ESPN College Football

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — If Florida State is going to return to the upper echelon of college football in 2012, which it has been trying to do for more than a decade, the Seminoles are going to have to be more explosive on offense.

Last season, FSU ranked No. 4 nationally in scoring defense, allowing only 15 points per game, and ranked among the top 10 in net punting and kickoff returns.

The Seminoles were explosive on defense and special teams during a 9-4 season in 2011, but their offense, because of inexperience and injuries, was far from potent. FSU ranked 39th in scoring (30.6 points per game), 77th in total offense (369.1 yards), 33rd in passing (257 yards) and 104th in rushing (112.1 yards).

“When you’re a great football team, you’ve got to be great in all three phases,” FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said. “There are days on offense when you’re not going to score 35 points. You’ve got to be good in all three phases in case that happens.”

Fisher believes the pieces are in place for FSU to be better on offense this coming season. Quarterback EJ Manuel, who was plagued by shoulder and leg injuries in 2011, is back for his senior season. FSU’s offensive line will be stronger and more experienced after four freshmen started in its 18-14 victory over Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl. Tailback Chris Thompson is back after missing most of last season with a back injury, and the Seminoles will bring back one of the country’s deepest and most talented receiver corps.

As long as the Seminoles stay healthy, Fisher expects his offense to be better in 2012.

“Everything that could have gone wrong on offense last year went wrong,” Fisher said.

FSU’s problems started in spring practice, when it lost starting offensive tackle Andrew Datko to shoulder injuries. Manuel injured his left shoulder in FSU’s 23-13 loss to Oklahoma on Sept. 17 and missed the next game, a 35-30 loss at Clemson. Thompson broke two vertebrae in his back in a 35-30 loss at Wake Forest the next week and missed the rest of the season. Without Thompson, FSU’s running game was never able to get going.

Fisher believes Manuel is the kind of quarterback that can lead FSU to an ACC championship and BCS bowl game. Manuel completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 2,666 yards with 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions and ranked No. 18 nationally in pass efficiency (151.2 rating) last season.

“I don’t know if he played great, but he played pretty well,” Fisher said. “He was banged up. Staying healthy is going to be critical for him this year.”

Manuel, from Virginia Beach, Va., played most of the Champs Sports Bowl after breaking the fibula in his left leg. The injury hasn’t completely healed, but Manuel is expected to participate in most of spring practice.

“It will be fine,” Manuel said. “It really doesn’t hurt much because it’s not a weight-bearing bone. It was really painful when I was hurt, but I didn’t know it was broken. I thought it was like a deep thigh bruise.”

Fisher said Manuel earned the respect of his teammates by playing with a broken leg in the bowl game.

“He’s very tough and very competitive,” Fisher said. “He plays with pain really well. The team always comes before ‘me’ with him, which is a great quality.”

Manuel will have plenty of weapons at his disposal. The Seminoles’ top four receivers – Rashad Greene, Rodney Smith, Christian Green and Kenny Shaw each caught more than 25 passes last season – are coming back. Fisher said junior Willie Haulstead, who missed last season with a concussion, and redshirt freshman Kelvin Benjamin might be as good as any of FSU’s returning receivers. Benjamin, from Belle Glade, Fla., is 6 feet 6 and 242 pounds.

“I’m extremely excited about these freshmen we have coming in,” Manuel said. “Guys that were young last year like Rashad Greene and Kenny Shaw are going to be better. Our offensive line is going to be more experienced and it needs to get stronger, which they’re doing.”

Finding depth at tailback and solidifying the offensive line are FSU’s priorities this spring. Thompson is expected to participate in spring practice, and sophomore Devonta Freeman is working his way back from a lower back injury. Freshman tailback Mario Pender, of Cape Coral, Fla., enrolled at FSU in January and will also compete in spring practice.

Keeping Manuel healthy will be FSU’s priority when the season begins.

“Last year was frustrating, but I think it’s something you build character from,” Manuel said. “Injuries are a part of the game. You’re never going to be healthy. You’ve got to play whether you’re 80 or 90 percent or 20 percent. If you’re going to play, you have to go out there with the mindset to win.”

You can almost still hear Florida State’s players exhale as they talk about NC State’s loss to Maryland last year. Had the Wolfpack won that regular-season finale against the Terps, NC State would have played for the ACC title instead of Florida State. The Seminoles know they snuck into last year’s title game.

This year, they’d like to use the front door.

“We, as players in the locker room, we know we made it really close last year and it could’ve been the other way around,” said FSU defensive end Bjoern Werner. “If NC State would’ve beaten Maryland, they would’ve gone to the ACC championship. We know that every game in the ACC is really important. We don’t want to make it tight like last year. Last year it wasn’t in our hands. It was in NC State’s hands and they lost. We were lucky to get in.”

