There might not be a team more looking forward to taking the field in 2015 than the Florida State Seminoles. After an embarrassing loss to Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinal and summer headlines of players being arrested, it’s now time to focus on the upcoming season with the start of fall practice. 

2015 FSU Fall Practice Schedule

• Wednesday, August 5 – Players report
• Thursday, August 6 – First practice

Open Practice

• Sunday, August 9: Following Fan Day
• Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Facility

Fan Day

• Sunday, August 9: Noon – 2, doors open at 11 a.m.
• Donald L. Tucker Civic Center
• Admission is free

Five Things To Keep Your Eye On

1. Replacing Jameis – Gone is Jameis Winston, who as a starter led the Seminoles to a 27-1 record, two ACC Championships and a BCS National Championship. To help replace him, Fisher lured Notre Dame transfer Everett Golson to Tallahassee. However, he still has to win the starting job, and there’s no telling how he’ll adjust. Fall practice for Golson is extremely important.

2. Who Steps Up at Running Back? – With the pending legal problems keeping star running back Dalvin Cook out for the foreseeable future, the Seminoles will have to find someone who can carry the load. Look for freshman Jacques Patrick to get a chance after a successful spring.

3. Stocked Wide Receiver Roster – FSU has arguably its scariest roster of wide receivers in school history. There is size and speed across the board. Last year, just one receiver eclipsed the 6’3″ mark – then-freshman Ermon Lane. This year, four receivers check in at 6’3″ or taller, and a total of seven are at least 6’1″ tall. All of that sounds nice on paper, but who will step up as the go-to guy?

4. Injuries, Injuries, Injuries – Fisher and his assistants will closely watch the progression of linebackers Terrance Smith and Reggie Northrup, along with center Ryan Hoefeld, who are all returning from injuries. They are all expected to fully participate in fall practice.

5. Off-The-Field Troubles – The Florida State football program continues to find itself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Can the Seminoles cure their off-the-field troubles and keep their focus on the field?

For an in-depth look at this year’s FSU team, check out Pete Fiutak’s Seminoles preview. 

Questions? Comments? Contact Brian at bstultz@campusinsiders.com or on Twitter @brianjstultz.