History is apparently repeating itself, as the Florida State Seminoles closed out the BCS era the same way it started it began as undefeated National Champions thanks largely to the play of a Heisman winning quarterback. Their are a lot of similarities between both championship teams from their quarterback to their elite defenses. But unlike the 99′ Noles these reigning champs will have their Heisman winning quarterback back for an encore season.
Last season Jameis Winston was certainly no ordinary freshman, his focus and his
commitment to excellence spread like wild fire inspiring his teammates to settle for nothing less than W’s week in and week out. Many teams may have tried to rattle the freshman led Noles but none succeeded and as a consequence most games were decided before halftime. While other teams would struggle to replace their leading rusher and receiver, in Tallahassee its not a punchline when you say Noles don’t replace they simply reload.
Running back Karlos Williams appears poised to become the next great Noles running back, he has the speed to get to the corner and the power to lay out some serious punishment. There may not be another 6’5 match up nightmare like Travis Bejamin in the Noles stable but they have more speed than anyone can ask for.Nick O’Leary and Rashad Greene will be poised to lead the crop of speed burners and match up nightmares.
The Noles defense will certainly miss the heart and soul of their team in Lamarcus
Joyner but the secondary may be even better in 2014. Ronald Darby and Freshman All American Jalen Ramsey may become household names garnering national awards at season’s end. The onslaught of talent along the defensive line should be considered down right criminal. Defensive ends Mario Edwards and Eddie Goldman are only the tip of the ice berg, the depth is downright absurd and their is little drop off talent wise behind them.
The Seminoles appear to be back, and in a big way. But with heightened expectations anything less than another undefeated season and another national championship would be considered a disappointment. With expectations at an all-time high the Noles will either continue their dominant ways or fall short as past Noles squads have done during the Coach Jimbo Fisher era? They should win and in very convincing fashion I might add but will they win? Stay tuned…I know I will.
Anthony Denmark is a writer for eatdrnkslpsprtz.com. Follow him on Twitter@eatdrkslpsprtz2, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Listen to eatdrnkslpsprtz radio Subscribe to podcast
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