Florida State
The Seminoles have assembled their finest team since Jameis Winston was at QB. Electric quarterback Jordan Travis returns for his senior season after a 10-3 season under Mike Norvell. Travis threw for 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns with only five interceptions while also rushing for 417 yards and seven touchdowns.
Travis’ arsenal has grown significantly with the additions of Michigan State star receiver Keon Coleman and South Carolina star tight end/running back Jaheim Bell, who combined for 897 yards and five touchdowns last season. Add in Trey Benson on the ground, who is coming off a 990-yard, nine-touchdown season, and you have one of the top weapons in college football right now.
On defense, Jared Verse, a projected top-10 NFL pick, leads the pass rush, and UVA transfer Fentrell Cypress II is expected to lead the secondary. It would be shocking if the Seminoles did not return to the postseason in 2023. Online sportsbooks have FSU at 22/1 odds to win it all.
Or You Could Take LSU
The Seminoles’ hardest test of the season will be against the LSU Tigers in Week 1, which might be a true championship preview. Last season’s rematch was one of the finest games of 2022, with Florida State stopping LSU’s game-tying extra point try with no time remaining.
LSU advanced to the SEC Championship game last season after a thrilling win over Alabama, and quarterback Jayden Daniels returns after a 2,913-yard season with 17 touchdowns and three interceptions. Daniels gained 885 running yards and 11 touchdowns and is regarded as a top Heisman candidate moving into 2023.
Malik Nabers, who burst out in 2022 with 1,017 yards and three scores, returns at receiver. Mason Taylor, the son of NFL star Jason, will be another key contributor in the passing game after averaging 414 yards and three touchdowns last season. LSU is 11-1 to win it all.
