary reason is the addition of offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher. With 14 starters returning, the Seminoles have the experience and skill to cause serious havoc in the ACC Atlantic division. It remains unclear whether quarterback Drew Weatherford or Xavier Lee will lead the team under center. A difficult schedule that includes road games at Clemson, Wake Forest, Boston College, Virginia Tech and Florida will be tough to navigate through. Despite their offensive deficiencies last year, the defense was solid and should be again this season. The defensive unit is littered with future NFL players. The uncertainty at quarterback and rough schedule will make a conference title run unlikely. However, the Seminoles have the personal to beat anybody if they’re clicking.

Sep 3 - at Clemson, 8:00 PM

Sep 8 - vs. U-A-B, 6:00 PM

Sep 15 - at Colorado, 10:00 PM

Sep 22 - Open

Sep 29 - vs. Alabama, TBA

Oct 6 - vs. NC State, TBA

Oct 11 - at Wake Forest, 7:30 PM

Oct 20 - vs. Miami-Florida, TBA

Oct 27 - vs. Duke, TBA

Nov 3 - at Boston College, TBA

Nov 10 - at Virginia Tech, TBA

Nov 17 - vs. Maryland, TBA

Nov 24 - at Florida, TBA

Heading into his 32nd season as head coach, Bobby Bowden is a living legend in college football. Bowden is the winningest coach in Division 1-A history with 366 wins. His team has been a mainstay on top of the college football landscape, including national championships in 1993 and 1999. Bowden is an icon in the coaching world and deservedly so. At the age of 76, it is simply amazing that he continues to perform at such a high level. Bowden has the earned the right to leave on his own terms and will be patrolling the sidelines in Tallahassee for as long as wants.

Whoever lines up at quarterback will have a big receiving target in junior WR Greg Carr. He has the size to dominate smaller defensive backs. The loss of running back Lorenzo Booker to the NFL should be remedied by the emergence of RB Antone Smith. On defense, cornerback Tony Carter is a ball-hawking DB capable of forcing turnovers.