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In part two of our series, Adam Tolliver names the top five things he's looking forward to from the 2011 Seminoles. Be sure to catch Adam's regular column at The Examiner on-line.
1. The maturation and progression of EJ Manuel. Manuel has gained big game experience, now leading the Seminoles to victory in two bowl games. He has taken his lumps against strong defenses, including Clemson of 2010 and UF of 2009, both of which are arguably the toughest defenses the Seminoles faced over a two year stretch. He has shown strong intangibles and the ability to stay calm under pressure, but in order for the Seminoles to reach the potential they are believed to have, Manuel will need to grow a great deal and improve his consistency during the off-season. If all goes according to plan, the RS Jr will be participating in his first full spring practice this year, which should help immensely.
2. Mark Stoops defense in year two. Despite the occasional breakdowns in year one, which were to be expected as the Seminoles made the transition, Mark Stoops fielded a defense that was a drastic improvement upon the 2009 product. The Seminoles will only lose 4 contributing players from the 2010 squad, returning nearly every player as deep as third on the depth chart. Their continued maturation in Stoops' defensive system, combined with another off-season of strength and conditioning under coach Vic Viloria will help a ton. The Seminoles also had depth concerns along the defensive line, that had a strong impact on their performance late in the season. In 2011, many of these concerns will be addressed and could make for a much stronger unit, especially late in the season.
3. The interior offensive line. The Seminoles essentially lose two 4-year starters in Rodney Hudson and Ryan McMahon at left guard and center respectively. While McMahon was often overrated, he was extremely durable and a constant in the Seminole lineup. Hudson, will go down as one of the best offensive lineman to ever suit up in Garnet and Gold, he will not be easily replaced. The Seminoles bring in a large class of freshman lineman, but would prefer not to rely on any of them due to a lack of physical maturity. Look for the battle for starting position along the offensive line to be intense this off-season, because replacing Hudson and McMahon will be critical to FSU's offensive success.
4. Freshmen impacts. Who among Florida State's freshman will make a serious impact on offense or defense in 2011? My bet would be Karlos Williams. Probably a safe choice and not much of a shock to many, but Karlos is extremely gifted physically with both size and speed. He's also a legitimate playmaker that happens to play the same position of what was the weak link to a solid defense for the Seminoles in 2010. While Terrance Parks and Nick Moody had their moments to shine, Williams brings to the table the ability to both cover and support in the run and projects to be a better college player than the aforementioned when it's all said and done. Another guy to watch out for would be RB Devonta Freeman, who enrolled early and will get a head start on other backs.
5. Offensive playmakers. While this may seem rather broad, I'm looking forward to seeing who among the offensive skill players will elevate his game and become a household name. My dark horse bet is WR Christian Green, who spent 2010 as a redshirt. Green is one of the most gifted athletes on the Seminole roster and I feel as though he may have a big season in 2011. I would also keep an eye on RB Chris Thompson, who has already displayed his big play ability, and WR Willie Haulstead who developed very nicely as a sophomore throughout 2010, despite a late season concussion.
If you like to keep up with former FSU players during their pro careers, bookmark this website. It's everything you want to know about Lawrence Timmons, from his bio to charitable activities to a blog about the Steelers season. And what a season. Timmons and his teammates are one step away from the SuperBowl as they knock heads with the Jets this weekend, including another former Nole, Antonio Cromartie.
by Bill from Tampa
As the Seminoles were floundering around on offense missing basket after basket but still well within striking range thanks to free throw shooting, the comment from the TV announcers was “Florida State can win an ugly game.”
It was …. and they did …. beating the Miami Hurricanes in what came down to the final shot of the game, 55-53.
After missing their first ten shots, not making their first basket of the game, a slam dunk by Terrance Shannon, until the 10:10 mark and committing eight turnovers, FSU trailed by just two points, 11-9.
It got uglier though as Miami went on a 13-3 run to lead 24-12.
FSU chipped away and an offensive put back by Chris Singleton closed the score to 31-24 at the half.
The ‘Noles shot an abysmal 19% from the floor in the first period. The only thing keeping FSU in the game to that point was FT shooting, connecting on 14 of 18.
Michael Snaer and Bernard James combined for 11 points in the first eight minutes to pull FSU to within one, 40-39.
It would be the first of three occasions where the ‘Noles were within one point and could not overtake Miami.
Except for the third time that must have been the charm.
Ryan will be in Coral Gables posting live updates of the FSU-UM basketball game on Facebook and Twitter. The Noles boast a 23-13 record in ACC regular season play since the start of the 2008-09 season. Though the two teams records are nearly even this season (FSU is 13-5, the Canes 12-5), the Seminoles are 3-1 in ACC play, while Miami is 1-2.
by Ryan for ChantRant
We asked some of our contributors what they look forward to seeing from FSU next season. Here's what Ryan has on his wish list.
1. An ACC Championship. FSU is bringing back an enormous amount of starters and playmakers on both sides of the ball. Add to that a promising conference schedule, and FSU will be making a repeat appearance at the ACCCG. However, I feel that no team in the ACC, be it Atlantic or Coastal Division, can hold up with the power FSU has.
2. The rise of EJ Manuel: This is what FSU fans have been waiting for since Coach Fisher brought Manuel in three years ago. He has done exactly what he needed to do as a backup, filling in admirably when starting QB Christian Ponder was hurt. In 2011, though, Manuel has the reins of the offense, and with the talent surrounding him, it won’t be too long before he is being touted as a potential Heisman trophy winner in 2012.
