Since the turn of the century, a lot of things have changed for the Florida State football program, and most of it has not been for the better.

After enjoying perhaps the greatest run in college football history where the Seminoles had 14-straight finishes in the Associated Press poll's top-five and won two national championships, FSU fans watched their team compile an uncharacteristic 75-42 record over the past nine seasons

But the rather-abrupt end to the 'Noles' reign of dominance is a change that pales in comparison to the one they will experience in 2010.

For the first time since 1975, the iconic Bobby Bowden will not be roaming the sidelines as Florida State's head coach. While the change shouldn't be too drastic since new head coach Jimbo Fisher has been FSU's offensive coordinator since 2007, it should be a surreal feeling for everyone when Fisher - not Bowden - leads the Seminoles onto the field against Samford in their September 4 opener.

Fisher brings with him a revamped coaching staff as well, headlined by defensive coordinator Mark Stoops, the man in charge of following another legend in Mickey Andrews, who served as Bowden's defensive coordinator for 26 seasons.

Even through all the changes and transitions, one constant in Tallahassee is high expectations, and that trend continues as the 2010 season approaches.

Despite a forgettable 7-6 campaign in 2009, Florida State enters this season ranked 20th in the ESPN/USA Today coaches' poll and is the overwhelming favorite among media members to win the ACC's Atlantic Division. So many times in the last 10 years we've seen the 'Noles not live up to their preseason expectations, but there appears to be a different vibe surrounding this year's team with a new coaching staff and the massive chip on their shoulder from last season's disappointment, leading me to believe 2010 could be far different from past teams who failed to meet expectations.

Linebacker Nigel Bradham

Embarrassing may even be too kind of a word to describe last year's defensive performance. A unit historically known for its blazing speed and relentless pass rush, the Seminoles were the ones being torched on a weekly basis, finishing 108th nationally in total defense and 94th in points allowed, surrendering an uncharacteristic 30 points per game.

To say Stoops' work is cut out for him is likely an understatement, given the defense's struggles and the players making a defense transition from Andrews' man-to-man base defense to Stoops' multiple zone coverage and blitz schemes. The good news for Stoops is he will have plenty of talent to work with, albeit unproven.

The linebacker corps should be the defense's strongpoint led by junior Nigel Bradham, the top-rated high school linebacker back in 2008. Bradham is one of the most physically imposing linebackers in the conference and led the team in tackles as a sophomore with 93. Joining him in starting roles will be seniors Mister Alexander and Kendall Smith. Alexander came on strong last season, earning more time as the year progressed and wound up with the second-most sacks on the team with five. Also expected to make impacts this season at linebacker are highly-touted freshmen Christian Jones and Jeff Luc.

The secondary may be the biggest question mark for the Seminoles, as they will have to replace three starters from a year ago. The lone returning starter is senior cornerback Ochuko Jenije, who will likely move to safety this year. Redshirt freshman Xavier Rhodes is the leading candidate to replace first-round draft choice Patrick Robinson at the one corner position with sophomore cornerback Greg Reid holding down the other cornerback position. Reid will again also make a biggest impact on special teams, as he led the nation in punt return average last season at 18.4 yards per return as a freshman. Locking down the other safety position is junior Terrance Parks.

Spearheading an offense that returns nine starters will be senior quarterback Christian Ponder, who is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate and will be protected by the most experienced offensive line in the conference. Ponder was sensational in his nine starts last season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury against Clemson, leading the ACC in total offense with an average of 321.8 yards per game and throwing 14 touchdown passes.

Ponder's list of targets took a big hit when Jarmon Fortson, the team's no. 1 receiver heading into the season, was dismissed from the team earlier this month. Junior Bert Reed will now likely be Ponder's go-to guy. Reed is coming off a strong sophomore season that saw him make 60 catches for 710 yards - both good for second on the team.

Ponder loves to spread the ball around, however, and it's expected that junior Taiwan Easterling and sophomores Willie Haulstead and Rodney Smith will see their share of balls thrown in their direction. With Fortson's dismissal, it will have to be a collective effort from the receiving corps if the passing game hopes to be effective.

Wide Receiver Bert Reed

Though expectations are high for the Seminoles this year, FSU does face a difficult schedule including four opponents who were ranked in the AP preseason Top 18 including arch-rival Florida (3), Oklahoma (8), Miami (13) and North Carolina (18) in addition to another tough non-conference home contest against BYU. The Seminoles, though, should have a potent offense and a defense that has nowhere to go but up, and were named by the media in the annual ACC preseason poll to reach the ACC Championship Game. Falling short of that likely will be considered a disappointment, which is putting a lot of pressure on Fisher in his first year as coach. But I expect Fisher to embrace these high expectations and use them as motivation to fuel a successful 2010 campaign.