As Florida State prepares to travel to Clemson on Saturday, it does so with a lesson learned from last year -- in order to control its own destiny, there is no margin for error. While it is still early in the schedule -- this is the first conference game for both teams -- it’s possible Saturday’s game in Death Valley will be wind up being the biggest game of consequence in the Atlantic Division race. Florida State and Clemson are the ACC’s only two ranked teams in the division, and they were picked by the media this summer to finish first and second, respectively, in the division standings. Saturday’s winner will be the undisputed frontrunner to win the division.

“Auburn was the national champion until someone beat them,” said Clemson coach Dabo Swinney. “We had our shot and it worked out. It’s the same with Florida State. They’re the Atlantic Division champions until someone beats them. They have the belt. They’ll have it until someone knocks them out.

“This is a big game,” he said. “It’s not the whole season -- if we win, we have to keep playing. Every game counts in conference play. The conference isn’t decided until the end of the season. But, the winner of this game has their hands on the steering wheel. From a big picture standpoint, this is a big game. We have to beat them no matter when we play them.”

Florida State has not won in Death Valley since 2001, but the Seminoles are an improving team. Florida State proved last Saturday that it had closed the gap with the No. 1-ranked Oklahoma Sooners in a 23-13 loss after losing 47-17 last season. Clemson is confident following its upset of Auburn and has seen its offense make noticeable strides over the past three weeks under first-year starting quarterback Tajh Boyd.

The strengths of both teams are opposites: Clemson’s defense hasn’t quite lived up to the billing, while the offense under first-year coordinator Chad Morris is No. 9 in the country. Florida State, meanwhile, has depended heavily on its defense, which is fifth in the country, but has yet to put together a complete performance offensively. Florida State enters Saturday’s game with the No. 100-ranked rushing offense in the country.

FSU running back Chris Thompson said the running game must improve if the Noles are going to repeat as division champs.

“I honestly think it’s going to have to be a whole lot better,” he said. “In order to win it all, we have to be great in our running game and passing game. If a team can just focus on thing, that makes it a lot easier for them.”

Clemson has found a way this season to spread the wealth to different playmakers, but Boyd and freshman receiver Sammy Watkins have stolen the show. Boyd said he and his teammates are well-aware that in retrospect, come November, this could be the game that determines the Atlantic Division winner.

“We see that too, as a team, and we’re preparing for it,” Boyd said. “It has to be a huge week for us. Everyone has to be focused.”

Boyd went so far as to say it’s bigger than last weekend’s game against Auburn.

“It’s the next big game, an ACC game, and we’ve got hopes of winning a conference championship,” Boyd said. “They do as well, so it’s definitely a big game.”

The ACC position rankings continue today with the running backs.

1. Montel Harris, Boston College: Until proven otherwise, this record-setter is tops in the ACC. He’s currently the league’s most accomplished back, and has topped the 100-yard mark 21 times.

2. David Wilson, Virginia Tech: He was the team’s third-leading rusher a year ago with 619 yards and 5.5 yards per carry. Now he’s got the spotlight to himself, and has a chance to become an All-American in both track and football.

3. Lamar Miller, Miami: He had one of the best spring games in the conference, and averaged six yards per carry last year with only 108 carries for 646 yards and six touchdowns. He also had 11 catches for 96 yards.

4. Chris Thompson, Florida State: He led FSU with 845 yards and 6.3 yards per carry last year. He also had 19 catches for 155 yards.

5. Andre Ellington, Clemson: He could break 1,000 yards if he stays healthy, but a nagging toe injury has kept him from reaching his potential. He ran for 686 yards, (5.8 ypc), and 10 touchdowns in less than nine full games.

6. Josh Harris, Wake Forest: He ranked fifth in the ACC last year with 65.5 yard per game and finished with 720 yards on 126 carries and seven touchdowns. He made a name for himself with 241 rushing yards against ACC champ Virginia Tech.

7. Davin Meggett, Maryland: He was the Terps’ leading rusher with 720 yards, 5.7 yards per carry, and four touchdowns. He also has 29 career pass receptions for 313 yards and a touchdown.

8. Mustafa Greene, NC State: He led the team in rushing as a freshman with 597 yards and four touchdowns. He also had 30 catches for 272 yards.

9. Ryan Houston, North Carolina: He has broken out of the mold of the Tar Heels’ short-yardage back and is ready to be the every-down guy. Houston sat out last year because of a suspension, but he led UNC in rushing in 2009 with 713 yards and nine touchdowns.

