Bird’s Eye View: The days of the ACC being FSU and the seven dwarfs seem like a distant memory now, and, judging by the turmoil this offseason in Tallahassee, competitive balance is here to stay. It’s one thing to lose to Miami for a sixth consecutive year, but FSU lost to five-win Maryland and struggled mightily to beat Wake 20-17 last year.

This was supposed to be the return to glory for the Noles, but then starting quarterback Wyatt Sexton was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, the best defensive lineman on the roster, Clifton Dickson, was declared academically ineligible for the season, and the best corner in the ACC not named Jimmy Williams (Antonio Cromartie) tore his ACL and is out for the season. Even Florida State’s vaunted linebacking crew had its two best players, Ernie Sims and A.J. Nicholson, charged with crimes that could have, in theory, jeopardized their availability for the opener against Miami. However, neither of them shot the President, so Papa Bowden is going the “internal discipline” route.

Areas of Strength (offense): No team in the ACC has a better set of tailbacks than FSU. Senior Leon Washington is a 5’9” tank who runs exceptionally well between the tackles, while junior Lorenzo Booker excels in space. Washington is the best back in the conference, but they both are capable of making a big play at anytime. Don’t be surprised if blue chip freshman tailback Antone Smith is incorporated in a variety of ways as the season progresses. He’s too talented not to get touches this fall, and he ran a blistering 4.36 (second on the team) during summer workouts. He could be a Warrick Dunn type. The wide receivers have a lot to prove, but they should be more productive than last year’s group. Willie Reid and Chris Davis were both stud recruits who have been waiting their turn while fighting injuries, while incoming blue chipper Fred Rouse could have a Calvin Johnson type impact if he learns the system. The fastest player on the team that tested during the summer was redshirt freshman wide receiver Kenny O’Neal (4.31 forty) so expect him to be a factor down the field. While this is a far cry from the vintage FSU offenses of the late 1990’s, the speed at the skill positions is staggering.

Areas of Concern (offense): While Sexton had his limitations on the field, he did have some experience. The quarterback job will now be handed to one of two redshirt freshmen, either Xavier Lee or Drew Weatherford, and it looks like Weatherford is pulling ahead in fall practice. (Lee has a gimpy shoulder that he keeps aggravating, and Weatherford is scrimmaging well.) Lee is a physical marvel, as he has the speed to play any skill position and has a strong enough arm that he’s said to have thrown passes as far as 87 yards in high school. Weatherford isn’t the athlete that Lee is, but he is definitely above average and has a better grasp of the position right now. Both of them are mobile enough to buy time if they struggle to read coverage. However, as with any freshman quarterback, they will make key mistakes. While quarterback has gotten the most attention, if I were a Seminole fan I’d be most concerned about the offensive line, particularly the tackles. They may develop, but on paper this group is, at best, average in the ACC. A questionable line with young quarterbacks is a recipe for trouble.

Areas of Strength (defense): Arrests or no arrests, Ernie Sims and A.J. Nicholson are both high level talents who will collect NFL paychecks for a long time. Once you add in steady middle linebacker Buster Davis, you may have the best linebacker trio in the country. Sims runs well enough to conjure up images of Derrick Brooks, and he hits like he’s 250 rather than his listed 220. Senior free safety Pat Watkins is an all ACC candidate who makes big plays and is experienced enough to help a young group of corners understand their responsibilities.

Areas of Concern (defense): Dickson was being counted on to help offset the loss of first round draft choice Travis Johnson at defensive tackle, and his loss is a big blow. Broderick Bunkley, the best remaining defensive tackle on the roster, also had some academic question marks but it appears he’ll play this fall. Senior Kamerion Wimbley is the name to watch at end, but there doesn’t seem to be a stud pass rusher anywhere on the roster. The corners are very young with Cromartie’s absence, and the 2004 corner class of J.R. Bryant, Trevor Ford and Tony Carter probably will experience major growing pains.

Key Game: At Boston College. Even though the Noles are at home, it’s tough to see them beating Miami in the opener with this many inexperienced players. That means they will need to rebound at Chestnut Hill – historically, a tough place for Miami to play – or FSU will be staring at 0-2 in the conference and the Atlantic Division will be wide open by the middle of September.

Fearless Predictions: The Noles will be maddeningly inconsistent this year, capable of brilliance one moment and frustration the next. I expect FSU to use a quarterback rotation as both freshmen will split time, but ultimately I think FSU’s offensive line concerns will give the bulk of the snaps to Lee. Smith and Rouse will provide an immediate impact, first in the return game and later on plays from scrimmage. FSU will be more vulnerable to deep passing this year than in any in recent memory. I expect two regular season ACC losses for the Noles plus a defeat in the ACC title game.