NCAA FOOTBALL 2013/2014 GUIDE by BOOKIESHUNTER.

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My TOP #40:
OFFENSIVE FORMATION: Multiple Pro Set DEFENSIVE FORMATION:3-4 STARTERS RETURNING (O/D): 6*/7 LETTERMAN RETURNING: 48 (23,23,2) LETTERMAN LOST: 22 (11,9,2) PLAYING SURFACE: Grass CAPACITY: 101,821 STADIUM: Bryant-Denny Stadium

#1 Alabama ALABAMA QUICK FACTS LOCATION: Tuscaloosa, Alabama FOUNDED: 1831 COLORS: Crimson & White ENROLLMENT: 30,000 MASCOT: Big Al CONFERENCE: SEC HEAD COACH: Nick Saban YEARS W/TEAM: 7th Year OVERALL RECORD: 159-55-1 RECORD WITH TEAM: 68-13

POSITIONS: QUARTERBACKS: - Greg McElroy left after '10 (#7DC) after throwing for 2,987 (71%) and a schl record 20 td's. AJ McCarron (PS#9) hit 30-48-389-3-0. In '11 Saban did not announce the st'r prior to the year and in fact, McCarron and rFr Phillip Sims split snaps in the opener with both tossing 2 int's. Saban awarded the job to McCarron. For most of the ssn he was a gm manager and threw for 2,634 (67%, 16-5). He had the 3rd longest streak without an int (152) in schl history (Brody Croyle 190, Jay Barker 155) and became the first underclassman to guide his team to a BCS National Title. McCarron had a big title game vs LSU and Sims transferred to Virginia. McCarron was in the Heisman race late in the ssn LY and improved to 2,933 (67.2%, 30-3, #1 FBS pass eff). Blake Sims (no relation, 6'0" 202 Jr, PS#40) played in 10 (5-10-77). RFr Phillip Ely (PS#21) played in 6 hitting 3-4-42. McCarron had 291 passes w/o an int (2nd longest SEC hist) and already holds the schl td record with 49 (John Parker Wilson 47). He will be a Heisman contender and should have his best season yet as a senior. RUNNING BACKS: - Bama keeps churning out NFL caliber RB's. Mark Ingram rushed for a schl record 1,658 (6.1, 17 td, #3 rec) in '09 and won the Heisman. There was little dropoff when true frosh Trent Richardson came in (751, 5.2). Ingram missed the first 2 of '10 (knee) and topped 100 just twice (875, 5.5) while Richardson added 700 (6.2). RFr Eddie Lacy (PS#27) was the top rusher in the bowl finishing w/406 (7.2). In '11 Richardson (475 bench) tied a UA record with 6 str 100 yd gms (Shaun Alexander, '99) and broke Ingram's record with 1,679 (5.9). Lacy had 365 (8.9) in his first 4 but was inj (toe turf) and finished w/674 (7.1). Jalston Fowler (PS#39) was #3 (385, 6.9). LY they lost Richardson (#1DC CLE). It was next man up and Lacy and TJ Yeldon became the first ever duo of RBs to each top 1,000 here. Yeldon's 111 yds vs Mich were the most by a Tide frosh in his debut and he finished w/1,108 (6.3). Kenyan Drake (PS#31) had 281 (6.7) as a true. QB/RB Blake Sims rushed for 187 (6.2). Fowler was OFY after 2 (85, 7.7) and Dee Hart (5'9" 187 So, PS#10, split DB/ RB spg '13) was also OFY after 5 gms 88 (4.2). Even with Lacy off to the NFL (#2DC GB, 1322, 6.5), this unit could be just as good as they add in PS#1 Derrick Henry (broke leg in spg) and Yeldon is clearly the next great Bama back. RECEIVERS: - Julio Jones (PS#1) set UA single ssn marks in '10 for rec (78) and rec yds (1133, 14.5) topping DJ Hall ('06). In '11 Jones was a #1DC and Marquis Maze (#2 '10, 557, 14.7), was #1 w/627 (11.2) while HB Brad Smelley was #2 (356, 10.5). LY they lost their top 4 rec's and the leading returnees were Kenny Bell (PS#32, 255, 15.0), TE Michael Williams (191, 11.9) and Kevin Norwood (190, 17.3). Bell missed the L/2 gms w/a broken leg but was still #3 w/431 and a 25.4 ypc (#6 in rec's). True frosh Amari Cooper (PS#33) was the closest they'd come to Julio Jones in 2Y and he led with 1,000 (16.9) breaking the td rec record with 11 (Al Lary, 10 '50). Norwood was #2 (461, 15.9) including 3 str rec's late vs LSU with 2 difficult grabs on the sideline keeping a foot in bounds to move the chains. Soph Christion Jones added 368 (13.6). Not in the PSL are Danny Woodson (6'1" 195 So, PS#23) who was susp and is ? for '13 and Marvin Shinn (6'3" 198 So, PS#14) who is mulling over a transfer. TY they lose TE Michael Williams (14 st, 183, 7.6, #7DC DET) but add in 5 VHT frosh (incl PS#1, #3, #9) and have their best unit s/Julio Jones' 2010 unit.

