The Florida State Seminoles have unequivocally had the best two-year run in college football. They haven't lost a regular season game since 2012, and they have a National Championship and a spot in the CFP to show for their work.
Jimbo Fisher and the crew though, should take a step backwards this year.
2015 SCHEDULE
9/5: vs. Texas State
9/12: vs. South Florida
9/18: at Boston College
10/3: at Wake Forest
10/10: vs. Miami
10/17: vs. Louisville
10/24: at Georgia Tech
10/31: vs. Syracuse
11/7: at Clemson
11/14: vs. North Carolina State
11/21: vs. Chattanooga
11/28: at Florida
Not surprisingly, this isn't a great schedule for Florida State this year. Clearly, there is no margin for error if the team wants to get back to the CFP. Going 13-0 might be the only way in without a ton of chaos going on around the rest of the nation.
Still, there are tripping points for sure. The game at Boston College on a short week is most certainly a potential banana peel, while a five-game stretch of games against Miami, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Syracuse and Clemson could easily hand the Noles three losses if they aren't careful. The season-ending trip to Gainesville is never a fun one either.
SEASON WIN TOTAL
The Seminoles have an over/under of just nine wins this year, and square bettors are certainly going to line up to bet the over just by glancing at the schedule. In truth, it is really difficult to think that a team which has won 12 games in consecutive regular seasons could be beaten four times this year, but clearly, these aren't the same Seminoles led by Jameis Winston.
OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK
With Winston gone, there is still a big, fat question mark sitting at the quarterback spot for FSU. Sean Maguire was miserable against Clemson when Winston was suspended, and though it's true that many good quarterbacks struggled against that defense last season, Maguire was exceptionally bad.
Everett Golson will probably end up starting at some point this season after transferring in from Notre Dame for his senior season.
Dalvin Cook had a terrible time holding onto the football in the national semifinal against Oregon, but he should once again be a fantastic back alongside Mario Pender.
Travis Randolph, Kermit Whitfield and Jesus Wilson are all speedy receivers who could stretch the field.
Don't forget as well that FSU has the best kicker in the nation in Roberto Aguayo.
DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK
Defensively, the Noles took some massive shots when Mario Edwards, Eddie Goldman and P.J. Williams all decided to declare for the NFL Draft a year early. Jalen Ramsey is still one of the best players on the defensive side of the ball in the entire nation, and if the Seminoles are going to win games in 2015, he is going to be a huge part of it as the captain of this suddenly very young defense.
SEASON PREDICTION
Florida State found ways to win games last season from behind because of veteran leadership and Winston's uncanny ability to never get rattled. However, much of that veteran leadership is gone, and there is a severe lack of seniors in that locker room.
Fisher knows that he will have the Seminoles back on the map in the near future, but they have no business being 12 to 1 to win the National Championship or +310 to get into the CFP for the second straight season. We expect a big step backwards in Tallahassee this year.
The college football betting lines for every game this season will be available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. Any game that can be seen on national television will feature a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal betting lines, you can gamble on real-time odds and player props during the games. Live betting is open during every commercial break!
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
