Seminole Scoop

Bobby Bowden begins his 34th year as the Florida State Seminoles head coach with a loaded, well-put-together 2009-10 football team. The ‘Noles kick off the season at home September 7th against Sunshine State rival, Miami. Off the field issues, ranging from Bowden’s future, player arrests, scandals and suspensions have absorbed the most of the NCAA’s alluring, authoritative ACC university. The Seminoles have some areas of concern on the field, but mostly are looking for a turnaround season and return to the top form of the glory years.
FSU will plug away on the gridiron when camp breaks in August without wide receivers Corey Surrency and Greg Carr. Safety, Myron Rolle, the Rhodes Scholar winner a year ago, will also be missing in action. Lou Groza recipient and versatile special teams standout, Graham Gano, also exited after 2008 concluded. Bowden’s boys still have a capable crop of upperclassmen with speed, skills and emerging talent all around. Junior quarterback, Christian Ponder, and center, Ryan McMahon, return at the line of scrimmage to call plays for FSU. Seniors, DeKoda Watson and Patrick Robinson lead the line backing and secondary, respectfully, and left guard, junior Rodney Hudson, anchors the team as perhaps the best returning Seminole.
The ‘Noles have enough pieces to take the Atlantic for the first time in four seasons. Bowden has been absent from the championship during that quartet of years but brings 309 wins back, along with high expectations, when the team begins play in September. The FSU offensive line represents a reap of young but manageable players. Last year the ‘Noles survived and thrived in a tough conference, hanging in contention until the final weeks. Tackles, Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders are a year older and should help to improve Florida State’s 9-4 2008 record. Despite being the youngest offensive line in football, Rick Trickett’s athletic receivers can pick apart defensive and the slack when the production plummets. Preston Parker, Taiwan Easterling and Jarmon Furston are Ponder’s preferred targets at the receiving position. Senior tight end, Caz Piurowski, can also catch passes for an FSU team that was 8th in the category last year. One area the ‘Noles did excel in 2008 was in the backfield. They were second in the ACC in running the ball, but main carrier, Antone Smith, departed. His replacement could come in the way of viable backs, Jermaine Thomas, Marcus Sims or Furston.
Visibly, the defense in Tallahassee erupts with efficiency, terrific speed and a balanced pass rush. It’s no secret the defense will be a vital component in the reputable offensive college game. Markus White and Kevin McNeil replace Everette Brown and Neefy Moffett at the tackle spots. Both will need to emerge with excellent efforts to carve out something similar to the 19 sacks and 33 tackles produced by the exited ‘Noles. Watson at linebacker is a force and one of the most explosive players on Bowden’s 2009 roster. His blazing quickness combined with a natural power makes him the team’s top dog and defensive playmakers. Watson imposes his will as a rusher and run defender, and will be a key man during the four road game stretch Florida State faces in late October/early November.
FSU is a good second quarter team, or at least that was the case a year ago. Finishing strong is a valuable asset but Bowden must stress and emphasize getting off to a fast start. The secondary defensive backs demonstrate depth and one area the team should improve is on turnovers. The safety slot vacated by Rolle is one hole Bowden must look to fill effectively. Defensive coordinator, Mickey Andrews, seems to have some outdated schemes but a good understanding of how to pressure the quarterback. The team did struggle with stopping opponents from running the ball last year. It becomes a necessary goal to change that in 2009. If FSU creates some early momentum and can vilify their adversaries, they shouldn’t teeter out or be an overlooked omission in the ACC.

Parting points: The week is finally over!