OFFENSIVE LINE: - The Tide should be hoping for results similar to '09. In '09 they had to replace 3 st'rs incl a 1st Tm AA C and a 1st Tm AA LT but surprisingly improved to 215 ypg rush (5.0, 20 sk). The Tide has actually improved its ypc rush now for 6 str yrs going from 3.5 in '06 all the way up to 5.6 LY (see pg 49). LY I called this unit the best OL in the country and they lived up to that billing, especially in the final 2, dominating Georgia and ND at the line. That '12 group had to replace a 1st Tm SEC C but had 95 car sts back. TY the losses are very similar to '09 as they must replace a 1st Tm AA C in Barrett Jones (#4DC STL), 1st Tm AA LG Chace Warmack (#1DC TEN) and 2nd Tm AA RT DJ Fluker (#1DC SD), a comb 126 car sts. They drop down to 39 car sts back and while this will still be one of the premier OL's, I will call for a stop to their streak of ever improving numbers. DEFENSIVE LINE: -Alabama allowed just 72 ypg rush (2.4) with the team recording 30 sks in '11. If you take away the game vs GA Sthrn where their banged up D-line was unmotivated vs an FCS foe that ran the option, they allowed just 53 ypg rush (1.8!). LY they had to replace a 2nd Tm SEC NT (#5DC) and his bkp (23 tkl, 4.5 sk). They had 2 ret st'rs incl Jesse Williams (PS#6JC, 600 bench!). Bama allowed just 76 ypg rush (2.4) and the team increased the sks to 35 (DL had just 13). TY they lose DE Damion Square (14 st, 33 tkl, 3.5 sk), NT Williams (13 st, 37 tkl, #5DC SEA), Quinton Dial (22 tkl, 5 tfl, #5DC SF) and DJ Pettway (8 tkl, 2.5 sk). They did not have a dominating pass rusher LY but it won't be a surprise if one emerges. You know Saban will have one of the top D-line's, but this unit has one ret st'r vs 2 from a yr ago. LINEBACKERS: - The Tide had inexp'd LB units in '08, '09 and '10. In '11 they finally had an exp'd group and that unit spearheaded what was by far the best D in the country (7.1 ppg vs FBS). LY they had to replace their #1 tkl'r (#1DC), #3 tkl'r (#2DC) and 2 bkps (8 st, 46 tkl). They did return their #4 and #7 tkl'rs and still only all'd an outstanding 10.9 ppg. 1st Tm AA CJ Mosley (PS#15) was named the Tm MVP (#1 tkl'r, 4 sks, 4 tfl). Trey DePriest (PS#7) was a distant #2 w/59 tkls (48 less) while Adrian Hubbard (PS#29) was #7 (41 tkl). TY they are back to having an exp'd unit with the only loss being Nico Johnson (5 st, #3 tkl'r, #4DC KC). This is the best LB corps in the country. DEFENSIVE BACKS: -In Saban's first season at Bama they only finished #40 in my PDR. He spends a lot of time coaching DB's and is normally harder on the secondary than any other unit. They improved to #17 in '08 and #2 in '09. In '10 they had to replace 3 st'rs (#1, #2, #7DC's) and 5 bkps (comb 17 st, 112 tkl). They still finished #3 in my PDR (52%, 12-22) with SS Robert Lester having 8 int (#2 FBS). In '11 I called it the best secondary and they finished #1 with their 4.3 ypa all'd being the lowest in NCAA history! LY they had to replace two #1DC's, a #5DC and a bkp (20 tkl). I said it reminded me of the '10 unit and they finished nearly at the same spot at #5 (54.7%, 8-18). TY they lose 1st Tm AA CB Dee Milliner (12 st, 54 tkl, 2 int, 20 pbu, #1DC NYJ) and 2nd Tm SEC Lester (14 st, 48 tkl, 4 int, 3 pbu) but are actually a little more exp'd heading into '13.

