CSD Mag Teaser: Is it Florida State’s turn in the ACC Atlantic?

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Each of the past six years, the ACC has been won by either Clemson or Florida State. Clemson in 2011, 2015, and 2016, and the ‘Noles from 2012-2014.With Clemson losing senior QB Deshaun Watson and defensive leader Ben Boulware, and with no real challengers from an ACC Coastal that lost almost all of it’s quarterbacks, all signs point to Florida State as the favorite in the ACC for 2017. Why is everybody so high on Jimbo Fisher and company? And is it fair?

Deondre Francois is back to lead the offense. Francois threw for 3,350 yards with nearly a 3-1 TD-interception ratio as a freshman, and he will only improve on that with experience. A lot more pressure will be put on Francois this year, while he was the quarterback, many would argue the true captain of the offense was runningback Dalvin Cook. With Cook now playing professionally, not only will Francois need to step up his game, but the offense will need to figure out, who will replace Cook at tailback? Junior Jacques Patrick seems to be the favorite, he was the backup to Cook last season, and had a few breakout games even with limited carries. He will have some competition though, coming in the form of five star early enrollee Cam Akers, who was rated as the best runningback, and the #2 overall player of the entire 2016 recruiting cycle by 247sports. The two will probably split carries, although I would guess Patrick would get more to start, and they would ease Akers into a bigger role as the season progresses.

Dalvin Cook isn’t the only NCAA all-american that the “Noles will have to replace though, Demarcus Walker also now finds himself on an NFL team after a 2016 campaign in which he recorded 16 sacks. This is a situation similar to Cook’s as the ‘Noles already have a replacement ready, but there is also a recruit coming in. Junior Josh Sweat has been floated as a possibility to replace Walker. Sweat started as a blitzing WLB last year and recorded over 40 tackles and seven sacks. Him sliding down to his natural position as a weak-side D-end is the most probable outcome, but the ‘Noles also bring in 5-star defensive end Joshua Kaindoh, who was ranked as the #9 overall prospect. He could even take Sweat’s place at WLB, and then move up to end in two years when Sweat graduates. The last major storyline for the ‘Noles is the return of Derwin James. James would’ve been a surefire all-american last year, but he went down early with an injury and never returned. As a freshman in 2015, James was arguably the best player on the team. He racked up stats in every category, as a blitzing safety, he could strike from anywhere, and he was tough against the run game. Having him back at 100% is essential to the ‘Noles making a run in 2017, and as long as he’s healthy, I see them doing just that. I see an ACC Title and possibly a playoff spot in the future for Jimbo Fisher