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FSU Football: Expectations for remainder of 2017 season

By Zack Scott

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: The Florida State Seminoles huddle prior to their game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: The Florida State Seminoles huddle prior to their game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Finally, FSU football is back after being off two weeks due to Hurricane Irma – as James Blackman will make his debut this Saturday against NC State.

With the season ending injury to Deondre Francois, FSU football will have true freshman James Blackman taking over. My personal expectations for the 2017 season has changed due to that.

Back in the pre-season, I was more than confident the ‘Noles would be playoff bound regardless of what the outcome was in Atlanta week one. With the stable of running backs, experienced WR’s, and arguably the country’s best overall defense, it was a sure thing in many Seminole fans eyes also.

However, I’m not so sure thats necessarily a given anymore with the quarterback situation.

Why The Change?

History shows making it to the playoffs or the national championship is slim to none. Since 2011 only four teams led by true freshman quarterbacks have finished the season ranked in the final AP top 25. The 2016 Crimson Tide is the only team to make it the national championship under these circumstances.

The odds aren’t in the ‘Noles favor to hoist the national championship trophy at the end of this season.

Thoughts

One thing FSU has on their side is a lot of elite talent surrounding Blackman – something Jalen Hurts had the luxury of last season. So if there is any hope, it’s that there is plenty of help on both sides of the ball to make Blackman’s job a lot easier. Turnovers have to be limited to virtually zero as well. There is no room for error on offense with their possessions.

A first career start against NC State, who has one of the toughest front sevens in CFB this season, isn’t ideal. However, the extended time off to prepare should help tremendously one would think.

Florida State will now have to play 10 straight games and do not have any easy opponents in terms of talent until November 4th against Syracuse.

I still believe FSU is a 9+ win team, but I have serious doubts about any playoffs or even the ACC championship game. Clemson in Death Valley on November 11th now worries me more. Although the Tigers haven’t faced anybody close nearly as talented as FSU, they don’t seem to have missed a step since last season.

If the ‘Noles can somehow make it from this weekend to November 11th unbeaten they still have a shot. The outcome of this season is still in the hands of FSU football but there are just too many “ifs” looking ahead now.

I genuinely hope the true freshman pulls through and keeps the 2017 squad on track. Blackman has the talent to take FSU anywhere they want to go. I’m just not sure it will be this season.

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