The 'Noles haven't won the ACC since 2005, but they're definitely heading into the season as the league favorite, again. FSU possesses a defense that certainly is good enough to win the ACC title and possibly contend for a national title. The question: Can the offense do its job? The offensive line is the key. The offense doesn't have to be great; it just has to be good because the defense is going to be great.
Source: gulfbreezenews.com

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Ronald Darby has been on Florida State's campus for less than three months, but he already has a chance to leave a lasting mark on it.

In a post-scrimmage interview session inside Doak Campbell Stadium Thursday afternoon, FSU coach Jimbo Fisher told reporters the true freshman cornerback would play for the Seminoles this season and that he would "play a lot."
Source: orlandosentinel.com

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One of the few bright spots from Florida State's ground game that finished 104th in the country in 2011 was Devonta Freeman...

...Freeman points to the tutelage of senior tailback Chris Thompson, who mentored Freeman last season while recovering from a broken back, as a major factor in his progress.

The two have formed an exceptionally strong bond.
Source: miamiherald.com

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And yet, despite all those high expectations, it's been six years since FSU actually delivered a league title.

So why is this year going to be different?

Experience, for one thing. Coach Jimbo Fisher welcomes 17 returning starters from last year's 9-4 team. There's also plenty of talent, with eight players receiving mention on preseason award watch lists for their individual positions.
Source: acc.blogs.starnewsonline.com

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Such a visible increase in size has been but one way the Seminoles and their coaches have been able to notice improvements on the unit this offseason. They also have noticed the FSU offensive line is no longer bending, breaking and allowing defensive linemen to race by during practices.

Viewed since the offseason began as the weak link on FSU's roster, the offensive line has been deemed the difference-making unit on the team this season. If the group plays well, many college football experts believe the Seminoles may be able to live up to their lofty championship expectations.
Source: orlandosentinel.com

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What they lack in experience, Clemson's defensive tackles make up for in eagerness to learn. They've received positive reviews this month as the Tigers bear down on the season opener.

"We've made a lot of progress, probably more than what people thought we would. It's all dedicated to great coaching," Watson said.
Source: orangeandwhite.com

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Maryland could end up playing the most, and having players who make the biggest impact. You have quarterback Perry Hills starting in place of the injured C.J. Brown. Highly touted athlete Stefon Diggs has had an outstanding preseason camp. Don't forget about running backs Albert Reid and Wes Brown, who also have looked really good.

Here are a few young players to keep an eye on at each school.
Source: espn.go.com

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At 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, Jonathan Cooper is a mountain of a man, every bit the modern college offensive lineman. He's also one of the nicest and most sincere people you could ever hope to meet...

He is playing for his third head coach, has protected two big-time quarterbacks and blocked for quite a few running backs. He won at Virginia Tech on a Thursday night, a sight not many have seen, but then again, he's seen just about everything in his time at North Carolina.
Source: newsobserver.com

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