The Florida State Seminoles Football Team hopes to overcome distractions and rediscover winning tradition
Living-Legend Bobby Bowden and the storied Florida State University Football Team hope to regain their swagger and winning ways, following yet another disappointing season. Several unfortunate events, dating back to last season's cheating scandal would seemingly leave the 'Noles in disarray, but hopefully they can pull together as Bowden-coached teams have in the past, and beat the odds.
Florida State had a promising 2008 recruiting class that features Stud Linebacker Nigel Bradham, who could be an immediate impact player, considering the departure of Geno Hayes for the NFL, and Marcus Ball recently asking to be released from his scholarship. Bradham is a 230 lb. version of Geno Hayes, and was widely considered one of the best high-school linebackers in the country.The Seminoles will be without several projected starters, due both to suspension and departure.
Along with Ball, 2007 starting offensive lineman Daron Rose was ruled academically ineligible and will attend junior college this fall. In addition, game-breaker Preston Parker was arrested and likely will be suspended, if not dismissed from the team, pending his court appearance. Luckily, the opening weeks for the 'Noles are more forgiving than in recent years. The first three games will all be at Doak Cambell Stadium, with the third game being their first test, taking on the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest. Wake has defeated the 'Noles each of the past two seasons, the first of which was a humiliating 34-0 whooping in Tallahassee.
The FSU coaches seem to be pleased with the progress the team has made this spring, but despite the departure of Xavier Lee, there is no void of quarterback controversy. Sophomore Christian Ponder had an impressive spring, while projected starter Drew Weatherford is recovering from a fairly minor injury. The Seminoles will certainly have to overcome several obstacles to have a 2008 campaign that will satisfy the FSU faithful, who were spoiled through the 90's with incredible teams.
However, despite the bad press, FSU supporters should be optimistic about the team's chances. Afterall, the Seminoles do have a huge talent pool and the offense should be improved in Jimbo Fisher's sophomore year. In 2007, the 'Noles showed signs of brilliance in impressive victories over Alabama and Boston College, but looked dreadful in losses to Miami and Florida. Nole fans are anticipating break-out campaigns from running back Antone Smith and safety Myron Rolle, two of the most highly-touted recruits in recent years.
In addition, Offensive Line Coach Rick Trickett faces the difficult challenge of quickly molding freshman and sophomores into a solid offensive line, if FSU plans on working their way back to the top of the College Football Universe. One thing the 'Noles desperately crave is more consistent quarterback play, which they haven't found since the departure of Heisman Trophy Winner Chris Weinke. Whoever takes the snap on opening day will carry the huge burden of trying to restore the glory days in Tallahassee, which could prove to be quite a feat. But if anyone can pull it off, it's Bobby Bowden.
