2013 Florida State
College Football
Preview
Schedule and Odds
Florida State is losing a lot, but considering their pedigree and recruiting standards, they should once again be competing with Clemson to be the best team in the ACC. While Jimbo Fisher lost a slew of his coaching staff, he got quality replacements such as new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt who’s going to instill a defense very similar to that of Alabama’s. Also out is quarterback EJ Manuel, but with plenty of help at other positions, it shouldn’t have a major effect in the long run.
Freshman quarterback Jameis Winston has come in and taken the FSU offense in stride and looks locked in to be the starter for the season. He’ll be helped out with plenty of experience around him starting in the backfield with Devonta Freeman and James Wilder Jr. who each had over 100 carries, 600 yards and a combined 19 rushing TDs last year. Plus, every significant receiver is back from last season so it’s going to fall on Winston to get the job done. Not to mention the offensive line returns Four starters and the only newcomer is a junior with plenty of experience.
Defensively, it won’t be as easy, but with top end recruiting it’s unlikely this unit will fall off. In fact, the addition of Pruitt may even show more upside than last year’s bunch. The linebackers and secondary are set with plenty of returnees, but the question will be on the line where Four starters are gone. The new guys will have to be ready early because they’ll have to face run-heavy Pittsburgh in their first Game of the season followed by Nevada and their pistol offense.
2013 Florida State Football Schedule
Sept. 2 at Pittsburgh
Sept. 14 vs. Nevada
Sept. 21 at Bethune-Cookman
Sept. 28 at Boston College
Oct. 5 vs. Maryland
Oct. 19 at Clemson
Oct. 26 vs. NC State
Nov. 2 vs. Miami (FL)
Nov. 9 at Wake Forest
Nov. 16 vs. Syracuse
Nov. 23 vs. Idaho
Nov. 30 at Florida
As said, Florida State’s opening couple Games won’t be easy, but nevertheless should be ones they can win as long as Winston makes a smooth transition to QB and the defense holds up to how they played last year. The Seminoles season will be highlighted by two road Games. October 19 at Clemson could ultimately decide the Atlantic division in the ACC and thus the Conference champion unless someone from the Coastal side can improve greatly.
Reaching the lofty 12 wins they had in 2012 will be a tough task this season unless they can make it out of that Clemson Game. Throw in the season finale in Gainesville and 10 regular season wins for the Noles is the likely prediction for many in the media. On the other hand, if Pruitt can quickly turn this defense into a turnover MAChine, anything can happen.