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FSU Football: Early 2018 predictions not high on Noles winning title

By Jason Parker

GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Jacques Patrick #9 of the Florida State Seminoles is tackled by Chauncey Gardner Jr. #23 of the Florida Gators during the first half of the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Jacques Patrick #9 of the Florida State Seminoles is tackled by Chauncey Gardner Jr. #23 of the Florida Gators during the first half of the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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FSU football is going to have to prove a lot to people after a subpar season in 2017 – and it shows by the early top 25 rankings from several outlets.

After five straight seasons with double digit wins that included three conference crowns, a national title and two Orange Bowl championships, FSU football took a step back this past season – a year that included a needed four game winning streak and rescheduled game just to finish with seven wins and keep several streaks alive.

It was a far cry from a team who started the season as the third ranked team in the country – a team that some, including Chop Chat – thought would be playing for a national title at the end of the season and not celebrating an Independence Bowl win over Southern Miss as the highlight of the season.

Needless to say, you can be willing to bet that because of what took place last season and the number of roster losses from this season, FSU football won’t be starting the season as a top five team and will have to work if they want to sniff a conference crown, much less a playoff berth.

That is evident just days after the end of the 2017 season as several way too early top 25 ranking have the Seminoles looking up at plenty of teams – starting with Sports Illustrated putting the Noles at No. 19:

"Quarterback Deondre Francois should be back to full health, and with new coach Willie Taggart, the Seminoles have a ton of talent to unleash. Running back Cam Akers will be one of the most fun players to watch in college football next year."

Over at USA Today, FSU football is slightly better in their rankings – and by slightly better, I mean they are coming at No. 18:

"There’s no doubt about the Seminoles’ talent, obviously, and maybe the fresh voice Taggart brings to the table will breathe life into a tired football facility."

Finally, the Worldwide Leader over at ESPN let their voice be heard and they want to put Florida State down at No. 22 at this point:

"Cam Akers ran for 1,024 yards as a freshman, and four of five starting offensive linemen and leading receiver Nyqwan Murray should be back. The FSU defense will need a makeover, especially in the secondary, where (Derwin) James and (Tarvarus) McFadden have already decided to turn pro."

While we would love to see the Seminoles back in the ACC Championship Game and College Football Playoff this coming season, the truth of the matter is that this season is going to be one that might be a little bit rough – not losing season rough, but with a new coach and a schedule that includes Virginia Tech, Miami, Clemson, Notre Dame, Florida and N.C. State, there will be work to do.

Next: Fake national titles Noles should sarcastically claim like UCF

If the Seminoles can get back to a 10 win season with the transition and that tougher schedule, Willie Taggart will instantly become a hero in Tallahassee and overtake the former coach for second best of all time behind Bobby Bowden.

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