10. Orwin Smith, Georgia Tech: He's an A-back, which is more of a slot back, but he was Tech's third-leading rusher last year with 516 yards and 9.7 yards per carry with four touchdowns. He was also the second-leading receiver on the team with 12 catches for 195 yards and a 16.2 yards-per-play average.

Last week we looked at how the quarterbacks stacked up in the ACC. This week, we’ll take a closer look at the running backs. Again, the position rankings by team put heavy weight on the depth of the position -– hence the team ranking, not individual. Just because Virginia Tech has one of the best running backs in the ACC doesn’t mean that collectively, as a group, Virginia Tech is the best team in the league at the position. Florida State? Loaded. Wake Forest? Not. These are based on the best combination of talent, experience and depth.

Here’s a look at how each team ranks in the position:

1. Florida State: Chris Thompson, Ty Jones and Jermaine Thomas combined for 1,862 yards, 6.1 yards per carry, and 17 touchdowns last year. Thompson had 1,000 yards combined from both rushing and receiving last year, and Thomas enters his senior season with 1,084 career yards -- the second most of any active ACC runner, behind only Montel Harris (3,600).

2. Boston College: Montel Harris could break a 33-year-old ACC rushing record this fall, and his backup, Andre Williams, is a bigger back who has proven more than capable of shouldering the load himself. Together they’re one of the best one-two combos in the league.

3. Miami: The transfer of Storm Johnson hurt, but Lamar Miller should be one of the best in the ACC, and Mike James was ahead of Johnson on the depth chart. The Canes also have Darion Hall, Maurice Hagens and incoming freshman Kevin Grooms.

4. Clemson: Andre Ellington will be the leader of the pack, but true freshman Mike Bellamy could also make an immediate impact, and the group runs deep with Roderick McDowell, D.J. Howard and Demont Buice.

5. Virginia Tech: Had Ryan Williams and Darren Evans returned, this would have been one of the premier groups of running backs in the country. Instead, it will be the David Wilson show (and Josh Oglesby). Not that the Hokies will have any problem with that.

6. Maryland: Davin Meggett and D.J. Adams are a talented duo, but depth should be a concern. Meggett posted a team-high 720 rushing yards in 2010, while Adams had a freshman school-record 11 rushing touchdowns.

7. NC State: The Wolfpack are in a much better position at running back than they were a year ago, when nobody with starting experience returned. Mustafa Greene, James Washington and Brandon Barnes should make NC State’s running game a bigger factor this fall.

8. Georgia Tech: Coach Paul Johnson isn’t concerned about his B-back position because it’s one of the deepest on the team. There isn’t one superstar like in recent years, but Richard Watson, Charles Perkins and Preston Lyons will work together to keep the Jackets one of the top rushing teams in the country.

9. North Carolina: The Tar Heels have to replace three tailbacks who accounted for 96 percent of their rushing last year. Ryan Houston is back for his sixth season of eligibility, but he is the only one who has seen significant playing time. Giovani Bernard, Hunter Furr and Travis Riley help the depth.

10. Wake Forest: Josh Harris could crack the 1,000-yard mark if he stays healthy, and Brandon Pendergrass is a capable backup. There are three true freshmen at the position, and it’s one area coach Jim Grobe can’t afford any injuries.

11. Virginia: Perry Jones and Kevin Parks are talented, but the Cavaliers will miss the production of Keith Payne, who accounted for 14 of the team’s 17 rushing touchdowns. Jones started all but one game last year, but only scored one touchdown.

12. Duke: The Blue Devils’ running game is starting to show progress, but last year it still ranked 104th in the country. Depth isn’t a problem, as Desmond Scott, Josh Snead and Juwan Thompson should help make it a more productive group this year.

Stay tuned for the top 10 ACC running backs for 2011 ...

There's usually at least one question on the weekly chat that's worthy of a separate post, and Ryan from Florida wanted to know who the top five running backs will be this year. The position isn't as loaded or experienced as it has been in recent years, but there's still a good mix of young and proven talent to choose from. Here are the spring predictions for who the top five running backs will be in the ACC this year:

1. Montel Harris, Boston College: It has to start with Harris, who has been one of the most dependable, durable running backs in the conference. He's one of the most experienced returning to the position, and is the leading returning rusher in the ACC at 103.6 yards per game, but when he was injured, we learned there is a capable young replacement in Andre Williams. With quarterback Chase Rettig in his second season as a starter and more help in the backfield, Harris shouldn't have to carry the offense on his shoulders again. It's possible his carries decrease and so do his numbers in 2011, but he's got to start at the top based on what he's accomplished so far.