SPECIAL TEAMS: - In '10 Jeremy Shelley hit 12-16 fg's (L42) and Cade Foster 7-9 (L49). 2011 was a disaster for fg's, especially vs LSU (1st meeting). Foster (all att 40+) hit 2-9. Shelley, the short FG K, hit 21-27 (L44). LY Shelley was a perfect 11-11 on fg's (L38) and Foster (4-9) did hit 3-5 from 50+ (L52) plus had 46 TB on 99 KO. The Joneses handled the majority of ret's with Christion avg 10.1 on 21 PR's and 26.6 on 8 KR while Cyrus avg 25.0 on 10 KR's (7.6 PR). They finished #22 LY and only lose K Shelley and 3Y LS Carson Tinker but add in a PS#4K and a PS#1 LS. COACHING: -There was no doubt among our panelists as to which program has the best coaching situation in the country going forward. "Nick Saban's 'process' is the envy of every other team in the country," says Schlabach. "As long as he's there, they're going to be at the very top." And our panel is betting that Saban will continue to be on the Crimson Tide's sideline the next three seasons. "I don't think he's at an age where he's looking to seek out a new challenge," Luginbill says of the 61-year-old Saban. "I think he wants to see if he can create, quite possibly, the greatest dynasty in the history of college football." Other features: Title Path: This was the only category in which the Tide slipped a little, a credit to the ultracompetitive SEC West. But as Alabama has shown in the past two seasons, it's possible for an SEC team to withstand a conference loss and still make it to the national championship game. Program Power: As important as Saban is, our experts agree that Alabama's facilities, resources and institutional support contribute greatly to the program's success. "You have every resource at your disposal there to win long term. It's what separates them from everybody else," says Luginbill. "Everybody's heard the 'all-in' slogan when talking about college football programs. But when Alabama uses the phrase 'all-in,' they're not just talking about the football program; they're talking about the university as a whole. Whether you're the track coach or the assistant professor in the sociology wing, everybody there understands that when football drives the bus, everybody wins." MY FORECAST: They have a powerful program, with 2 titles in a row and I think they have all the keys to repeat that. In my opinion the schedule is too easy. Alabama dominated LSU in last games and Bama has better team now than in previous matchups. Va. Tech opener can be a trap game, but being the 1st game of the year and with Nick Saban, mustn't be a problem. The toughest game is in the 2 nd game. The visit to Texas A&M. The aggies was the only team that won Bama last year and the pressure will be on the Tide side. With this, I don't doubt that Bama will reach at least 11 wins, the 12 th depends if he can overpass the game against Aggies. The total wins is on OU 10 (-150) My play here is on the Over 10 wins +135 to win SEC +300 to win championship Odds has not a lot of value but is the team I choosed for both.

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

STADIUM: Ohio Stadium CAPACITY: 102,329 PLAYING SURFACE: FieldTurf OFFENSIVE FORMATION: Multiple DEFENSIVE FORMATION: 4-3 STARTERS RETURNING (O/D): 9*/4 LETTERMAN RETURNING: 51 (23,25,3) LETTERMAN LOST: 23 (6,16,1)

QUICK FACTS: LOCATION: Columbus, OH FOUNDED: 1870 ENROLLMENT: 47,952 COLORS: Scarlet, Gray MASCOT: Brutus Buckeye CONFERENCE: Big Ten HEAD COACH: Urban Meyer Years with Team: 2nd year Overall Record: 116-23 Record with Team: 12-0

