Florida State Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

The Florida State football team looks to return to the top of the ACC in 2017, but it’ll have to overcome the defending national champs.

A new season is almost upon us as the 2017 college football season vastly approaches. The Florida State Seminoles return with a few questions with a season opener looming against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Finishing 10-3 wasn’t all bad for Florida State but when all three losses come in conference play, it’s hard to win an ACC Championship that way. The most embarrassing loss, 63-20 to the Louisville Cardinals, has certainly given critics some questions to ask.

The first question is: how will Florida State replace Dalvin Cook? Cook ran for over 1,500 rushing yards the past three seasons for the Seminoles. They have Jacques Patrick waiting in the wings, while true freshman Cam Akers has made some noise already as well. Akers enrolled in school in Tallahassee in January.

The second question is: who will replace DeMarcus Walker? Walker led the team last season in sacks (16.0) and tackles for loss (19.5) on his way to ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors. It helps the defense returns nine starters from last year’s squad but can anybody produce like Walker did?

The final question is: how good will Derwin James be? There was a lot of speculation James could play both sides of the ball, but there’s a lot of risk for injury in that scenario. Considering James just came off injury, it’s hard to foresee him doing anything other than playing safety on defense.

He’s already been named the best player in college football by Sports Illustrated. Now, he just needs to live up to the hype. He’s got cornerback Tarvarus McFadden in front of him in the secondary and Brian Burns and Josh Sweat on the defensive line. With those odds, the Seminoles are prime for a strong 2017 season.

Here’s a look at a preview for this upcoming season.