Greg McElroy reveals why he loves Florida State in 2023

Expectations haven’t been this high in Tallahassee for nearly a decade heading into the 2023 season. But could the Florida State Seminoles be the team to beat in the ACC when it’s all said and done?

He wouldn’t go that far, but revealing the Seminoles to be his No. 6 team in his preseason Top 25 poll, college football analyst Greg McElroy couldn’t say enough about the job head coach Mike Norvell has done putting this season’s roster together.

“I love them this year. I’m drinking the Kool-Aid. Just like the Texas Longhorns, I think Florida State is back,” McElroy said. “… I have seen this team play really good football, and I think another year with all the returnees — they’re in good shape.”

McElroy listed some of the players he believes will impact the Seminoles the most in 2023. He believes Jordan Travis can be a “legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate.” He also loves what Mike Norvell has done with the receiving corps. He turned what was a struggling position in recent memory, and Norvell plucked former Michigan State wideout Keon Coleman out of the transfer portal. Johnny Wilson will also be a factor out wide thanks to his 6-foot-6 frame.

Travis threw for 3,214 yards, 24 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 64% completion percentage in 2022 while also contributing 417 rushing yards and seven more touchdowns on the ground. Coleman contributed 58 receptions for 798 yards and seven touchdowns in East Lansing last season, while Wilson produced similar numbers having hauled in 43 passes for 897 yards and five receiving scores.

Trey Benson is the best running back in the ACC, McElroy said. A couple of seasons removed from reconstructive knee surgery, Benson has only shown improvement, renewed strength in his leg and gained confidence since returning. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry in 2022, and McElroy expects that to grow this season.

“If they can not make mistakes, avoiding the penalties and self-inflicted [wounds],” McElroy said. “This offense should be as good as there is in the ACC.”

With Travis’ experience and confidence, as well as the bevy of offensive players poised to make an instant impact in Norvell’s system, Florida State’s potential for the 2023 season is through the roof. 

The Seminoles’ season is set to get underway on Sept. 3 inside Camping World Stadium in Orlando against LSU. Kick-off has already been announced for 7:30 p.m. ET live on ABC. Despite losing to FSU last season, LSU has opened as 2.5-point betting favorites, according to Caesars Sportsbook.