FSU Football: Website Lists Noles, USF Best Teams in State After Spring

FSU football found themselves atop one website’s latest power rankings – while watching as both hated rivals end up behind an interesting in-state foe.

Over the span of the last seven seasons, there is no argument that FSU football has been the most dominate team in the state of Florida. A 17-1 record over the span against Florida, Miami, USF and Bethune-Cookman to go along with being the only team in the state to win their conference (three times to be exact) and a national title shows the Sunshine State is being run by the ‘Noles.

This year, Florida State could go back to not just being the best team in the entire state, but also the entire country as many experts feel the Seminoles will take back the ACC and make the College Football Playoff – possibly playing for the national title.

One publication, CBSSports.com, is feeling love for the Seminoles – putting FSU football as the top team in their latest rankings following the conclusion of spring drills:

"Despite the loss of Dalvin Cook, the Noles have enough depth to make up for the backfield production. Cam Akers, anyone? Deondre Francois should make the natural progression in his second season becoming the ACC’s best quarterback. The defense is aching for the return of safety/leader Derwin James. This is the Noles turn in the annual battle with Clemson in what has become the nation’s best conference."

Writer Dennis Dodd moved the Seminoles up two spots, leapfrogging both Ohio State and Alabama – the Seminoles’ opening game opponent this season.

Florida State Seminoles Football

But even more interesting than FSU football being at the top (since everyone knows the Seminoles will be good) is the next Sunshine State team Dodd ranked. It isn’t either one of the state’s other Big Three schools – it’s the folks from down in Tampa:

"No. 12 South Florida – The Bulls are loaded, starting with quarterback Quinton Flowers. They begin the season as the odds-on favorite to grab the CFP’s Group of Five golden ticket in a New Year’s Six bowl."

The Bulls have been desperate to be considered one of the big dogs in the state – claiming wins over both Florida State and Miami as their example. Head coach Charlie Strong is considered by many to be the steal of the offseason, expected to make South Florida a power sooner rather than later.

Now, where are those Gators and Hurricanes? Looking up at both FSU and USF from a distance:

"No. 21 Florida – What amounted to an NFL secondary was picked apart by the NFL Draft…if Jim McElwain can find a QB to go with his playmakers, the Gators will be the chief challenger to Alabama. Not this year, though.No. 25 Miami – Sorry to do this to you again, Canes fan, but think slow and steady. That’s Mark Richt’s track right now…the spring revealed no definitive replacement for quarterback Brad Kaaya. It’s All About The (Who Are) U?"

FSU football has won the last three games between the Noles and Bulls ever since USF upset Florida State in their first ever meeting during the 2009 season. Right now, there are no scheduled games between the schools – USF also has no scheduled games with either Miami or Florida at this time.