The Rebels and 'Noles are both coming off of successful seasons that did not live up to the high standards of these two squads. Ole Miss finished 2015 at 10-3, a season highlighted by upsetting Alabama, but tainted by losses to Memphis, Florida, and Arkansas. The Rebels showed promise in numerous victories last year, but consistency was clearly an issue. Florida State finished 2015 with the same record, with losses to Georgia Tech, Clemson, and Houston. Both teams are right on the cusp of the best in their respective conferences according to the preseason polls, and a win on Monday would help in proving that they could be the best. The only ACC team ranked ahead of Florida State in the preseason polls is No. 2 Clemson. For the Rebels, they trail three SEC opponents in the current polls, with Alabama at No. 1, LSU at No. 5, and Tennessee at No. 9. But Tennessee's piss poor showing against App State on Thursday night implies that the Vols' high expectations for 2016 were probably unwarranted.
Not only do we get to see two of the country's top teams go at it, but we have the pleasure of watching two of the most electric players college football has to offer in Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly and FSU running back Dalvin Cook. Swag Kelly and Cook are, as far as preseason hype is concerned, in the second tier of Heisman hopefuls. They're both hands down two of the best players in the nation, but they're slightly overshadowed by the highly praised likes of Christian McCaffrey, Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield, and Leonard Fournette. The safe-bet preseason favorites.
Swag's off-the-field IQ isn't necessarily one of his strengths, but at least he's refrained from having viral documentation of partaking in pot stuff. So on Ole Miss football standards, they've got a damn valedictorian under center. But all dad-joking aside, anyone who doubts Chad Kelly's talent on the football field is a moron. This kid can play, and he has the ability to step up in primetime. However, one major issue for the dual-threat QB is his inexperienced offensive line. Also, Swag is without his #1 target from last season in Laquon Treadwell. It also doesn't seem that Kelly will have much help with the ground game, as his running backs still have to prove their worth.
Speaking of the Rebels' passing game, the holes to fill from last year might not be as much of a worry as the talent of this Seminoles defensive backfield is. ESPN's top 100 list for college football players in 2016 featured three Florida State defenders, most notably sophomore defensive back Derwin James at the No. 16 spot. The 6 foot 3, 211 pound Florida native had an impressive college debut last year, recording 91 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, tow forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Some more names to watch for on this FSU defense include defensive lineman Demarcus Walker and cornerback Marquez White.
On the other side of the ball, experience will not be an issue as the Seminoles return 10 of 11 starters. The only new face will be under center, as redshirt freshman Deondre Francois has earned the starting job.
In FSU's spring game, Francois had his ups and downs in an overall satisfactory showing, completing 20 of 33 passes for 246 yards with two touchdowns and two picks. Francois can really sling it, and if necessary, his feet don't seem to be a bad option either. Usually I'd be critical of his inexperience, but with so many returning starters, the offense should be fine.
According to the Vegas lines, Florida State is a five point favorite in this game. I'd bet on the 'Noles covering the spread, as I think they'll win by at least a touchdown. In a game that might come down to which team's playmaker puts on a better show, I have more faith in Dalvin Cook rising to the occasion and bringing his squad a week one victory.
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