It only took one week for Florida State to leap into the AP Top 25. However, some analysts believe the Seminoles deserved to be ranked even higher than No. 14. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Greg McElroy made the case for Florida State to be ranked in the top 10.
“What’s missing though from the top 10 — the Florida State Seminoles,” McElroy said during an appearance on SportsCenter. “And, I understand exactly what they looked like last year. But, there’s one thing we learned based on the performances of Indiana, based the performance last year of teams that were nowhere to be found, like Arizona State — you can completely alter your identity in one year’s time.
“Florida State was 2-10 last year, but you’re going to tell me right now that they’re ranked 14th, and there were 13 teams that looked better than them in Week one? I completely disagree with that. Florida State, albeit, back in the top 15. Yes, probably something to feel good about, but I think disrespected, as a whole, from the AP poll. They should be at the top 10.”
Florida State was dominant in its 31-17 upset win over Alabama, who was ranked No. 8 at the time. In the win, the Seminoles offense was a well-oiled machine, amassing 382 total yards.
Florida State only committed four penalties in the win, compared to eight for Alabama. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos was particularly excellent for the Seminoles. The Boston College transfer tallied 152 passing yards, 78 rushing yards and a touchdown in the win.
Of course, Florida State’s defense shouldn’t be overlooked either. The Seminoles wreaked havoc in Alabama’s backfield all afternoon, finishing the day with three sacks and seven tackles for loss.
While Florida State certainly wouldn’t mind being ranked even higher this week, the team is likely just happy to be back in college football experts’ good graces. After the program posted a 2-10 record last season, many analysts questioned if Florida State’s 13-1 record in 2023 was a fluke.
If FSU can build on its momentum from Week 1, it’ll have a chance to return to the upper echelon of college football. Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell knows his team can’t be satisfied with one win.
“This is the first step. But it was a big step,” Norvell said after the victory on Saturday. “Now, we’ve gotta go and get better. We have to continue to improve. We’re gonna enjoy tonight.
“We’re gonna be able to get a great evaluation of exactly where we are. But, when you have a team like that that has a lot of experience and some good players that are on the other side, it comes down to your execution and just ultimately what you’re willing to pour into the opportunity. “
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