2. David Wilson, Virginia Tech: The departures of Ryan Williams and Darren Evans leave Wilson the most experienced player in the Hokies' backfield. He's one of the most explosive runners in the conference, as evidenced by his 26.5 yards per kickoff return, but he'll be expected to carry the load for Virginia Tech's running game this year.

3. Lamar Miller, Miami: I know, I know, I said Storm Johnson on the chat, and that's because he was at the top of the depth chart released Tuesday. One of those guys is going to have a breakout season, but based on what I've been told, Miller is the guy to watch. He could be the next great running back at Miami, but it's not a surprise to see Johnson pushing him.

4. Andre Ellington, Clemson:With Jamie Harper gone, Ellington will get the bulk of the carries, and as long as he stays healthy, he has the speed and explosiveness to be one of the most productive backs in the ACC. Through seven games last year, Ellington ranked 10th in the nation in scoring with 12 touchdowns and had four 100-yard rushing games, including 22 carries for 140 yards against eventual national champion Auburn. Coach Dabo Swinney called Ellington's return "as important as any aspect of our football team."

5. Chris Thompson, Florida State:He's a home run threat, but he's also in a crowded backfield that includes Jermaine Thomas, Ty Jones and true freshman Devonta Freeman. Thompson averaged 6.4 yards per carry last year and almost 900 yards, but will he separate from the pack this year?

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- When Florida State’s players returned to campus in January for their winter conditioning drills, the message from strength and conditioning coach Vic Viloria was clear.

“Coach Vic and all the strength coaches told us there are high expectations, so they’re not going to accept us to sit down and take a day off,” said running back Chris Thompson. “We’ve been working hard ever since January.”

Since then, not one player has missed an offseason strength and conditioning workout.

Not one.

While it might seem like a trivial accomplishment to those outside the program, it exemplifies the very essence of coach Jimbo Fisher’s plan to win a national title through discipline, hard work and recruiting elite athletes capable of both. Fisher won’t talk much about the goal of winning a national championship, or how close the program might actually be to it. He could write a thesis, though, on the process of getting there.

In only his second season as a head coach anywhere, Fisher has the Seminoles well on their way. After sweeping in-state rivals Florida and Miami, winning the Atlantic Division title, playing in the ACC championship game and beating SEC East champ South Carolina in Fisher’s first season, it’s only logical to think the program is capable of more in 2011. The Seminoles return 18 starters -- more than any other team in the ACC.

“The expectations are through the roof,” said quarterback EJ Manuel, “and that’s how it should be.”

Whether Florida State is regarded as a true national title contender this season depends heavily on three things: How quickly and successfully Manuel adjusts to the role as full-time starter, how seamlessly the offensive line replaces two veterans and whether the Seminoles can beat Oklahoma on Sept. 17.

The Sooners helped define Florida State’s season last year, and will do the same again.

A year ago, Florida State was trounced by Oklahoma 47-17. The defense, in only its second game under coordinator Mark Stoops, was dazed and confused. Former quarterback Christian Ponder saw his Heisman hopes dashed in a matter of four quarters. And the final score was a reminder of the gap still lingering between Florida State and the nation’s elite.

Those within the program say Florida State has since closed that gap. By how much remains to be seen.

“I think we’ve grown a bunch,” Fisher said. “I think it put things in perspective, that saying you’re good and being good is two different things. There’s a level out there that people expect you to play at. As our kids sit back and look at last year’s season, we won some tight ones, but even the ones we lost, except for the Oklahoma game, we could’ve won all those games very easily. I think they finally realized how close they were and how close they can be if we do things right, if we really work hard. I think it’s driven us in the offseason. I think it has. I think it’s one of the reasons we’re focused now, they realize if they do have attention to detail and do have great work ethic and keep their attitude well, whether we win it or not, we can be a pretty good football team.”

Florida State’s fans, though, have been waiting patiently for a great football team.

“People always automatically expect Florida State to be one of the top tier programs in the country no matter what, just because they see this symbol on TV,” Manuel said, tugging at the Seminole logo on his sweatshirt. “Everyone already knows what it is. You don’t even have to put Florida State right here. It speaks for itself. That’s another reason why I wanted to come here. To play at a high level.”

The players aren’t the only ones Fisher is holding to a higher standard.

The staff has already broken down film of the first four opponents of the season. The coaches have scouted the entire 2011 schedule and made a list of everything their opponents do that has caused Florida State problems in the past.

“If we’re going to live up to these expectations, we have to do the little things right,” Fisher said. “We have to keep developing our identity, have great work ethic every day, great toughness, great effort, great discipline, great attitude and understand that the secret to this whole deal is, there isn’t a secret. It’s just doing the work.”

