Before and after each of Florida State's practices, the Seminoles go through a series of weigh-ins.
This season, whenever backup QB Clint Trickett has stood by watching his offensive line teammates amble their large bodies to the scales, a wry smile has formed.
"I like seeing 320 on the scale instead of 280," he said, grinning.
A year ago, he was hard pressed to see many of his pass protectors surpass even 310 pounds. Only four players listed in FSU's first- and second-string offensive line rotation entered last season weighing that much. This year, six regular linemen have started well beyond that point.
"When I compare them to people I played last year that were the same size and that were slower, this year, you can't just beat them off the ball anymore," DE Bjoern Werner said of practicing against the offense. "They're playing really smart now. You always have to have a backup move."
National champs?
The Seminoles have become a chic pick to win the national title. Here are some of the pundits that have FSU finishing on top:
Phil Steele was the first to predict in his magazine a Seminoles BCS title. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit on Tuesday named the Seminoles his preseason pick to win it all on his 12th annual Herbie Awards show. Later that same night, his fellow ESPN college football analyst, former University of Georgia defender David Pollack, also picked the Seminoles to take home their third crystal ball trophy.
By the numbers
3
Games on the schedule outside of the state of Florida
4
Field goals of 50 or more yards by K Dustin Hopkins
15
Points per game allowed last year
88
Sacks by the Seminoles the past two seasons
21.5
Sacks by DE Brandon Jenkins in that span
Information from the Associated Press and the Orlando Sentinel was used in this report.
Quotable
"He can lead you to a championship."
Coach Jimbo Fisher on quarterback EJ Manuel
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