ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings 2012
7. Florida State
Gaudy expectations are nothing new at Florida State, but Jimbo Fisher is more than happy to underscore the belief that, yes, this is the year to recapture past glory. The reason for all the optimism starts on defense, where FSU returns the bulk of a unit that finished fourth in the nation in total defense last season. Brandon Jenkins and Bjoern Werner form one of the best pass-rushing duos the Seminoles have had in years, while Xavier Rhodes and Lamarcus Joyner are All-America candidates in the secondary. The key to FSU's season, however, might be the offensive line, which was a disaster last season, limiting the running game and forcing QB Ej Manuel to absorb a lot of hits. If the line progresses as expected, the Seminoles appear poised to make good on Fisher's promises. -- David Hale, NoleNation
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