Disclaimer: With only four winning teams, this team wasn't easy, but there were plenty of players who had noteworthy performances in their respective bowls. Here is your 2010-11 ACC All-bowl team:

OFFENSE

QB Russell Wilson, NC State: He threw for 275 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in what might have been his final collegiate game. He also ran for 41 yards and earned the Champs Sports Bowl’s MVP award.

RB Da'Rel Scott, Maryland: The MVP of the Military Bowl, Scott rushed for a school bowl-game record 200 yards on 13 carries. His 91-yard TD run in the fourth quarter was the longest in Maryland bowl-game history. It was also the longest Maryland touchdown in seven years and only the eighth 90-plus yard run in ACC history. He also set the school record for yards per carry in the game with 15.4.

RB Chris Thompson, Florida State: He was the Chick-fil-A Bowl's Offensive MVP after he racked up 147 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown run against the SEC's then-top-ranked rushing defense.

WR Jarvis Williams, NC State: His 3-yard touchdown reception with 3:44 remaining sealed the win over West Virginia. He finished with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown.

WR Leonard Hankerson, Miami: Despite the loss to Notre Dame, Hankerson set the school record for receiving yards in a single season (1,155) after totaling 70 yards against the Irish to pass Eddie Brown's mark of 1,114 yards set in 1984.

TE Brandon Ford, Clemson: Despite the loss to South Florida, Ford had four catches for 45 yards, including two touchdown receptions. He became the first player in Clemson history with two touchdown catches in a bowl game.

OL Jake Vermiglio, NC State: He helped the Pack score more points against West Virginia than any other opponent had all year. NC State controlled the clock and had 378 total yards.

OL Paul Pinegar, Maryland: He had three big blocks for the Terps, who rolled up season highs in rushing yards (297) and rushing touchdowns (6), including runs of 61 and 91 yards by Da’Rel Scott. The Terps also did not allow a sack to the Pirates, the 11th time the squad surrendered two or fewer on the season.

OL Rodney Hudson, FSU: He graded out at 86 percent against South Carolina and didn’t have any penalties or missed assignments. He also had two knockdowns.

OL Zebrie Sanders, FSU: He graded out at 88 percent in final game and didn’t have any penalties or missed assignments. He helped neutralize South Carolina’s pass rush.

OL Mike Ingersoll, UNC: He graded out as the team's top offensive lineman and was named one of the offensive players of the game by the coaching staff. Carolina had 180 positive rushing yards against Tennessee.

DEFENSE

DE Brandon Jenkins, FSU: Despite the fact he missed a series-and-a-half, he finished with a team-leading eight tackles, including two TFLs and a sack.

DE Andre Branch, Clemson: On an off-day for Da’Quan Bowers, Branch stepped up and had two sacks. He finished with six tackles.

DT Quinton Coples, UNC: He finished with six tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced a fumble and had two quarterback hurries in the Heels’ win over Tennessee.

DT Donte Paige-Moss, UNC: He had six tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced a fumble and blocked an extra point attempt. The extra point block was key, as Carolina later kicked a field goal to send the game into overtime.

LB Nate Irving, NC State: He had four solo tackles against West Virginia and finished with one 7-yard sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and quarterback pressure and a pass breakup.

LB Quan Sturdivant, UNC: He had a season-high 12 tackles, including two tackles for losses, and made a key interception in overtime against Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. Sturdivant picked off a Tyler Bray pass in the second overtime and Carolina scored on its next possession to win the game.

LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College: He no doubt looked the part of an All-America. Kuechly was the defensive MVP of the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl with 12 tackles (8 solos), and one interception he returned 31 yards.

DB Greg Reid, FSU: He was named the defensive MVP of the Chick-fil-A Bowl and was an obvious choice. He finished with five tackles, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles (one that came with his hit that ended Marcus Lattimore’s night on the first series), and he had two punt returns for 53 yards leading to scores.

DB Antwine Perez, Maryland: He made eight tackles, including a game-high seven solo stops and two tackles for loss, as the Terps clamped down on the seventh-ranked passing offense in the nation. Perez had seven or more tackles in each of the last five games of the season.

DB Kendric Burney, UNC: He finished with six tackles and an 11-yard return on an interception.

DB Brandon Bishop, NC State: His fourth interception of the season was a diving interception at the West Virginia 10 in the fourth quarter. He snagged the pass intended for Jock Sanders, and prevented the Mountaineers from cutting the lead to 16-14 with plenty of time left.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K Dustin Hopkins, FSU: He nailed all four field-goal attempts against South Carolina (29 yards, 48, 35, 45), and he had four touchbacks.

P Shawn Powell, FSU: He had three punts for an average of 51 yards, and gave the Noles winning field position.

