Your Top Sleeper

[Vileborg]

The Noles shouldn't be a sleeper. They haven't had a losing season since 1976(not counting forfeited wins). They've won 12 conference titles in the 19 years they've been in the ACC. They've won 63% of the conference titles since they joined the league, Tech 57%. If you consider there was no champion in 2009(Georgia Tech vacated), both would be at 66%. We talk about Tech's 7 straight 10 win seasons. What about FSU's 14 straight 10 win seasons back when they played only 11 and a bowl. I'd say the ACC is owned and operated out of Tallahassee even though the road to it runs through Blacksburg. I think the next few years will tell who truly owns the ACC but one thing is sure, it's going to be one heck of a ride.

[RazorHawk]

The Noles shouldn't be a sleeper. They haven't had a losing season since 1976(not counting forfeited wins). They've won 12 conference titles in the 19 years they've been in the ACC. They've won 63% of the conference titles since they joined the league, Tech 57%. If you consider there was no champion in 2009(Georgia Tech vacated), both would be at 66%. We talk about Tech's 7 straight 10 win seasons. What about FSU's 14 straight 10 win seasons back when they played only 11 and a bowl. I'd say the ACC is owned and operated out of Tallahassee even though the road to it runs through Blacksburg. I think the next few years will tell who truly owns the ACC but one thing is sure, it's going to be one heck of a ride.

Agree, claiming the Noles to be a sleeper would be like saying Ohio St is a sleeper.

[Eric]

I don't think calling FSU a sleeper is a stretch at all. The Noles haven't been in the national title chase in roughly a decade, so that is what people mean when they call them a "sleeper."

[billybud]

Noles are indeed a sleeper...not yet NC material. But getting better.

[armchairqb]

If FSU gets by Oklahoma, I say that the Noles are a sleeper.

If the `Noles get by Oklahoma, they might be a shoe-in.

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Agreed, that schedule is pretty defeatable by FSU aside from the OU game.

[Vileborg]

I dunno,

Florida St

5th in Coaches Poll
6th in Also Played poll (AP)
6th in CFP Users poll
5th in the ESPN Power Rankings
NBC Sports CFT Poll (2nd)

I think I only found one fan poll that didn't have them in the top 10 and most polls I saw had them 6th or better.


Analysts predicting title game appearance:
ESPN
Desmond Howard
Brock Huard
Brian Griese
Rod Gilmore
Kirk Herbstreit (2nd Pick, 1st pick was Bama/Oregon)
Bill Trochi SI.com Bama/FSU

22% of ESPN Analysts polled picked Bama/FSU, second only to Bama/Okla at 27%

Odds
Bankroll sports 13 to 1 (3rd overall)
Odds Shark 10 to 1 (2nd overall)
Bet Vega 10 to 1 (2nd overall)
My Sports Book +800 (3rd overall)
Dodog 9 to 1 (4th overall)
Predict Em 10 to 1 (3rd)
HIlton 10 to 1 (3rd)
Lucky's 10 to 1 (3rd)


Seems to me everyone has them on the radar. It's perfectly fine if you don't. There is nothing wrong with being original or different.

I'm just razzing you guys. I'm not advocating FSU. It's a long season and so far it's all hype, but there sure is a lot of hype.

[RazorHawk]

I dunno,

Florida St

5th in Coaches Poll
6th in Also Played poll (AP)
6th in CFP Users poll
5th in the ESPN Power Rankings
NBC Sports CFT Poll (2nd)

I think I only found one fan poll that didn't have them in the top 10 and most polls I saw had them 6th or better.


Analysts predicting title game appearance:
ESPN
Desmond Howard
Brock Huard
Brian Griese
Rod Gilmore
Kirk Herbstreit (2nd Pick, 1st pick was Bama/Oregon)
Bill Trochi SI.com Bama/FSU

22% of ESPN Analysts polled picked Bama/FSU, second only to Bama/Okla at 27%

Odds
Bankroll sports 13 to 1 (3rd overall)
Odds Shark 10 to 1 (2nd overall)
Bet Vega 10 to 1 (2nd overall)
My Sports Book +800 (3rd overall)
Dodog 9 to 1 (4th overall)
Predict Em 10 to 1 (3rd)
HIlton 10 to 1 (3rd)
Lucky's 10 to 1 (3rd)


Seems to me everyone has them on the radar. It's perfectly fine if you don't. There is nothing wrong with being original or different.

I'm just razzing you guys. I'm not advocating FSU. It's a long season and so far it's all hype, but there sure is a lot of hype.

Exactly, not much of a sleeper.

[Vileborg]

Speaking of which I think the Hokies have to be removed from the sleeper list after yesterdays performance.

My worries pre-season:

Between the tackles back
Answer: Oglesby

Defensive line and backs
Answer: They were unbelievable yesterday. The ends were getting pressure, and the tackles were stuffing the run. The linebackers were playing with good instincts and blazing speed. A deadly combination and they dismantled a good App St. offense.

Rookie Quarterback
Answer: While Logan Thomas struggled with a few throws early he came around.

Kickers
Answer: Punter struggled a few times but the place kicker looked awesome, and he spent more time kicking at the end zone cheerleaders than he did the App St.

Bonus
Back-Up Quarterback Leel played most of the second half and moved the ball pretty well even with an obvious time eating objective. He took the Hokies down the field twice for two scores and helped Tech run out the last 5mins in App St's territory. Taking a knee the last four downs from inside their 10.

Intangibles? How about 1 fumble recovery, 3 Ints, 6 returns for 180 yards, 1 Sack, 7 Tackles for loss, and a Blocked punt for a TD. It was 52-0 when Tech pulled all of the first string. 69 of 70 players played.

App St.'s best weapon? Their Punter, and no I'm not joking. He kept the Hokies pinned deep more times than I care to admit, including at least two times inside the 5.

In closing, all the holes I outlined and worried about have been answered. It's still early but this coaching staff has outdone themselves.

[donovan]

I hope the Hokies do well this year, I think they will. But like a lot of teams yesterday, their opponent did not really represent the rest of their season. So it is well they executed precisely, but not sure it tells us what we need to know. But it is a win, and good job.

[GoBoilers]

Anyone in the top 12-15 are not sleepers because if they continue to win and stay unbeaten as the season progresses, whoever that may be, will find themselves in the NC mix.