Florida State Seminoles [2011: 9-4 (5-3), beat Notre Dame 18-14 in Champs Sports Bowl]

Four Year Trend: 2008 (9-4), 2009 (7-6), 2010 (10-4), 2011 (9-4)

Notable Player: Brandon Jenkins, DE. If Florida State wins, it will be with its defensive line. Senior Brandon Jenkins is the unit’s best player. Being used in a more versatile role last year saw his numbers drop, from the 13.5 sacks he recorded in 2010, though he should be poised for another monster season, after being declared the team’s best player in spring practice.

Top Newcomers: Eddie Goldman (DT), Jameis Winston (QB), Mario Edwards (DT)

Discipline: Florida State is habitually one of the nation’s most penalized teams. They committed 103 last season, ranking 118th in penalties per game. Their best finish the past five years was 75th in 2010. They cannot fulfill their national ambitions, while they continue beating themselves.

Why We Like Them: Florida State should again have arguably the country’s best defense. The entire defensive line, perhaps the nation’s best in terms of both quality and depth, returns. There is not a team on their schedule that can match that physicality up front. They ranked seventh in the country in sacks last year, and held opponents to just 2.35 yards per carry (No. 1 nationally). They also have a potential first-round draft pick in the secondary with cornerback Xavier Rhodes. If the offense can be decent, with senior quarterback E.J. Manuel, this could be one of the nation’s best teams.

Why We’re Concerned: The Seminoles’ offensive line remains a question mark. A cruel injury run last year led to them ranking 105th in the country in rushing (3.34 yards per carry) and starting four true freshmen in the Champs Sports Bowl. This cost them a trip to the BCS in 2011, but in 2012 it means their young line has starting experience.

Circle This Game: Florida State vs. Florida [Nov. 24]  If Florida State plays to its potential, it should win the ACC in second gear. In this rivalry matchup, teams will play for in-state pride, a leg up in recruiting and, in Florida State’s case, to keep potential BCS title ambitions viable.

Best-Case Scenario: The Seminoles power straight through an incredibly forgiving schedule. The Seminoles play just one team for our Top 20, Florida, and that game is in Tallahassee. The Seminoles finish 12-0, win the ACC Title and, if fortune favors them, plays for a BCS one.

Worst-Case Scenario: Same old Seminoles with unrealized potential. They get ravaged by injuries on offense. They come out flat against Florida, Virginia Tech and Clemson and find a way to drop an unconscionable conference game to finish 8-4.

Projected Bowl: Orange

[Photo via Presswire]

25. Kansas State 24. Virginia Tech 23. Clemson 22. Boise State 21. Stanford 20. Michigan State 19. Notre Dame 18. Nebraska 17. Oklahoma State 16. Wisconsin 15. TCU 14. Florida 13. West Virginia 12. Georgia 11. Texas 10. Arkansas 9. Michigan 8. Ohio State