Ryan’s Rant: A Ranting Recap

Man! Take some time off and look what happens. Fear not, loyal rant readers, for I am back, and we’re going to do another quick hit on some of the big news in and around FSU Football.

Goodbye Maryland, Hello Louisville. As I once predicted, Louisville will be the newest ACC member. I just didn’t expect it to happen this quickly. However, the impending exit of Maryland (lawsuit or not, it’s happening) forced the ACC’s hand in
keeping it an even number conference.

While I can’t speculate on the TV markets and revenues, because I have no idea about any of that stuff, I think this is an upgrade. Looking at where the teams are in the two biggest revenue-gaining sports, Louisville is far and away better at basketball and football right now. I will still give Maryland the edge in crab cakes. Now of course,this leads to the question:

Is FSU leaving the ACC? This will continue to be discussed until FSU does make some sort of move, or explicitly states its not going anywhere. Of course, the $50 million exit fee does play into the decision making process. I know many people are concerned and upset about the ACC becoming the new Big East, but unless someone has $50 million lying around, for the immediate future, this is the home of Seminole football. Now, considering that this team still has trouble with some of their own conference opponents, maybe moving isn’t the best idea, leading to the next question:

Is FSU winning the ACC? With all the other stuff usually reserved for the off-season being discussed now, a lot of us forget that there is still a game this weekend. Despite their 6-6 record, Georgia Tech has the triple-option offense that can be very effective if FSU allows them to stay in the game. Getting ahead early will force GT to abandon the run, which is difficult for a team that primarily works out of a running formation.

Of course, this requires a strong defensive output, which is now being hampered with injury to All-ACC DE Tank Carradine. Expect to see Freshmen DE’s Gio Newberry and Mario Edwards Jr. get more playing time, but understanding the option requires discipline and know-how. Of course, understanding this complicated offense requires focus from all aspects of the defense, including the coaching staff. But now, we
have to wonder:

What is next for the FSU Coaching Staff? We already know the former Defensive Coordinator is leaving for the Head Coaching job at Kentucky. What’s next to wonder, and this won’t be fully determined until after the bowl game, is what other changes are going to be made. Rumors are abound that DE Coach DJ Elliot and Offensive Coordinator James Coley are expected to join him, which would force more adjustment for the FSU Coaching Staff.

As far as the Defensive Coordinator position goes, throw out the big names. Jimbo will undoubtedly hire someone he can trust to run the defense for a few years. Look for personnel he has worked with before, and do not forget that he can promote from within. LB Coach Greg Hudson, who was Defensive Coordinator at East Carolina before joining the Seminoles, was most likely hired with the intent of taking over the position once Stoops left. Expect him to at least interview.

As far as an Offensive Coordinator position goes, Jimbo has a plan, and as he continues to grasp and understand the responsibility of the position (remember, this is his first Head Coaching position), look for him to slowly loosen the reigns for whoever becomes the play-caller for Florida State. Now, lets look at one final question:

Is this season a success? First 10 win regular season since 2003. A win this weekend would mark the first ACC Championship since 2005. A win in the Orange Bowl would be the first BCS bowl win since FSU took home the National Championship since 1999. So if those things happen, then yes, it’s still a successful season.