Offensively, Florida State will be led by a potential Heisman Candidate in Christian Ponder, who last season posted the sixth best ever offense in the history of the ACC with 321.8 yards per game before getting hurt in the game against Clemson. In 2010, besides being mentioned as the first Heisman Candidate since 2000, many feel that Ponder should he remain healthy will contend for many awards. Last season, Ponder started the first nine games and averaged 301.9 yards passing per game.
Ponder will have a chest full of weapons to use, as he has Jermaine Thomas of Jacksonville, Florida, who rushed for 832 yards and nine touchdowns in 2009. Sophomore Christ Thompson is also expected to see significant playing time as he has emerged as the top tailback on the depth chart coming out of spring.
Ty Jones, who had a big game in FSU's big win over #7 BYU last season, Lonnie Pryor and junior college transfer Debrale Smiley, also provide depth to a solid tailback crew.
Ponder also has a full hand of aces when it comes to wide recievers. Bert Reed had a huge season in 2009 with a career high 60 catches for 710 yards. Along with Reed, FSU has junior Jarmon Fortson who had a career 45 receptions last season for 610 yards and four touchdowns.
Taiwan Easterling, Willie Haulstead, Rodney Smith and A.J Alexander also provide depth for the WRs.
The Tight End position included junior Beau Feliford, Ja'Baris Little, Will Tye and Tank Sessions.
Defensively, the Seminoles look to improve with a revamped coaching staff with new defensive coordinator Mark Stoops. Last season the defense ranked among the worst in the nation, but they should be able to turn that around with the talent on defense and the talent that was recruited during the recruiting season.
Looking at the 2010 schedule, Florida State has a pretty tough road through the season. After opening up with a relatively easy game against Samford, the Noles will travel out to Norman, Oklahoma for a big showdown the the Sooners. After the trip to Norman, the Noles will return home to face BYU and will commence their ACC schedule. If FSU is looking to break its six game losing streak to the Gators, this will be the year to do it, as Florida will be breaking in a new quarterback among many new players. I can see this years team finishing anywhere from 10-4 to 12-2.
