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Can Florida State Seminoles be a contender again?

 
The Seminoles'  top returning offensive player is running back Dalvin Cook, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year as a true freshman. [EVE EDELHEIT | Times]
The Seminoles' top returning offensive player is running back Dalvin Cook, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year as a true freshman. [EVE EDELHEIT | Times]
Published Sept. 2, 2015

Although Florida State enters the season outside the Top 5, the Seminoles can end up as legitimate contenders to make it back to the national semifinal. Here's what must happen for FSU to return to the final four:

1. Reduce turnovers

The Seminoles were second-to-last in the country last season, losing 32 turnovers. Only one quarterback threw more interceptions than Jameis Winston's 18. Even with Winston gone, turnovers remain a concern. The recently named starter, Everett Golson, was turnover-prone at Notre Dame. He threw 14 interceptions in 13 games last year and lost eight fumbles — second-most in the country. Golson insists that he has figured out his turnover issue, but any recurring problems could doom the 'Noles.

2. Let the stars shine

What the Seminoles lack in experience, they make up for in talent. Their top returning offensive player is running back Dalvin Cook, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year as a true freshman. The top offensive lineman (Roderick Johnson) and receiver (Travis Rudolph) are also sophomores. FSU has landed back-to-back top-five recruiting classes, and they must contribute this year to a team that lost 11 players to the NFL.

3. Tame Death Valley

FSU's biggest challenge will likely be Nov. 7 at Clemson, in one of the best environments in college football. The 'Noles needed overtime to squeak past Clemson last year, and the Tigers could be even tougher this year. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is a Heisman Trophy candidate (if he stays healthy), and East Lake High product Artavis Scott is a game-breaking receiver. The winner of this game becomes the favorite in the ACC and a legitimate playoff contender.

4. Reload at secondary

Jalen Ramsey is unquestionably one of the top players in the country; he dominated at Miami with a forced fumble, an interception and a blocked extra point. But the 'Noles also lost two NFL talents, P.J. Williams and Ronald Darby. Their absence means more responsibility for Nate Andrews (93 tackles last year) and the country's top safety recruit, Derwin James, who could earn playing time quickly. The secondary must be a strength of the defense.

5. Start faster

Coach Jimbo Fisher said opponents threw out all sorts of new, different looks early in games last year. FSU responded well, overcoming double-digit deficits to beat Louisville, North Carolina State and Miami. But that 'Noles team was experienced, with an unflappable quarterback (Winston) and veteran playmakers. This squad doesn't have those luxuries. The 'Noles can't expect to keep falling behind so much, and so often, and roll to another undefeated regular season.

6. Rack up sacks

FSU ranked No. 108 in the country with only 17 sacks last season. Some of that lack of production was circumstantial: The 'Noles trailed early, so teams ran the ball more, denying sack opportunities. Fisher was pleased with the pass rush during fall camp. Five-star freshman Josh Sweat could have an early impact, and so will 6-foot-7 Lorenzo Featherston, when he returns from a knee injury. Increasing pressure on the quarterback will help FSU's own rebuilt offense and help the Seminoles return to the playoff.

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Matt Baker, Times staff writer