2008 record: 9-4, 5-3 (1st-tie in ACC Atlantic)
2008 bowl: Beat Wisconsin 24-21 in Champs Sports
2008 final AP/coaches' ranking: 21/23
Coach: Bobby Bowden (309-91-4, 34th year; 382-123-4 overall, 43 years)
Offensive coordinator: Jimbo Fisher (3rd year)
Defensive coordinator: Mickey Andrews (26th year)
Returning offensive starters: 8
Returning defensive starters: 5
Location: Tallahassee, Fla.
Stadium: Doak S. Campbell Stadium (grass; 82,300)
Last league title: 2005
2009 schedule: [view]
2009 roster: [view]
2008 statistics: [view]

Offensive: Florida State’s offense has seven returning starters — and none are more important than junior quarterback Christian Ponder. In his first season running the Seminoles, Ponder displayed maturity, poise and the ability to make plays (with his arm or feet). He’s working behind a veteran offensive line, which includes potential All-American junior Rodney Hudson at guard. Sophomore Jermaine Thomas averaged 7.0 yards per carry and gets first call as the primary ball-carrier. There are multiple candidates at receiver, but no apparent standouts. Senior tight end Caz Piurowski, a 6-foot-7, 271-pounder, is an intriguing target.

Defensive: The Seminoles hope that junior Markus White and senior Kevin McNeil, the defensive ends, can apply the type of pressure displayed by Everette Brown, a first-round NFL draft choice. If that occurs, coaches will feel better about the impending defensive facelift. The linebackers are in transition — senior Dekoda Watson returns, but first-time starters Kendall Smith and Nigel Bradham are on the spot. The secondary has senior veterans Patrick Robinson at cornerback and Jamie Robinson at free safety.

Specialists: The Seminoles will miss Lou Groza Award winner Graham Gano, the team’s leading scorer and top punter. The place-kicking job is wide open. Sophomore Shawn Powell is the expected punter. There’s an abundance of candidates in the return game.

Coaching: Bobby Bowden was scheduled to enter this season with 382 career victories, one fewer than all-time leader Joe Paterno of Penn State, but as part of NCAA sanctions, 14 victories (in 2006 and 2007) were to be vacated. Florida State has appealed that NCAA decision. In the meantime, Bowden continues to look for a way to bring his program back to its glory days. That may be too much to ask, especially with offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, the head coach-in-waiting, poised to take over, maybe as early as 2010.  

Heisman Hopefuls: Ponder could receive consideration because of his dual-threat skills, but only if the Seminoles surpass all expectations as a team.

Game of the year Sept. 7 vs. Miami This Labor Day evening matchup is a big one for the Seminoles, who need a rapid start in the ACC.

Overview: Florida State football isn’t what it used to be — and it might be a few more years before the Seminoles of old show up again. Florida State has lost five straight games to the hated Florida Gators (Bowden never has dropped six straight games to any team). For now, if the Seminoles can capture the ACC Atlantic Division and earn a spot in the league’s championship game at Tampa, the season will be considered a success. The Seminoles are capable of that, but they must avoid the unexpected stumbles that have become all too common.

Next up: No. 21 Utah

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