KR Greg Reid, FSU: He had one kick return for 18 yards and two punt returns for the Noles. His two punt returns led to scores.

Here are three keys for Florida State against South Carolina in the Chick-fil-A Bowl:

1. Stop the run. Florida State has been much better against the run this year -- No. 25 in the country and third in the ACC -- but it showed some weaknesses against Virginia Tech in the ACC championship game that the Gamecocks can exploit. Marcus Lattimore has run for 1,198 yards and 17 touchdowns this year, and quarterback Stephen Garcia has scored six rushing touchdowns this year.

2. Pressure Garcia. Florida State is No. 2 in the country and first the ACC in sacks with 3.54 per game. The Noles have had 46 sacks this season, and Garcia makes mistakes under pressure. South Carolina’s ability to pick up the rush and handle defensive ends Markus White and Brandon Jenkins will play a huge role in the outcome of the game.

3. Establish the run. Florida State’s tailbacks have been banged up this year, but this could be the healthiest they’ve all been in a while. Ty Jones, Chris Thompson and Jermaine Thomas will force the Gamecocks to be disciplined, but South Carolina has a knack for finding the ball and has also improved against the run this year, ranking ninth in the country and leading the SEC with 104.31 yards per game.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher pumped his fist in the air as he jogged off the field to chants of his name following the Seminoles’ 30-16 win over Maryland on Saturday.

For a program stocked with championship tradition, a win of this magnitude was still new to Fisher, a first-time head coach, and his players, none of whom had ever won six conference games. Florida State might not make it to Charlotte, N.C., the site of this year’s ACC championship game, but with a 6-2 ACC record in his first season, Fisher has the program headed in the right direction.

“I say this all the time -- winning is a culture and it’s a habit,” Fisher said. “It’s not only winning on the field, it’s the way you walk, you talk, you eat, you breathe, you believe. And everybody in the organization -- not just the players and the coaches -- but everybody who affects those kids has to have that mentality. That’s what we’re starting to bring back. It’s going to be a process. We knew it was going to be tough. We’re nowhere close to where we need to be, but we’re learning to get the mentality, and that’s what I’m happy about.”

In order for Florida State to play in the ACC championship game, NC State has to lose to Maryland on Saturday. If NC State wins, it will win the Atlantic Division title. Florida State, though, can finish no worse in the standings than tied with NC State. While those within the program still hope to play for the title, they’ll gladly settle for a win over the Gators and title of co-champs in the Atlantic Division.

“We wanted more,” said running back Chris Thompson, whose 70-yard touchdown run in the first quarter gave FSU a 7-3 lead. “We wanted to go to the ACC championship and everything, but maybe it will work out in our favor and maybe not, but one of our goals was to win at least six ACC games and we’re glad we met that goal. I think we’re going in the right direction as a team and as players on this team.”

FSU hasn’t won six ACC games since 2004. Part of the process has included learning how to win the close games, and it’s something the young players on this roster can continue to build on. They weren’t able to do it in the 28-24 loss at NC State, and lost another heart-breaker a week later, 37-35, to North Carolina. A 16-13 win over Clemson kept the Noles in the conference race, though, and they were able to pull away from Maryland in a game that was tied twice.

“We’re pleased,” said sophomore safety Nick Moody, who had a career-high 13 tackles and a 96-yard interception return for a touchdown that sealed the win . “We think we definitely could've did better in the close games if we had less mistakes, less self-inflicted wounds and things like that, but we can’t do anything about that now. Hopefully next week we get good news between Maryland and NC State. We just have to worry about Florida now.”

One of the biggest factors in the game was Florida State’s ability to force Maryland into four turnovers -- two fumbles and two interceptions. Maryland lost the ball just eight times all season entering the game. The final interception -- Moody’s -- was the most costly, as it came on fourth down with 36 seconds left in the game.

“It was a tough loss, just to lose down the stretch like that, it’s tough,” said Maryland quarterback Danny O’Brien. “We turned the ball over, which hurts. When we win the turnover battle, we seem to always win, but we didn’t do it tonight.”

And that’s what will separate the two programs this season.

Both are in rebuilding mode, and Maryland deserves credit for its unprecedented turnaround in the ACC after winning just two games a year ago. The young Terps proved they’re not quite ready to be champs, though, while Florida State got one step closer.

“No matter what, you’re at least the co-champion of this (division),” Fisher said, “and that was one of our goals. We did what we could do. We had a chance to be 8-0, we didn’t get it, but six wins is where we’re wanting to go. It’s a step in the right direction. I’m very proud of these guys. These seniors can at least say they were co-champion of this division no matter what happens.”

Possibly no senior on the roster has wanted to say it more than quarterback Christian Ponder.

