Outlook: The heat is on coach Bobby Bowden down in Tallahassee. Bowden, the Seminoles' coach since 1976 and architect of their success, could likely stay as long as he wants, but that doesn't mean his fan base has to enjoy it. Florida State is 7-6 the past two seasons -- its fewest wins in back-to-back seasons since 1975-76. On the bright side, Florida State brings back 14 starters.

Coach: Bobby Bowden (300-87-4 in 30 seasons)

2007: 4-4 in ACC (fourth in the Atlantic), 7-6 overall; lost to Kentucky 35-28 in the Music City Bowl.

Players to watch: Drew Weatherford, Sr. QB; Antone Smith, Sr. RB; Greg Carr, Sr. WR; Everette Brown, Jr. DE; Tony Carter, Sr. CB; Myron Rolle, Jr. S.

All eyes on: Running back Antone Smith. In this first season as a starter last year, he rushed for 817 yards, sixth-most in the ACC. But he had just three touchdowns. He'll look to increase those numbers this season.

Big game: Sept. 20, Wake Forest. This is the Seminoles' ACC opener, after games against Western Carolina and Tennessee-Chattanooga. Last season, they lost 24-21 at Wake. In 2006, Wake won 30-0 in Tallahassee. This game could be an indicator of whether Florida State is ready to contend in this league again.

Quotable: "I'm not interested in getting out right now. I'm planning on us next year having a better year, and getting this thing right back where it ought to be." -- Bowden

Key stat: On Oct. 4 against Miami, Bowden will coach his 500th game, joining Joe Paterno of Penn State and Amos Alonzo Stagg as the only coaches to reach that milestone.

The bottom line: Third in the Atlantic. FSU has the talent to make a run, but it has shown in recent seasons that it lacks the discipline to harness that talent. The Seminoles were the most penalized team in the ACC last year and ranked 115th of 119 teams nationally in penalties per game.

Date Opponent Time
Sept. 6 Western Carolina 6 p.m.
Sept. 13 Chattanooga 3:45 p.m.
Sept. 20 Wake Forest TBA
Sept. 27x -Colorado TBA
Oct. 4 at Miami TBA
Oct. 16 at N.C. State 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 25 Virginia Tech TBA
Nov. 1 at Georgia Tech TBA
Nov. 8 Clemson TBA
Nov. 15 Boston College TBA
Nov. 22 at Maryland TBA
Nov. 29 Florida TBA
x-at Jacksonville, Fla.