College Football Top 25: Buying or selling the 2015 preseason rankings

Dec 6, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bank of America Stadium. FSU defeated Georgia Tech 37-35. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Highest Rank:  8 (Coaches)
Lowest Rank:  10 (AP)

BUYING

Yes, the Seminoles have lost team leader and lightning rod Jameis Winston, but this is still an extremely talented team who had another huge recruiting haul in 2015. Jimbo Fisher may be the biggest denier of reality and curmudgeon in the business, but the guy can coach.

FSU’s defense is where they’ll hang their hat once again in 2015, and this may be one of the best defensive units they’ve put on the field in a decade. Eight out of 11 defensive starters are returning, and they have three guys ready to step in to those holes.

Replacing Winston on offense is tricky, and it wouldn’t be anywhere near as bad if the Seminoles’ key offensive players didn’t keep getting into off-field trouble. The Noles only have five offensive starters returning, and who knows when running back Dalvin Cook will be back. Too many questions loom on this unit.

Jimbo will coach up a good team as usual, but undefeated isn’t happening again during this regular season, and FSU will probably relinquish the ACC crown for the first time since 2011.

Next: Georgia