POSITIONS: QUARTERBACKS - In '11 Terrelle Pryor was supposed to return after a 5 gm susp and interim HC Luke Fickell went the safe route by starting senior Joe Bauserman (PS#59) in the first 3. Braxton Miller took over getting the final 10 sts. They seemed reluctant to let him air it out as he had just 9.4 att's per gm in his first 5 sts but threw the GW 40 yd td pass with :20 left vs Wisc. The reins were then off vs Mich (14-25-235, 100 yd rush). Miller earned B10 Fr POY (1159, 54%, 13-4) and was the #1 rusher (715, 4.5). Miller is the perfect fit for Meyer's offense. He started strong with a QB single gm rush rec (161) vs Miami, Oh and the next wk vs UCF, he ran for 141 yds and had a QB rush att record with 27 (Cornelius Greene 24 '74). Miller topped that later with 186 vs Neb and set the OSt record for ttl offense w/3,310 yards (Pryor's 3,526 was vacated). Miller was the B10 OPOY throwing for 2,039 (58.3%, 15-6) and was the #1 rusher (1271, 5.6). Kenny Guiton threw for 139 (56.5%, 2-1) and he directed or finished a td drive on 8 of his 15 series. TY they add in Meyer recruit Cardale Jones (6'5" 241 rFr, PS#41). Miller worked with a QB specialist in the offseason and is my pick to take home the Heisman TY! RUNNING BACKS - LY OSt had to replace its top RB "Boom" Herron (675, 5.0, #6DC). Carlos Hyde was the top returnee with 566 (5.3). Hyde had 82 in the opener (DNP 2) then was the OPOW vs Neb (140 yd, 4 td) and later had 156 vs Indy. Team capt Jordan Hall (408, 4.1 '11) had 218 (5.4) in just 3 gms but RS (inj). Hyde is up to 242 lbs (4.45 spd) to fit his power running style. He led the RB's w/970 (5.2) and 16 td's incl 146 yds vs Mich. Rod Smith (PS#9) had just 116 (4.0) in '11 and 215 LY but with an impressive 6.7 ypc. True frosh Bri'onte Dunn (PS#10) added 133 (5.3). TY Hall will be used at SB (Percy Harvin type) and they lose FB Zach Boren (3 st, LB Wk 7).They add in rFr Warren Ball (6'1" 222, PS#26) and true Ezekiel Elliott (PS#14) and I'll call the unit improved. RECEIVERS- OSt had an inexp'd rec corps in '11 (2 soph, 2 rFr, 2 true) that lacked big play ability, battled inj's and had a QB that was reluctant to throw the ball. True frosh Devin Smith (PS#36) led with a paltry 294 (21.0) while "Philly" Brown (PS#18) was #2 (205, 14.6). Jake Stoneburner had 7 td's on his 14 rec. LY all 3 ret'd. Brown's 60 rec's were double of #2 Smith but he only had 669 yds (11.1). Smith had 618 (20.6!). Evan Spencer (PS#34) added 136 (11.3). TY they lose Stoneburner (8 st, 269, 16.8) but I look for increased production. They add RB Jordan Hall (SLOT), PS#11JC Corey Smith, true frosh Dontre Wilson (PS#21) and Jalin Marshall (PS#4) while Chris Fields (PS#24) had a great spring. Keep an eye on Michael Thomas (PS#93) who Miller stayed with while

