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Florida State Football: Ranking 2018 opponents by difficulty

By Connor Muldowney

CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 11: Cam Akers #3 of the Florida State Seminoles runs with the ball against the defense of the Clemson Tigers during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 11: Cam Akers #3 of the Florida State Seminoles runs with the ball against the defense of the Clemson Tigers during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – NOVEMBER 04: Josh Jackson #17 of the Virginia Tech Hokies rushes during a game Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – NOVEMBER 04: Josh Jackson #17 of the Virginia Tech Hokies rushes during a game Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Josh Jackson found himself in some trouble this offseason with academic eligibility and that almost cost him a spot on the roster.

If Jackson were to miss the season, this game may move down a spot or two in the toughness rankings, but since all signs are pointing to him taking the field when the season kicks off on Sept. 3, Virginia Tech is still a top-five opponent on the schedule for the Seminoles — even if it is a home games.

Kicking the season off with against one of the most improved teams in the ACC with an up-and-coming coach like Justin Fuente won’t be an easy matchup for Willie Taggart in his first action as the Seminoles’ coach.

The Hokies are returning plenty of key players, but only have five total starters returning to a defense that ranked second in the ACC a year ago. The linebackers and defensive backfield are hitting a reset button while that defensive line is remaining mostly the same.

Virginia Tech will give Florida State a much-needed early season test and this could be a good barometer game just to see where the Seminoles stand.

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