3. An improved defense: Is this even possible? I think so. FSU is only losing two starters on defense right now (assuming Mister Alexander gets his medical redshirt, and Nigel Bradham returns for his senior season). There is an enormous amount of talent starting already in Garnet and Gold, including DE Brandon Jenkins (team-leading 13.5 sacks) and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year CB Xavier Rhodes (team-leading 4 interceptions), among others. Next year should bring improved playing time for this year’s freshmen, including DE Bjoern Werner, LB Jeff Luc, and CB LaMarcus Joyner. Finally, in case that’s not enough, FSU is bringing in some of the top talent in 2011, including verbal commitments DB Karlos Williams and DB Nick Waisome. Defensive Coordinator Mark Stoops brought respectability back to the defense in 2010, and next year, his defense is just bringing pain.
4. Will Muschamp and Al Golden starting their careers 0-1 against FSU: This can also be titled, FSU winning the state championship back-to-back. With the quick downfall for UF (and the continuing downfall for UM), FSU is quickly establishing themselves as THE football university in the state of Florida. I don’t see how that changes in 2011.
5. Seeing the first 1,000 yard rusher since 1996, or the first 1,000 yard receiver since 2002: I think at this point I’m nitpicking, because FSU is well established in rotating our WRs and RBs, and the likelihood of one player standing out, or getting the ball that much, is not something I expect. However, media outlets like to focus on numbers, and hitting these marks for the first time in a long time would be a nice addition to any other media attention.
Tim Brando of CBS Sports and Sporting News Radio today on 790 The Zone in Atlanta discussing what would've happened at LSU if Les Miles had taken the job at Michigan last week:
"I think Jimbo Fisher would’ve been the first call."
FSU football coach Jimbo Fisher capped the 2010 season Sunday night, recognizing the most outstanding Seminoles during the annual awards banquet.
All-American senior guard Rodney Hudson and sophomore defensive end Brandon Jenkins claimed top honors as MVP's on offense and defense, respectively. Sophomore kicker Dustin Hopkins and junior punter Shawn Powell were selected as the Most Valuable Players on special teams.
Fisher commended the seniors for setting the standard that future players should aspire to. He also issued a challenge.
“The future begins now,” Fisher said, adding that the work that will be done between today and August will determine the level of success the Seminoles can have in 2011.
Master of ceremonies Tom Block finished the night by noting that the spring game was just three months away and the 2011 season opener, only 229 days out.
The complete list of FSU players awarded at the banquet:
Most Valuable Player - Offense
Rodney Hudson
Most Valuable Player - Defense
Brandon Jenkins
Mr. Versatile
Greg Reid
Top Newcomer - Offense
Bryan Stork
Top Newcomer – Defense
Xavier Rhodes and Mike Harris
Most Improved Player - Offense
Chris Thompson
Most Improved Player - Defense
Kendall Smith and Anthony McCloud
Attitude Award - Offense
E.J Manuel
Attitude Award - Defense
Ochuko Jenije
Leadership Award - Offense
Christian Ponder
Leadership Award - Defense
Markus White
Skill Blocker Award
Taiwan Easterling and Lonnie Pryor
Defensive Warrior
Kendall Smith
Offensive Warrior
Lonnie Pryor
Top Conditioned Athlete
Chris Thompson
Continue reading "Hudson and Jenkins Seminole MVPs of 2010" »
1. The number one question coming into Saturday’s game against North Carolina State was would the Seminoles have a letdown after the big win over Duke. Answer: 84-71 in favor of the Seminoles. And it wasn’t even that close as FSU not only dominated on defense but dominated on offense as well.
2. I am hard pressed to think where FSU has played this well in back to back games. Maybe this is the potential Leonard Hamilton said at the start of the season that he saw in his team.
3. Key stat: For the second game in a row the ‘Noles did not fall into the bad habit of hoisting three pointer after three pointer, with FSU taking just 13 from behind the arc. That helped contribute to a sizzling 69% from the floor in the second half and 54% for the game. NC State head coach Sidney Lowe didn’t especially like how his team played defense, but I don’t care who you are … shooting 70% for a half is hard to do at any time. Of course it helped that like Duke, NC State played very little zone defense. Surely Lowe’s staff saw the film of the VT game (not that I’m complaining mind you).
4. Five starters in double figures!!!! When is the last time you have ever seen any FSU squad do that?
5. Terrance Shannon recently cut his hair. Everyone knows the story of Sampson and Delilah. Well, the shorn locks of Shannon apparently have had the opposite affect because Terrance is playing like a man possessed.
Continue reading "Bill from Tampa breaks down FSU's 84-71 win over N.C. State" »
A sure sign the college football season's over is a flurry of early bird predictions for the next one. Here are six that don't come close to agreeing how high FSU will rank. Their rankings range from the Top 5 to about the same as this year.
One thing they pretty much do agree on: Oklahoma is the team to beat. Five out of six put the Sooners at no. 1. More confirmation that the OU game on Sept. 17th will be the hottest ticket at Doak in a decade.
Here's where those six experts say the Noles will finish the season.
#4 Tony Barnhart of the Atlanta Journal-Constituion and CBS Sports is the most bullish on FSU.
#7 We put a lot of stock in Mark Schlabach's opinions. Nobody knows college FB better, especially when it comes to teams in the South.
#8 The Rivals staff is also high on the Noles, while leaving the gators and Canes completely off their list.
#11 Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports says FSU just misses the Top Ten. He's also the only writer who doesn't pick Oklahoma to finish first.
#13 You'd think that Matt Murschel of the Orlando Sentinel would rank a Florida team a little higher than 13. Really, Matt?
#17 For what it's worth, here's a pessismistic pick by a site we've barely heard of.
Huh? A bonus prognostication by SI's Andy Staples. Always the rebel, Andy doesn't actually rank teams. He makes, uh, other interesting predictions -- like Florida and Texas will be in BCS bowls. This guy needs his mailbox cherry-bombed.
Comments? Questions? Kudos?