attending QB camp in the offseason. OFFENSIVE LINE - In '10 OSt had 93 car sts back and improved to 220 ypg rush with their 5.2 ypc being the best in over 2 decades (22 sk, 6.3%) as Pryor's mobility helped. In '11 they had to replace two 3Y st'rs (1st Tm B10 LG) along with 2 bkps. They returned 77 car sts but 1st Tm B10 LT Mike Adams was susp for the first 5. Despite still having a mobile QB, the unit allowed 46 sks (18.8%!) and dropped to 191 ypg (4.4), their lowest ypc s/'04. LY they had to replace 2Y (#2DC), 3Y and 4Y (1st Tm AA) st'rs. They dropped to 42 car sts and Meyer was very unhappy with the unit in spring. Co-OC/OL cch Ed Warinner did a great job molding this unit and by season's end they were a strength improving to 5.2 ypc while allowing just 30 sks. All 5 st'rs st'd all 12. TY they do lose RT Reid Fragel (#7DC CIN) but return 1st Tm B10 Andrew Norwell, 2nd Tm B10 Jack Mewhort and 81 car sts so this is one of the B10's top O-line's. DEFENSIVE LINE - In '10 OSt had an inexp'd DL (only 1 ret st'r) but allowed just 97 ypg (3.1) despite their 23 sks being the fewest in over a decade. In '11 the Steelers drafted (#1DC) their 3rd OSt DL in 2Y prompting PIT HC Mike Tomlin to remark that OSt's D is the closest in the college game to what the Steelers run. Despite only replacing 2 st'rs they slipped to all'g 142 ypg rush (3.8, 23 sk). LY the line ret'd intact and they added in 4 of my Top 15 frosh DL. The 4 st'rs did play the bulk of the snaps and they improved to 116 ypg (3.6, 30 sks). This is the biggest concern on the squad TY. Gone are DE Nathan Williams (8 st, 40 tkl, 2 sk), DT Johnathan Hankins (12 st, 55 tkl, 4 tfl, #2DC NYG), DT Garrett Goebel (11 st, 42 tkl, 4 tfl) and the B10 DPOY DE John Simon (11 st, 9 sk, 5.5 tfl, #4DC BAL). Three trues played in Noah Spence (PS#2, 12 tkl, 1 sk), Tommy Schutt (PS#11, 1 st) and Adolphus Washington (PS#8, 3 sk). I thought LY's line underachieved and to say TY's unit is inexp'd is an understatement. It's been 28 yrs s/OSt has had to replace all 4 DL st'rs but I think they'll be better than most expect led by Washington. LINEBACKERS- In '11 OSt had to replace its #1 and #2 tkl'rs (both #6DC's). They ret'd their #9 tkl'r along with Etienne Sabino (RS '10). The 3 st'rs were PS#7, PS#7 and PS#13. OSt all'd 21.0 ppg, their most s/'99. LY they lost 2 st'rs (#2 & #10 tkl'rs) incl a 2nd Tm B10. Ryan Shazier (PS#21) st'd the L/3 as a true and had 15 tkl vs PSU. He joined Sabino (PS#7, #5 tkl'r) and Storm Klein (PS#7, #9 tkl'r) making the unit a little more exp'd. OSt still all'd 22.8 ppg and Klein lost his job to FB Zach Boren, who moved mid-year and still had 50 tkl (3.5 tfl). This year they lose Sabino who missed 4 (inj) and finished #7 (3.5 tfl), Klein (5 st, 18 tkl) and Boren (4 st). At one point during the yr zero LB's were left from the '09 and '10 recruiting classes so they had 3 seniors, 2 soph and the rest were frosh (2 pl 1/2 yr). There are plenty of VHT's to choose from and they do return their top guy in Shazier (4th Tm AA) so they should come close to LY's production. DEFENSIVE BACKS- Since '97 OSt has had seven DB's drafted in the 1st Rnd with 24 drafted overall. OSt has always ranked at the top of my PDR, as an example, in '06 when they had to replace all 4 st'rs (#1, #3, #4DC's) and still finished #12 (10-21 ratio). They lost #1 and #4DC's in '09 and were #12 (10-24 ratio). After a #5 finish in '10 they had to replace a 1st Tm AA CB (#4DC) and 2 other st'rs (#3, #4 tkl'rs, #5DC) in '11. They also dealt with some susp and inj issues and fell to #63, their lowest s/'99! LY all 4 st'rs were back and I called them one of the nation's most improved secondaries. The fastest guy on the tm was CB Bradley Roby, who led the B10 in pd w/19. OSt climbed back up to #27 (15-14 ratio). TY they lose 1st Tm B10 CB Travis Howard (12 st, 40 tkl, 4 int) and CB Orhian Johnson (8 st, 39 tkl, 7 pbu). They may get Jamie Wood (6'1" 210 Sr, PS#14) back as he attempts to overcome an inj. Three of their 4 st'rs return incl the #2, #3 and #4 tkl'rs and OSt should be back to their more usual spot in the Top 12.

SPECIAL TEAMS - Urban Meyer places an emphasis on the punt blk team which he calls "The Freakshow" and plays many starters in the group. LY they appeared to have all of the key players back so it was very surprising that they slipped down to #56. Top KR Jordan Hall (683, 26.3) RS and Rod Smith had 303 (23.3). PR Philly Brown was solid (221, 12.3). Drew Basil hit 16-19 fg's (L47) in '11, then 8-11 (L52) LY but only had 18 TB on 76 KO. 3Y P Ben Buchanan avg 41.0 (35.7 net). TY they lose Buchanan but everyone else returns. LY Meyer talked about the lack of depth hurting this unit as they gave up a lot of big plays. A Top 10 finish TY would not surprise me. COACHES - Urban Meyer reenergized Buckeye Nation and after his one ssn of retirement he led OSt to their 6th undefeated season. Meyer had a pair of Nat'l Titles at Fla ('05-'10) as well as going 22-2 at Utah ('03-'04) and 17-6 at BG ('01-'02). Luke Fickell (here s/'02) was retained as co-DC (interim HC in '11!) and was joined by Everett Withers, who was NC's DC from '08-'10 (also the Tar Heels interim HC in '11). OC Tom Herman's previous stops incl OC at Iowa St ('09-'11), Rice ('07-'08) and TXST ('05-'06). Ed Warinner is the co-OC with stops for 2Y at ND (OL, run gm coor) and 5Y at Kansas ('03-'04, OC '07-'09). Other features:
Title Path: The Buckeyes find themselves in a great spot in this category -- the Big Ten doesn't provide the grueling conference schedule of the SEC, but it has the program stature needed to earn a title game bid. "Ohio State legitimizes that conference," says McShay. "If they go undefeated, because of Meyer, they can go to the national championship game." Program Power: Meyer was a perfect fit for Ohio State, but this 8.8 rating demonstrates that the program already had the pieces in place -- history, tradition and money -- to create a perennial title contender prior to his arrival.

