Florida State Seminoles Betting – 2011 Florida State Seminoles College Football Preview
This is the year people in Tallahassee, Florida, have been waiting for. A proud program that has fallen on hard times over the past half-decade seems poised to return to prominence. A loaded team built by solid recruiting under a young head coach is stockpiling the talent needed to become a force in college football once more.
Florida State returns eight starters from an adequate offense in 2010. The biggest challenge will be replacing quarterback Christian Ponder, who finished the season one of the more polished quarterbacks in the country, despite battling through a painful injury. Because Ponder missed time with his elbow injury, new starter EJ Manuel got valuable playing time against Virginia Tech and South Carolina. He impressed coaches in the spring with his accuracy and command of the offense and should perform will in Ponder’s place in 2011.
If Manuel lives up to expectations, the Seminoles’ offense should be explosive because virtually all of the team’s biggest contributors return. Ty Jones and Chris Thompson make for a dangerous backfield duo as both averaged more than 6 yards per carry in 2010 and combined for more than 1,400 yards rushing. In addition to the running backs, Florida State’s top eight receivers from 2010 return, led by the talented trio of Taiwan Easterling, Bert Reed, and Will Haulstead. The receiving group will be even more dangerous with the addition of 6’6 receiver Kelvin Benjamin. Benjamin was one of the more sought after recruits in the nation and won’t be on the sidelines for long.
Whereas the offense has to at least handle the problem of replacing its leader, the Florida State defense has no such challenge. Eight starters return from one of the nation’s most improved defenses in 2010. The ‘Noles allowed 81 fewer yards and 11.4 fewer points per game in 2010, a testament to the aggressive and attacking style implemented by defensive coordinator Mark Stoops. The 2011 version should be even tougher with a dominating defensive line led by juniors Jacobbi McDaniel and Brandon Jenkins.
As strong as the front seven is, the Seminoles are even stronger in the secondary. All four starters return from one of the nation’s best units. Corners Greg Reid and Xavier Rhodes are as good a pair of corners as any outside of Alabama. Their coverage skills allow Fisher’s defensive staff to take a lot of chances and bring the pressure. Safeties Nick Moody and Shawn Powell are equally adept cover men who are also not afraid to stick their heads in a runner and make a tackle, either. In addition to the starters, the ‘Noles signed an impressive group of defensive backs, many of which will provide immediate depth. Sports betting experts will tell you: This Florida State team will pack more of a punch than its previous few predecessors.
The schedule could not set up better for a team looking for marquee wins and an outside shot at a national title. The Seminoles get two tune-up games before Oklahoma travels to Tallahassee. They travel to Clemson the following week. After that the ‘Noles have road games at Wake Forest, Duke, Boston College, and then rival Florida to end the season. They get Miami, Maryland, NC State, and Virginia in Tallahassee. The stage is set for a big year for Florida State – on that point, the ranks of MLB baseball betting pundits would certainly agree. There’s just no one else in the ACC Atlantic Division who can stand up to this team. Tab the Seminoles for a return trip to the ACC Championship Game if you want to place a savvy sports bet.
