The Florida State Seminoles are coached by Bobby Bowden, the career wins leader for coaches in Division I college football. The team has won national championships and has built a reputation as one of the most successful programs in the entire nation, but they could’ve been even greater if not for two words: “wide right”. On five different occasions, the Seminoles have been victimized by missed kicks late in games, many of which were big games to the team and the fans. The Seminoles should bounce back from a 10-3 season where they lost the bowl game to rival Miami on a missed kick in similar fashion. If they can get steady play from the offensive skill positions, the Seminoles will throw their name in the hat of possible national championship teams and for that reason, they’re ranked #5 in my pre-season poll.

Coach Bowden considered canceling the annual spring game because 18 of his players were unable to participate because of various injuries, but in the end, the FSU spring game went on as planned and QB Chris Rix showed fans part of the reason why people were so high on his years ago. Rix has been very inconsistent since he arrived at Florida State and everyone is hopeful that he can be the QB everyone thought he could be. Rix is the first four-year starter at the school since Bobby Bowden took over and running backs Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker have showed some potential through their workouts. The majority of the offensive line is back to open holes and protect Rix and the receiver position is deep along with the defensive spots. Rix will likely leave the school as the all-time passing leader but will need to step up in big games to prove his name belongs with the school’s best. Wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe is coming off a broken leg but if he’s fully recovered from it, his speed could open up big play opportunities for not only him but his teammates as well. Linebacker A.J. Nicholson worked hard in the team’s spring drills and won the award for most valuable player before the spring game. He’ll team up with safety Pat Watkins to lead a defense that is only returning three starters from 2003.

For years, it seemed like the ACC should change its name to the “FSC” because of Florida State’s domination year in and year out. The Seminoles seemed to control the ACC every year with little trouble but lately they don’t seem as invincible as before. Off the field issues and bad losses have dropped them a few spots in previous years, but it seems as though all the hard work in spring training has paid off and the Seminoles will be near the top of the nation and the conference again. The Seminoles have lost five in a row to new conference rival Miami but will open the season against them in the Orange Bowl on September 6. If they can win the opener, the Seminoles should contend for another national title.

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