SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
While the statistics are not significantly reflected by last season's final NCAA rankings, the Seminoles' offense did make strides. The Seminoles rushed for 31 more yards per game than in 2006. QB Drew Weatherford went from throwing 11 interceptions in '06 to only three last year. He also set an FSU and ACC record for most consecutive passes (270) without an interception. The Seminoles had 13 plays of 40 or more yards, compared only six in 2006. The big issue, now, however, is who will be the starting quarterback and whether so many changes on the offensive line will impact production.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
Here's where concern begins. The suspensions for last year's academic scandal most affect the defense, where there are significant adjustments. Two freshmen, Moses McCray and Everett Dawkins are 1-2 on the depth chart at one tackle spot. A former walk-on, Ben Lampkin, is slated to start at defensive end. Two more freshmen, Nigel Bradham and Vince Williams, are second-team linebackers who figure to play. Another, Kenny Smith, made his first start in the bowl game. There are potentially five experienced starters forced to miss the first three games. Only the secondary, where veterans returned unscathed by the academic mess, is there proper cohesion. The Seminoles are woefully thin at defensive line.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I think the ACC came out, and everyone was shocked. There were a couple of bad games. One of the things though is, it's hard to judge what everyone else does in that first game. Especially for us, because we're given an extra week to prepare. It's hard to say, but I definitely think we have a pretty good chance to win this whole thing." -- Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder on how the ACC's first-week struggles affect the Seminoles.

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