My forecast: The buckeyes signed Urban Meyer last year and he made a perfect 12-0 in his first season. The team wasn't bowl eligible and this season they are back to the fight with more motivation. Meyer is one of the gratest coach in CFB, he is the man that Buckeyes need. They have in Braxton Miller a total leader. He is a very good QB and supported by a great backfield and a good receivers group. He overpassed the 2000 yards last year and I hope a better season. The schedule is too easy. Only 2 games can give me some doubts. At Michigan and at home against Wisconsin. This one I think will be a win but robably, not easy. Michigan game is the last and is hard to predict now that game. Odds: +125 to win Big Ten +650 to win BCS Total wins: Over 11,5 +140 Under 11,5 -180

Season total is too high but I think the will win 11 or 12. I expect they'll win Big 10 and reach BCS but in that case Bama has a great advantage. No play on +650.

FLORIDA ST SEMINOLES
STADIUM: Doak Campbell Stadium PLAYING SURFACE: Grass CAPACITY:82,300 OFFENSIVE FORMATION:Multiple DEFENSIVE FORMATION: 4-3 Multiple STARTERS RETURNING (O/D): 7/4 LETTERMAN RETURNING: 48 (24,22,2) LETTERMAN LOST: 24 (10,11,3) QUICK FACTS: LOCATION: Tallahassee, FL FOUNDED: 1851 ENROLLMENT:32,525 COLORS:Garnet & Gold MASCOT:Chief Osceola & Renegad CONFERENCE:ACC Head Coach: Jimbo Fisher Years with Team: 4th Overall Record: 31-10 Record with Team: 31-10

POSITIONS: QUARTERBACKS - Christian Ponder was a 3Y st'r (#1DC) but was inj'd allowing EJ Manuel (PS#4) to start a comb'd 6 in '09 and '10 (incl both bowls) and throw for 1,678 (67%, 6-10, 366 rush). Manuel was the clear-cut st'r in '11 but was inj'd in the 3Q vs Okla (gm 3) and rFr Clint Trickett (PS#60, OL cch's son) impressed with a 56 yd td pass on 3&28 to tie it at 13 (FSU lost by 10). Trickett st'd vs Clem (336, 3 td) but the next wk after a fmbl and 2 int in the 1H vs WF, Manuel came in and almost led the comeback (286 yd, 2-2). In 9 gms Trickett threw for 675 (61%, 7-4) while Manuel threw for 2,666 (65%, 18-8). Manuel entered '12 with 121 consec passes without an int and set the FSU rec for car comp % after throwing for 3,392 (68.0%, 23-10, 2nd Tm ACC). His best game was vs Clem (27-35-380). Trickett played in 7 (272, 64.7%, 0-0). Jameis Winston (PS#2) took command this spring and Trickett decided to trans. Added to the mix is soph Jacob Coker (PS#38) and Sean Maguire (PS#42). Manuel became the 2nd QB in NCAA history to win 4 consec bowl gms (did not st but led win in '10). He was also just the 2nd FSU QB ever taken in the 1st Rnd (#1DC BUF). While this unit is a lot less exp'd, it wouldn't surprise me if they improve upon LY's ratio (24-10) and Winston could be another rFr that contends for national honors. RUNNING BACKS - With all of the VHT's and NFL caliber talent former HC Bobby Bowden compiled at RB, it's amazing that FSU has not had a 1,000 yd rusher since Warrick Dunn in 1996! In fact since then FSU has had just 3 RB's top 900 w/zero in the L8Y! Chris Thompson (PS#29) led in '10 with 845 (6.3). The top 3 RB's all ret'd in '11 but Thompson broke 2 vertebrae in his back (OFY Wk 5). True frosh Devonta Freeman (PS#28) had B2B 100 yd gms (Duke, MD) which were FSU's only 2 in '11. Freeman led with 579 (4.8) while true frosh James Wilder, Jr (PS#3) had 160 (4.6). I mentioned LY that I expected more production as the top 3 RB's in '11 comb'd for just 1,018, 4.7. Thompson had 74 & 80 yd td runs vs WF and was on pace for the 1,000 yd ssn (687, 7.5) when he tore his ACL in the 2Q vs Mia (Wk 8). Freeman led with 104 vs Duke and 148 vs MD but the tm had -15 yds rushing vs VT. Freeman finished #2 with 660 (5.9) while Wilder added 635 (5.8). True frosh Mario Pender (PS#6) RS. TY they lose 2nd Tm ACC Thompson (#5DC WAS) and FB's Lonnie Pryor (8 st, 376, 8.0) and Debrale Smiley (152, 5.2). The fine duo of Wilder (power) and Freeman (speed) along with Pender make this a very formidable group.