“It was huge,” he said. “We’re co-divisional champions. Hopefully Maryland takes care of business next week, but for us to get this many wins in the ACC, it’s been a while for us. I think this program definitely took a huge step forward this year.”

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Both teams entered this game with something to brag about in the turnover department. Entering Saturday night, FSU's top trio of tailbacks had 223 carries without a fumble -- a span of 10 games.

That streak ended with Chris Thompson's fumble (coincidentally, he was the last one to fumble it, on Nov. 7, 2009). FSU has had two turnovers, Maryland one -- a fumble by Danny O'Brien, but the Terps are 6-2 this season when winning the turnover battle.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- As soon as I hit the publish button on that last post, FSU running back Chris Thompson was racing untouched into the end zone. One play, 70 yards, 11 seconds.

The Noles' defense didn't get much of a break on that one (that's where the time of possession stat can be deceiving). We'll see if FSU can get more pressure on Danny O'Brien this possession.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- There are no lineup changes for Maryland, and for FSU, Henry Orelus will make his first start at guard in place of Rhonne Sanderson. Chris Thompson will start at tailback.

Maryland will be wearing specially-designed uniforms as part of their partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization that provides programs and services for injured services members and their families. Three servicemen wounded in action will be honored Saturday night.

One aspect of this game that might be overshadowed is the impact of special teams, especially in the return game. Maryland's Tony Logan leads the ACC in punt returns, Torrey Smith is dangerous on kickoff returns, and FSU's Greg Reid is an electric returner.

The most important and most obvious thing to watch this week is the ACC standings, where somebody will be eliminated. It’s a big weekend in the ACC, with plenty to watch:

Florida State’s defensive line vs. Maryland’s offensive line: Florida State leads the nation with 39 quarterback sacks, an average of 3.9 per game. The Noles have 77 tackles for loss -- for minus 323 yards -- through 10 games. FSU’s 7.70 tackles for loss per game ranks seventh nationally. Maryland has finally found some consistency on its offensive line, which has had the same starting lineup the past four games. Injuries caused some shuffling earlier in the season, but their protection of redshirt freshman Danny O’Brien will be key.

Turnovers in College Park: Maryland is 6-2 when winning the turnover battle this year, and is No. 3 in the country in turnover margin. Florida State’s three primary ball-carriers have not lost a fumble since Nov. 7, 2009, when Chris Thompson lost one at Clemson -- a span of 12 games. Somebody is going to be forced into an uncharacteristic mistake.

Miami’s running game against Bud Foster’s defense: Statistically, Virginia Tech’s run defense has been better, but the Canes have excelled up front in two straight wins with more than 200 yards rushing in each game. The Hokies’ D has started off slow this year, and is allowing 155 rushing yards per game.

Miami receiver Leonard Hankerson. He is one touchdown reception away from setting the school record, which was set by Michael Irvin in 1986. Hankerson is currently tied with Irvin at 11. He is the only ACC player -- and one of just nine players nationally -- with 11 or more receiving touchdowns.

Rookie quarterbacks. It’s possible Florida State backup E.J. Manuel could see some playing time on Saturday at Maryland. Against Virginia Tech, Miami backup Stephen Morris will be making his third career start. For Morris, a win over the Coastal Division leader would be the biggest statement he could make to permanently replace injured starter Jacory Harris.

Clemson in the red zone. The Tigers have scored touchdowns in just three of their past 14 red-zone trips. Clemson was 0-for-4 in touchdowns once inside the 20-yard line at Florida State, and came away with just six points, missing two field goals and throwing an interception. Clemson should have the edge over Wake Forest, but the Tigers have yet to win on the road this season and that’s a big reason why.

The Nagurski finalists. Two of the five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy are in the ACC -- Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers and BC’s Luke Kuechly. Both should be considered frontrunners for the ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year race. The award is given to the best defensive player in the country, and will be presented by Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on Dec. 6.

Bowl seekers. Clemson, Georgia Tech and Boston College are all playing for bowl eligibility this weekend, and chances to reach six wins are running out. All should be favored in their respective games, but Clemson and Georgia Tech will have a particularly difficult time reaching the postseason if they don’t do it this weekend. Both face their SEC rivals in the final week of the regular season.

Duke’s defense vs. Georgia Tech’s option offense. The Blue Devils have already had success defending it in a win over Navy, and with all due respect, Tevin Washington is not Ricky Dobbs -- not yet, anyway. The Middies entered the Duke game ranked ninth nationally in rushing offense with 274.4 yards per game, but the Blue Devils held the Midshipmen to 148 yards on the ground -- 126.4 below their season average. The Blue Devils limited Navy to 41 rushing yards on 19 carries in the first half while building a 24-0 lead. The Midshipmen had just 67 yards of total offense in the first half. Duke linebacker Kelby Brown and safety Matt Daniels will be the key to stopping the Georgia Tech option.

