Florida State Football: 2017 season preview, predictions
2017 schedule
| Week | Date | School | Opponent | |
| 1 | Sept. 2 | Florida State | vs. | Alabama |
| 2 | Sept. 9 | Florida State | vs. | Louisiana-Monroe |
| 3 | Sept. 16 | Florida State | vs. | Miami |
| 4 | Sept. 23 | Florida State | vs. | NC State |
| 5 | Sept. 30 | Florida State | @ | Wake Forest |
| 6 | Oct. 7 | BYE WEEK | ||
| 7 | Oct. 14 | Florida State | @ | Duke |
| 8 | Oct. 21 | Florida State | vs. | Louisville |
| 9 | Oct. 27 | Florida State | @ | Boston College |
| 10 | Nov. 4 | Florida State | vs. | Syracuse |
| 11 | Nov. 11 | Florida State | @ | Clemson |
| 12 | Nov. 18 | Florida State | vs. | Delaware State |
| 13 | Nov. 25 | Florida State | @ | Florida |
The Florida State Seminoles are set to have a big season. It all starts in Week One with another SEC opener. They’ll need to solve their offensive line issues to keep quarterback Deondre Francois upright and clean. Francois began to find his rhythm and limit his turnovers as the season progressed but the team could utilize his legs more in 2017.
Currently, the Seminoles are 7.5-point underdogs against the Alabama Crimson Tide but they’ve overcome bigger odds. Alabama is one of the best teams if not the best team in college football. Facing them the first week of the season is a huge challenge but the Seminoles could pull off the upset.
After Week One, Florida State has three straight home games. They open up ACC play against the Miami Hurricanes in Week Three but the Canes shouldn’t be much of a threat, yet.
Things don’t really get difficult on the Seminoles schedule until October 21 when they face the Louisville Cardinals. After last year’s 63-20 drubbing, Florida State is sure to bring their A-Game, especially at home.
Then there’s another rematch on November 11 when they travel to Death Valley to face the Clemson Tigers. Early predictions have the Seminoles winning 9.5 games.
Prediction: 11-1 (8-0 ACC)
The Florida State Seminoles could lose a close one against Alabama but they’re the early favorite to win the ACC crown. Their defense is prime to have a strong season and could push for the best defense in the nation before its all said and done.
Derwin James could have a much similar season to former Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers. While Peppers was a feature for the Wolverines on offense, defense and special teams, James will have a much bigger impact on just defense.
Next: College Football: 50 potential breakout candidates for 2017
Florida State has flirted with the idea of playing James on special teams, which wouldn’t be a bad idea. However, they’ll need to take his health into consideration going forward. The Seminoles have done well recruiting so depth may be more important than impact here. They have to replace both starting groups on kick return and on punt return.