By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Greensboro, NC

Head coach Jimbo Fisher believes Florida State got what it takes to make it all the way this season.

"I think we're ready to do it now. I think we can do it now," Fisher said during a press conference at the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Kickoff. "I have confidence in these guys. I truly believe in them."

As always, high expectations surround Florida State as it was picked by 60 of 95 media members to win the ACC title, which the Seminoles last captured in 2005.

The Seminoles are heavy favorites as 18 starters from the team that went 9-4 last season will be returning this season, including quarterback E.J. Manuel, who threw for 2,666 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2011.

While the Seminoles have the talent to go deep into the tournament, Fisher emphasized leadership of his veteran players is crucial to their campaign this year.

"We have a junior-senior where there is a lot of very good leadership in that group, which will filter down to our younger guys in showing them how to do things. And I think just the overall experience and knowledge of going through what we've gone through," Fisher said.

The Seminoles were ranked in the top 5 last year but were derailed by a three-game losing streak and missed the championship despite winning seven straight games.

"I said last year I knew at certain positions if we had key injuries it would hurt," Fisher said. "I think if we had stayed injury-free we could have reached those expectations. But that's part of football. And I think that's the difference between being a good team and being a good program."

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said the Seminoles are deserving of the top spot in the preseason poll.

"It's hard to argue with that pick," Swinney said."They are loaded with talent, well coached and have recruited really well. They probably are the best team in this conference."

Clemson and FSU are division rivals, and will meet in Tallahassee on Sept. 22.

 

 

Jimbo Fisher: Florida State Could Capture ACC Football Crown