Quarterbacks in Chapel Hill. It’s senior day in Kenan Stadium, and UNC quarterback T.J. Yates would love nothing more than to go out with a win over rival NC State. In order for that to happen, he can’t afford to throw four interceptions like he did last weekend against Virginia Tech. It could also be NC State quarterback Russell Wilson’s final game against the Tar Heels, as he hasn’t decided yet if he’s going to return for his final year of eligibility or join the Colorado Rockies. The Pack has the Atlantic Division title on the line.

Every time he touches the ball, Florida State running back Chris Thompson thinks big -- as in, 20 yards big.

“My thing is first down, touchdown,” said Thompson. “That’s my mindset every time I touch the ball. One thing I really believe in is always having at least a 20-yard gain every time I touch the ball. That’s just the way I think. I know that the offensive line is going to do their job, and Lonnie [Pryor] is going to do his job and the receivers. I just know after that it’s all God-given talent and I believe I have it to be able to get those extra yards and push for those yards we need.”

He’s proved as much through Florida State’s current undefeated streak in ACC play. As the Seminoles (6-1, 4-0 ACC) prepare to face NC State (5-2, 2-1) in Raleigh on Thursday night in what will be a season-defining game for the Atlantic Division standings, they do so with one of the most productive running games in the country. The carries are divvied among three talented backs, including Jermaine Thomas and Ty Jones, but Thompson has been the most productive with the 58 carries he’s had.

Considering what he’s accomplished so far this season -- an average of 7.7 yards per carry -- Thompson’s goal of 20 yards per touch isn’t so far-fetched.

Try 90 (Miami). Or 83 (BYU).

Thompson leads Florida State with five plays of 25 yards or longer, including his 90-yard touchdown run against Miami -- the third-longest play in school history. Thompson is one of only two players in school history with multiple scoring runs of 80 yards or more. Sammie Smith did it twice in 1987 against East Carolina (83) and Furman (95).

“It’s the greatest feeling in the world to be in the record books with all of those great running backs,” Thompson said. “It’s like one of the greatest accomplishments in my life, honestly.”

And he’s only a sophomore.

“He’s got great potential,” coach Jimbo Fisher said. “He’s really learning what we’re doing. He’s gotten physically stronger, faster, and his confidence level is going up. He’s blocking well, he’s catching the ball, he really understands his reads and he’s very disciplined and dependable. He comes to work every day, a very intelligent guy, picks things up very quickly.”

Thompson, who has four brothers and three sisters, is used to sharing. He said he would eventually like to be the featured back, but who doesn't? Right now he’s comfortable in the system under coach Eddie Gran, and the trio has yet to lose a fumble in seven games and 174 total carries. Thompson, who scored twice last year against the Wolfpack, leads the team with an average of 63.6 yards per game.

“That’s not really a focus,” Thompson said of getting the majority of the carries. “It’s whatever I need to do for the team. Coach Gran, he tells us we have to do what we need to do with the carries that we get.”

So far, Thompson has done that -- big time.

It was a good week to be an ACC running back. Here are the top five performers in the ACC for Week 6:

Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor. He completed 13 of 23 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown, and ran for another 127 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries. He led the Hokies with 288 yards of total offense in Virginia Tech's 45-21 win over Central Michigan. It was also the sixth, 100-yard rushing performance of his career, tying the school record for 100-yard rushing games by a quarterback previously held by Bob Schweickert in 1962-64.

NC State coach Tom O’Brien. With the 44-17 win over Boston College, O’Brien earned his first win over his former program since taking over at NC State. Not only did the Wolfpack put a halt to BC’s winning streak in the series, the Pack proved its resiliency after the loss to Virginia Tech.

UNC running back Johnny White: He rushed for two touchdowns and had 179 total yards in the depleted Tar Heels’ 21-16 win over Clemson. His 26-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter was UNC’s lone score of the second half.

Georgia Tech B back Anthony Allen: He ran for 195 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries in Georgia Tech’s 33-21 win over Virginia on Saturday. All three of his scores came in the second half. The Yellow Jackets racked up 477 yards rushing and Allen scored his first touchdowns of the season. He now has five career touchdowns in two games against Virginia. He also eclipsed 1,000 career rushing yards in his two seasons at Georgia Tech.

FSU running backs. Chris Thompson had 14 carries for 158 yards and a touchdown, and Jermaine Thomas had 78 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Thomas also had two receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown. FSU rushed for 298 yards.