ESPN's Paul Finebaum thinks that FSU football will have a regression in 2024

Florida State football has taken a step back in terms of talented pieces on the squad for the 2024 season. The Seminoles will have to replace the likes of Jordan Travis, Trey Benson, Johnny Wilson, Keon Coleman, Jaheim Bell, Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kalen DeLoach, Tatum Bethune, Jarrian Jones, Renardo Green, and Akeem Dent.

Florida State acquired several new pieces this offseason such as quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, wide receiver Malik Benson, and defensive end Marvin Jones Jr. It begs to wonder if the new transfers added would be enough to move the needle for them in 2024.

The over/under win total is set at 9.5 so obviously the general public is higher on the Seminoles' chance of being successful. Florida State accomplished quite a bit in 2023 where they had an undefeated regular season and a conference championship.

However, a bitter pill had to be swallowed as the Seminole faithful will remember that dreaded day in December as undefeated Florida State was left out of the 4-team College Football Playoff in favor of a one-loss Alabama Crimson Tide team.

Ever since Florida State fans were frustrated about not making the playoffs, there have been individuals outside of the program who thought the program was "just crying for no reason". One of those people has been ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum who has shown his displeasure for Florida State in the past.

On Tuesday, Finebaum made the following statement about Florida State on ESPN's First Take.

Finebaum thinks that Florida State used too many tears crying about not making the playoffs. This seems like an unprofessional approach by the analyst. However, I do realize that he works for the SEC Network, and the Seminoles are still part of the ACC at this time. I wonder if Florida State realigned to the SEC, would his tune change about the program?

Regardless, it is quite the bold statement to suggest that Florida State will finish the season unranked after ranking in the preseason AP poll as the tenth-best team in the country and coming off a 13-1 season in 2023. I guess we will have to wait and see if Finebaum is correct.