Florida State’s championship season hinges on Deondre Francois
The Florida State Seminoles may win the national championship this season if Jimbo Fisher’s team if quarterback Deondre Francois lives up to his promise.
This article will not be objective at all; indeed, I am extremely partial to the Florida State Seminoles. Okay, to be honest, “fanatical” might be a better term. “Rabid” might also be accurate. I am an alumnus of FSU so that definitely colors my feelings every football season. Regardless, the ‘Noles look fantastic this season.
Could they be the first team in NCAA history to have a 15-0 season? Let’s just say to omit the Seminoles from the national title conversation would be a mistake. 2015 was not stellar as the Noles lost three games, including an abysmal performance in the Peach Bowl vs. Houston. Last season was a rebuilding year in the first year without former Heisman winner and national champion, Jameis Winston.
Florida State returns 17 starters and added the nation’s no. 2 recruiting class, according to 247Sports but redshirt freshman quarterback, Deondre Francis, is an unknown. However, the former IMG Academy standout showed a nice arm in spring practice and could keep the job when Sean Maguire is ready to return from his injury.
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Unlike previous Florida State national champions, this team can win in spite of their quarterback with Heisman contender Dalvin Cook leading the offense. Coupled with a loaded group of veteran receivers and a defense led by sophomore safety Derwin James and you have a formula for a brilliant season.
Moreover, Clemson is rebuilding their defense for a second straight year after losing six starters to the NFL. Granted, quarterback Deshaun Watson may be the nation’s best quarterback. Yet the ‘Noles running game with Jacques Patrick a capable backup to Cook and a defensive line with Josh Sweat ready to breakout makes them a popular pick to win the national championship.
A great deal depends on the development of Francis who will start against Ole Miss in his college debut. However, the pressure isn’t as overwhelming because he doesn’t have to perform at Heisman level with Cook behind him.
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Cook finished with 229 carries for 1,691 yards and 19 touchdowns. Cook’s 140.92 rushing yards per game was fifth in the nation. His 7.38 yards per carry average was second in the nation among running backs with more than 86 carries, and the feat is even more impressive when you add in the fact that Cook was injured for part of 2015.
The Seminoles schedule is brutal, with six opponents among the top 30 teams but this team has all of the tools to get it done. Clemson’s reign at the top of the ACC may be woefully short if the ‘Noles live up to their potential.