by Ryan for ChantRant
Best Case W - L Scenario? “Undefeated and national champions are always the best case scenario, and it really should be the end goal of every team, regardless how last season was. If it is not in the hearts and minds of everyone associated with the squad to be the best team in the nation, then we have already lost the season.”
Now what do you really think the final record will be? “Gee, after my own little rant, how can I put anything less than 12-0? From a pessimistic standpoint, I like a 9-3 regular season finish. However, I couldn’t tell you who the losses would be too.
“FSU in the past has had difficulty showing up for winnable games, and despite the regime change, I’m hard pressed to think differently. This is a team that could win an emotional game against Oklahoma, then fall flat against BYU. We face NC State on the road on a Thursday, and historically, the team has struggled with weekday games. But at least we have an off-week in between. Smart scheduling for once.
"Miami and Florida are always Miami and Florida.
“Following that, I predict we will lose the ACC Championship game to Virginia Tech, but win the Chick-Fil-A bowl to finish out as 10-4, FSUs first ten win season since 2003.“
The 2010 MVP? “The chic pick has been QB Christian Ponder, so I’m going on the other side of the ball and selecting LB Nigel Bradham. I think in a new defensive scheme, where he will have the opportunity to rotate among the three LB spots, as well the ability to blitz and play in coverage, will give Bradham the chance to really shine. He’ll break 100 tackles easily this season, and will have plenty of sacks and interceptions. With the increased pressure on the defense due to last year’s ineptitude, Bradham will be one of the key leaders in bringing back the old-school Seminole-style defense.
“The biggest shame is his success in 2010 will only mean another FSU linebacker is drafted to the NFL in the spring.”
Breakout Player of the Year? ”WR Rodney Smith. After the dismissal of Jarmon Fortson last week, Smith was anointed the starter opposite Bert Reed, and I feel FSU can only benefit from this. While Fortson was expected to be the breakout player, Smith possesses a lot of the same qualities that will give him a chance to put up huge numbers. Smith gives Ponder a huge deep threat (6’6’’, 220lbs), and coaches have been raving about him all spring and offseason. When Ponder unleashes a deep ball on 2nd and 8 from FSUs 35 yard line, look for Smith to be streaking down the sideline, pulling in another Seminole touchdown."
Top Newcomer? “CB LaMarcus Joyner. He comes in with the ability to contribute on all sides of the ball. He’ll be a situational cornerback, expected to see time on nickel and dime packages. He’ll be part of FSUs return team with fellow CB Greg Reid, and Coach Fisher even hinted about using Joyner in certain offensive sets. For a true freshman to come in and have a piece in each part of a football team is remarkable. What is even more remarkable is that Joyner could be a starter by the end of the season, if he continues on the pace he is at now.“
Low point of the season? “I think it happened already. Two players kicked off the team for breaking rules (Nigel Carr and Jarmon Fortson), and two players out for the season, one who was expected to contribute heavily (Moses McCrary and Tavares Pressley). Injuries happen, and McCrary and Pressley are unfortunate souls who hopefully will get a chance to come back down the road. Carr and Fortson are two idiots who needed to be made examples of. I told some friends following the Fortson incident that this isn’t Bobby’s team anymore, and I think the hard punishment on them will only curb future players desire to run afoul of the rules.”
High point of the season? “Winning ten games in a season for the first time in seven years, including our bowl game, will be a nice high point. It gives FSU hope again, it will show our desire to be among the nationally elite squads, and will show that Coach Fisher has what it takes to lead the Seminoles back to the promised land. We also will be in the mix for some top-tier recruits, and a successful season can only increase the chances of landing future Seminoles.“
When the season ends FSU fans will be saying...? “Only 230 days until FSU begins their quest as 2012 National Champions!”
Comments? Questions? Kudos?