According to Phil Steele Florida State is capable of making a surprising run to the College Football Playoff (Insider).
Last year unraveled before it ever got started, as up-and-coming quarterback Deondre Francois was lost in the opener to a knee injury. He is back, as is James Blackman, who stepped in and earned a full season of valuable reps as a true freshman. Add in second-year running back Cam Akers and Florida State has the nation’s best young backfield this side of Athens, Georgia. New head coach Willie Taggart is justifiably bullish about his offense, while a rebuilding defense can always bank on speed and athleticism.