Florida State is coming off arguably its best season ever as the Seminoles finished 14-0, scored more points than any school in FBS history, allowed the fewest points in the nation and won their third national championship. With a slew of talent coming back including reigning Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, Jameis Winston, big things are once again expected of Florida State. While FSU certainly looks to be in the title mix for a second straight year, here are five potential tripping hazards along the way:
1. Beefed Up Non-Conference Schedule
Though Florida State dominated the competition all the way to the national championship game last season, the non-conference slate was relatively weak. FSU easily defeated four ranked ACC teams on its way to Pasadena in 2013, but faced Idaho, Nevada, Bethune-Cookman and a Florida squad that endured its worst season in three decades in the non-conference. This season, the Seminoles add Oklahoma State and Notre Dame — a pair of schools that each found themselves in the national championship hunt over the last three years. FSU will also conclude the regular season against a Florida squad that can’t possibly be as bad as last season. While the Seminoles are certainly capable of running the table once again, there looks to be more challenges along the way.
2. Complacency
Prior to having to rally from a 21-3 deficit in the BCS National Championship, Florida State had gone virtually unchallenged for the entire 2013 season. Yes, the Seminoles did trail Boston College 17-3 early, but until meeting Auburn in the title game, Florida State never trailed in the second half last season. While 2013 was a magical season for Florida State, the Seminoles under head coach Jimbo Fisher, have lost to teams that they definitely should not have in the recent past like North Carolina in 2010, Wake Forest in 2011 and N.C. State in 2012. Florida State was definitely a hungry bunch in 2013, but whether or not FSU can play with the same passion that it brought every week last season remains in question — particularly with a national championship already under its belt.
3. Leadership on Defense
While there is no lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball, it is entirely possible that the Seminoles may not start a single senior. Florida State is losing five starters including four very experienced seniors in Lamarcus Joyner, Terrence Brooks, Telvin Smith and Christian Jones. Florida State also loses key reserves in Jacobbi McDaniel, Demonte McAllister and Dan Hicks — three fifth-year seniors that had been through the rigors of a 7-6 campaign in 2009. The offense has no shortage of veteran leadership, but a vocal leader has yet to emerge on defense. Players like Joyner and Smith were not only outspoken, but led by example. Those are qualities that cannot be replaced with talent alone.
4. The Perceived Target
Although Florida State is no stranger to beginning the season in the top 10, it’s been a long time since the Seminoles have entered the year as the nation’s team to beat. FSU opens with a huge match-up against Oklahoma State and will be under the microscope for the entire 2014 season. With the title of defending national champions and a possible #1 ranking, Florida State is going to get everyone’s best shot week in and week out. With national championship expectations, pressure could mount as the season goes on. That’s something Florida State must handle if it hopes to repeat.
5. The Winston Circus
Florida State sophomore quarterback Jameis Winston is a born leader and charismatic kid that already has a Heisman Trophy, a national championship and a number of FSU single season passing records. Winston however, has had troubles off the field ranging from a sexual assault allegation in 2012 to walking out of a supermarket with unpaid-for seafood this offseason. As perhaps the biggest star in all of college sports, Winston will be in the sports media’s spotlight for all of the 2014 season. Whether the topic is making a run at a second Heisman Trophy or seeking to break down Winston’s character, there is a media frenzy that will surround the FSU signal-caller all season long. Winston has shown that he has the poise and mental makeup to handle the spotlight, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility that it could eventually take a toll on his team.
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