RECEIVERS - In '11 FSU was led by a group of 4 who had just 38 rec coming into the ssn in Rashad Greene (PS#27, 596, 15.7), 6'6" Rodney Smith (PS#47, 561, 15.6), Christian Green (PS#9, 450, 17.3) and Kenny Shaw (PS#29, 418, 12.3) LY all 4ret'd and I thought the unit had an excellent combo of size and spd with lots of memorable catches in '11. They also added in rFr Kelvin Benjamin (6'5" 242) who has drawn comparisons to Randy Moss. Christian Green had an appendectomy in Aug and only had 3 rec. Rashad Greene led again with 741 (13.0) and became the first FSU ply'r s/'99 (Peter Warrick) to score on a rush, rec and ret in the same ssn. Shaw was #2 (532, 16.1), Smith was #3 (524, 13.8) and Benjamin was #4 (495, 16.5). TY the only loss is Smith (14 st) and they add in Marvin Bracy (5'9" 172 rFr, PS#25) who set the NCAA 60 M record but RS LY (hamstring). This should be one of the top rec corps in the country. OFFENSIVE LINE- In '11 FSU had 112 car sts ret but was decimated by inj's and in the bowl, actually had 4 true frosh starting. FSU's numbers dropped dramatically to 112 ypg (3.3) and they all'd 41 sks (tied #110 in FBS, 10.7%). LY they had to replace 3 OL (comb 23 st, #5 & #7DC) and the car sts dropped to 50. I pointed out that due to 11's inj's, this unit was very exp'd as a lot of frosh were thrown into the fire and were now soph. They also added in 2 VHT JUCO's (PS#11 & #30) and faced the best DL in the country every day in practice. FSU nearly doubled their rushing total up to 206 ypg (5.6!) and all'd just 26 sks (6.1%). TY they lose RT Menelik Watson (12 st, #2DC OAK) but return three 2nd Tm ACC OL (96 car sts ret). This just might be the best OL in the FBS. DEFENSIVE LINE - FSU almost always has a tough rush D and in '10, led by DE Brandon Jenkins (13.5 sk), all'd 129 ypg (3.4). They had to replace a #7DC in '11 but added in PS#1JC Tank Carradine and I said they should have their best rush D s/'06 (93, 2.9). FSU did even better yielding just 83 ypg (#2 FBS, 2.3, 40 sk). LY the unit ret'd intact and I called it the best D-line saying their 3rd string D-line would likely make my preseason Top 39. They needed a lot of that depth as in the first gm, pressn 1st Tm AA Jenkins was OFY, then PS#1 Jacobbi McDaniel sat out the year (RS) and then outstanding pass rusher Carradine missed the L/2. FSU still all'd just 92 ypg (2.8, 36 sk). TY most of the DL moves on to the NFL. Gone are 1st Tm AA Bjoern Werner (14 st, 42 tkl, 13 sk, 5 tfl, #1DC IND), 1st Tm ACC Carradine (11 st, 80 tkl, 11 sk, 2 tfl, #2DC SF), Jenkins (#5DC WAS), DT Anthony McCloud (12 st, 24 tkl, 1 sk), 2nd Tm ACC DT Everett Dawkins (14 st, 26 tkl, 1.5 tfl, #7DC MIN) and Toshmon Stevens (13 tkl). They get McDaniel back, have PS#1 Mario Edwards and are talented throughout (13 VHT's incl 6'4" 317 So Derrick Mitchell (PS#50). However, in the new draft era you can count on 1 hand how many units have had 4 players drafted in the same yr. LINEBACKERS- LY FSU had to replace Nigel Bradham who was the 1st 'Nole since Marvin Jones ('90-'92, #4DC) to lead FSU in tkls for 3 str yr but they had 4 of their top 6 back incl 2 st'rs. Vince Williams st'd all 14 at MLB but was only the #4 tkl'r (59 tkls, 6.5 tfl). Nick Moody st'd 10 at SLB but only had 20 tkls. The top 2 LB tkl'rs were 1st Tm ACC Christian Jones (PS#2, 14 st, #1 tkl'r, 7 tfl) and bkp Telvin Smith (PS#53,#3 tkl'r, 9.5 tfl). This year they lose Moody (#6DC SF) and 2nd Tm ACC Williams (#6DC PIT) but despite dropping to just 1 ret st'r, with the top 2 tkl'rs back, they should be just as strong and add in 5 VHT true frosh and a PS#9 rFr. DEFENSIVE BACKS - FSU had some low points in pass D incl a ranking of #102 in '09. After improving to #32 in '10, I said in '11 they would have their best PDR s/'04 and they did not disappoint (#18, 59%, 16-16). LY they had to replace a CB (6 st, #2 tkl'r, #6DC) and a SS (#6 tkl'r, 3 pbu). They ret'd 3 who had 9+ sts and I called for continued improvement. They surprisingly lost AA candidate Greg Reid in Aug but CB Nick Waisome (PS#12) took his place and held Clemson's Sammy Watkins to 24 yds. FSU finished #3 (48.8%, 13-11). TY they lose 1st Tm ACC CB Xavier

