College Football 2015 Preview No. 8: Florida State Seminoles

Reg. Season Records: 12-0, 12-0, 10-2, 8-4

SRS Rankings: 13, 1, 14, 18

Talking Point: Off-field incidents. Last season was turbulent with Jameis Winston and his ongoing sexual assault accusation saga. That bled into this offseason, which saw two players, including star RB Dalvin Cook, were charged in domestic violence related incidents. FSU’s school president felt compelled to step in and talk to the team. On a lighter note, Jimbo Fisher’s miraculous hair regrowth.

Why To Like Them: 3, 4, 11, 3. Those are the 247 composite rankings of Florida State’s last four recruiting classes. FSU has a full allotment of Florida State recruits along the defensive line and in the secondary on defense. Notre Dame transfer Everett Golson should provide some stability at quarterback. Young talent at wide receiver could take a major step forward.

Why Not To Like Them: Major attrition on offense. FSU loses quarterback Jameis Winston, top two receivers Rashad Greene and Nick O’Leary and four offensive line starters. If Cook does not return, scratch off last season’s top two rushers as well.

Schedule: Favorable, as per usual. The Seminoles have nothing outside the conference, besides the late road trip to mediocre Florida. They avoid Virginia Tech and Pitt. The only real rub is they play Clemson and Georgia Tech away.

Throwing Darts: Florida State riding close wins to an undefeated season before getting exposed in the postseason has everyone down. That equaled the best season bonafide playoff contender Notre Dame has had in more than 20 years. 2015 may be a down year, or a rebuilding year. But, FSU’s talent level remains much better than the rest of their conference. Not sure they reach the playoff, but they should be the favorite for the ACC title.

Random Alum: Richard Simmons