What the final game of the season means for Seminole football

As this dreadful and injury filled season comes to a close, we have finally arrived on one of the biggest days of the season. The #14 Seminoles take on the #15 Gators in tonights season finale. This game has much more on the line than most realize. With a Seminole victory, Florida State will become State Champions for the third year in a row, flexing their prowess to the entire state of Florida. While, being “State Champions”  is not an official title, and it may not be the most exciting season outcome, this definitely provides a boost of confidence to the players and helps with the recruitment of fresh talent.

Most importantly, the Seminoles have a last-ditch effort opportunity to crack the Top 10. While this may seem far fetched, a decisive win by Florida State over the Gators will not only cap off the season with a much needed victory against a bitter rival, it will show the committee that FSU should still be respected. This big win, and with wins from Utah and Oklahoma, could pave the way to a potential #10 spot that could put the Seminoles in the Orange Bowl. While a lot has to go right, isn’t hope what keeps us alive?

Seminole fans will have to enjoy this game while we can, as it will be the last time we see many ‘Noles in their collegiate uniform. After this season, expect players such as Dalvin Cook and DeMarcus Walker to head for the NFL Draft and continue their football careers. This leaves a huge gap at running back and defensive end for the Seminoles. Dalvin Cook just recently broke FSU’s career rushing record, becoming the Seminole’s greatest running back ever, as a junior. DeMarcus Walker has 13 sacks and counting this year, leading all of the NCAA. Replacing these two with equal or greater talent is a tall task to accomplish, but there are some players that should excite Seminole fans for the future.

While star talent is leaving, these young guns will be groomed this offseason and have the potential to redeem this disappointing season in following years.

Deondre Francois 

The most obvious one of all youth on this team, Deondre will have a full offseason with coaches to become the best possible QB he can be. Deondre came in as a red shirt freshman, and frankly, looked like it. There is no doubt of how talented he can be, personally reminding many of a skinny Cam Newton. While he has the ability to book it and get a first down with his legs, he prefers to stay in the pocket, so much so that it’s hurting him. If Francois can stop taking so many brutal hits, there is no doubt in our minds that Deondre can be a great player.

Brian Burns

Brian Burns has the potential to be a bad, bad man. The freshman defensive end collected 2.5 sacks versus Syracuse and has 7 altogether this season. While he stands at a massive 6’5, he is only 218 lbs. Give him a full offseason with lots and lots of protein and this 4.76 40 yard-dash runner can  become DeMarcus Walker’s replacement for years to come.

Levonta Taylor

Freshman corner from Virginia Beach was a former 5 star recruit, and seeing as Florida State is known for its production of quality cornerbacks from Deion Sanders to most recently Jalen Ramsey, we would not be shocked to see if Levonta Taylor is next in line to be the next big thing. Taylor has been a key reserve this year, accumulating 11 tackles this year, but has shown bursts of shutdown corner ability. Keep an eye on him.

While this year may not have been the great year we all expected, it was a year that saw Florida State play the most freshmen in the ACC at a fat total of 16. This team is young, and with a full offseason ahead of them, expect the expectations to stay very high.