Rhodes (14 st, #9 tkl'r, 3 int, 7 pbu, #1DC MIN). They return 7 oftheir top 8 with PS#2 and PS#12 st'rs and looking to fill the hole are a PS#4 and a PS#5. This year's secondary could be even stronger than LY's and is led by 1st Tm ACC SS Lamarcus Joyner. SPECIAL TEAMS - FSU always finishes high in my ST rankings. LY they had to replace their outstanding P (41.3 net) then unexpectedly lost PR Greg Reid (416, 11.2) but still earned B2B #1's led LY by my ST COY, Charles Kelly. Dustin Hopkins, for the 2nd str yr, was a Groza finalist (2530, L56, 5-6 50+, 2nd Tm AA) with 43 TB's on 105 KO. True frosh P Cason Beatty (PS#14) only avg'd 38.3 (net 34.3). Rashad Greene & Tyler Hunter proved dangerous on PR's (3 td's!) and Joyner and Williams avg 24.6 on KR. Hopkins (#6DC BUF) leaves as the NCAA's all-time leader in pts scored by a kicker. That gives them some big shoes to fill (PS#5 rFr Roberto Aguayo has a powerful, accurate leg) but with improved net punting they'll contend for a three peat. COACHES - In '07 Jimbo Fisher came over as OC from LSU (OC L7Y).After HOF HC Bobby Bowden reluctantly retired, Fisher & Co. won the Atlantic and totalled 10 wins for the 1st time s/'03. Fisher lost his OC of 3Y and will again call his own plays but without giving anyone that title. LY's DC Mark Stoops is now Kentucky's HC. Jeremy Pruitt becomes only the 3rd DC in 28 seasons here! Pruitt was Bama's DB coach (3Y) and was the 2012 Recruiter of the Year Other features:
Title Path: The Seminoles appear to be positioned well as an extremely talented team in a winnable league. But that could soon change. "They'll have to watch out for Louisville once they join the ACC," says Haney. "And Clemson is really not that far away. There's a perception among ACC coaches I've talked to that the league is up for grabs, that anyone can win it. In some ways, it's FSU's fault that everyone feels that way, because they haven't dominated the way they were expected to." Program Power: "From a resources and perception standpoint, they're one of the few programs in the country that can rank up there with the high-profile SEC teams," says Luginbill.

My Forecast: The Seminoles are once again loaded this season, and feature several young, promising players, including WR Kelvin Benjamin, DE Mario Edwards and CB Ronald Darby. But the player who has FSU fans the most excited is redshirt freshman Jameis Winston, the former ESPN No. 1 QB recruit who is already earning buzz as this year's Johnny Manziel. Coach fact doesn't benefits team in this case, I don't like Jimbo Fisher. Last season they finished 10-2 in regular season plus the win of Discover Orange Bowl by 31-10 against the Huskies. You can think that if they improved the roster, this season are contenders to reach BCS final. Yes, BUT, the schedule is too tough. Starting season in Pittsburgh, hosts Nevada and Bethune-cook. @BC, hosts Maryland @Clemson. I think they can made a 6-0 but they can make a 4-2 or 3-3 in the first half, some doubts here. In the 2 nd half hosts NC St., Miami FL, @ Wake Forest, hosts Syracuse and Idaho. I think these 5 games they must make a 5-0 or at least 4-1. In the last game they visit Florida. Total regular season wins: Over 10 -120 Under 10 -110 I think they have a very very good team but the schedule is one of the toughest, I have to choose Under. To win ACC: +250: Clemson and Miami are a tough contenders but this is odd has some value. To win BCS: +2000: I don't expect they'll reach the final beacuse of the schedule.