OFFENSE DEFENSE

In the Bobby Bowden Era glory years, the offensive line was the anchor of spectacular offenses in Tallahassee. That offensive line standard is once again met this season. Center Maurice Smith anchors the unit, Bless Harris is returning from an injury, and transfers Casey Roddick and Jeremiah Byers complete the group. The offense averaged an amazing seven yards a snap and converted 51.2 percent on third down last season and don’t expect that to change this season. Jordan Travis threw for 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns with just five picks. Trey Benson ran for 990 yards and Lawrance Toafili added 457 yards in limited action. The receiving corps is just short of spectacular with holdovers Johnny Wilson and Kentron Poitier, who both averaged more than 20 yards a catch, and transfers Keon Coleman (58 catches with Michigan State) and Jaheim Bell, a tight end.

If the Seminoles are to dethrone Clemson in the ACC and find their way into the national playoff, the defense must improve from last season, especially against the run. The secondary should be second to none in the ACC. The line is stocked with playmakers as well, so throwing against Florida State this season will not be easy. Greedy Vance Jr., Renardo Green and Akeem Dent can play with anyone, but the best player is probably Fentrell Cypress II, a transfer from ACC rival Virginia. Cypress received All-ACC honors and led the conference with 14 pass breakups while playing in only nine games. Jared Verse, a transfer from Albany last year, had a tremendous season with 17 tackles for loss. He and Fabien Lovett spend quite a bit of time in opponents’ backfields. Transfer Braden Fiske from Western Michigan should make that even easier this season.

Special Teams

2023 Schedule

Special Teams

Newcomers

Fentrell Cypress II — The former Virginia standout can’t wait to get on the field with fellow studs on defense.

Jaheim Bell, TE — The transfer from South Carolina had 55 catches for 728 yards and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons. He rushed 73 times for 261 yards as well last season.

K.J. Kirkland, DB — Kirkland leads a strong freshman class of defensive backs this season. He will find some playing time in a crowded and talented secondary.

GEORGIA TECH Atlanta, GA

HEAD COACH: Brent Key

OC: Buster Faulkner

DC: Andrew Thacker

2022 RECORD: 5-7 (4-4)

FOUNDED: 1885

STADIUM: Bobby Dodd (55,000)