I got a chance to run some questions by Rich who runs a popular Seminoles fan website called www.chantrant.com. Here's what he had to say about the Seminole team and game this weekend.
VirginiaTechFan.com: Florida State for the first time in several years has had a positive start and an opportunity to do some big things with their season. What do realistic Seminole fans think this team can really achieve?
Rich: Wow, that's the 64 Million $$ question. We're hoping for the best but trying to stay realistic after the last three or four years. Every game from now on is a heavyweight fight. But if we can get by two Techs in a row -- Virginia and Georgia -- then get by B.C., it'll be a very good season. Of course, most FSU fans would trade wins in all those games for beating the gators in the season finale. Yes, it's that much of a bad blood rivalry.
VirginiaTechFan.com. What can Hokie fans not familiar with Chris Ponder expect? Who are the other playmakers on offense?
Rich: A pretty good runner, an improving passer, and a smart kid who won the starting role over a guy who lined up for most every game for the past three seasons. While you wouldn't call Ponder an "athletic" QB, he's pretty quick on his feet. So much so that he now has a package of designed runs to take advantage of his 4.6 speed. If the OL gives him a little time, he can be accurate with most of his throws. He's got a strong arm, but don't expect many beyond 20 yards. Since our bitter loss to Wake in the third game, Offensive Coord. (and Coach-in-Waiting) Jimbo Fisher has kept the air game to quick outs, bubble screens and some over-the-middle stuff. As for the smarts, Ponder earned his B.S. in two and a half years, with a 3.75 in Finance.
VirginiaTechFan.com Looking at the statistics, Florida State's defense looks very formidable. Nobody's done much against them. Should the Hokies just punt on 3rd down?
Rich: Let's wait and see if the D is cranked for a big game. After limiting Miami to very few yards, they let N.C. State rip off some big runs in the first half of our last game. The Pack had two TDs through the air on routes that faked the secondary. Luckily, the final stats looked pretty good for the D. as they shut out N.C. State for most of the second half. But they obviously started slow and not ready for an upset-minded opponent. You can bet D-Coordinator Mickey Andrews ran them ragged this week, so they'll have a little something to redeem themselves for on Saturday.
VirginiaTechFan.com How big is the talent difference in the current Florida State team and the Florida State teams of say the late 90s? What happened?
Rich: This year's team has narrowed that talent difference -- especially compared to previous teams of the decade. For example, last year the offense had one strong playmaker that would have played on the dynasty teams of the 90s. This year there are several, plus some very promising freshmen who could fit the mold.
What happened? The simple version is: 1) Not enough great talent to replenish the long list of players who graduated in 2000 and 2001. 2) Key coaches, such as Mark Richt and Chuck Amato moving on to head coach jobs. 3) Those coaches being replaced by guys who didn't measure up, including the controversial hiring of Bowden's son Jeff as Offensive Coordinator. 4) The inability of the new coaches, and even some of the incumbents on the staff, to recruit the same level of blue chip talent that had kept FSU in the top five for many years. 5) During the same period, several ACC teams got serious about football, hired excellent coaches and begin to compete with the Noles for the best high school players.
VirginiaTechFan.com I'll admit I love Bobby Bowden mainly because he's such a great interview. But he's not my football coach. Has the Jimbo Fischer 'Head Coach in Waiting' arrangement satisfied those ready for him to move on?
Rich: The jury is still out for most FSU fans. They're solidly behind Fisher and are okay with the succession concept, but Jimbo will need to win them over with a better record this season than the 7 - 6 of the past two years. Of course, beating the reptiles from Gainesville would pretty much solidify his sainthood in Tallahassee.
VirginiaTechFan.com For those Hokies that haven't been to Tallahassee or Doak-Walker Stadium, any advice?
Rich: Actually, it's Doak Campbell Stadium, and it can seat up to 85,000 if we all inhale. The sight lines are good pretty much wherever you sit. Concession lines are long at halftime, as are those to the rest room, though that's standard for most good D-1 teams. I advise only two things: Bring a seat cushion because the aluminum benches get pretty hard, and there are no seat backs. Also, get your bearings on the stadium location, because you probably won't be able to park anywhere near it.
Note that Rich and his team also produce a FSU tribute site at www.garnetandgreat.com .
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Interesting stuff. So the FSU talent gap is creeping back to the 90’s level. That’s not good news.
Good job, Hokie G. Great post.