Image Credit: Florida State Athletics
Here we are at the end of our look into the Florida State baseball team. Generally, at this point, we would like to see how our predictions did against the previous year’s actual results.
That is a moot point for 2020. So, we’ll try it again for 2021.
Warmups
FSU starts its season off with considerably less bang than last year. North Florida and Pittsburgh take the first two weekends before Mercer comes calling for a midweek contest.
The highlight of this portion is absolutely Virginia. Virginia brings back a lot of talent and should be a tough test for the Seminoles. FSU then takes on South Florida in a midweek game before traveling to Virginia Tech.
This portion of the schedule ends up against Florida. The Gators have a lot coming back to a team that was very talented last year. If FSU wants to start its own winning streak here, it’ll be an uphill climb.
Projected Record: 11-4
Getting Tougher
FSU’s schedule is favorable in that it gets tougher as the season wears on. That’s precisely what you’d like when you have a young starting rotation. Figure out what works early on and run with it.
The Noles start this stretch at Miami before taking on UCF for a weekday game. They then get Wake Forest and North Carolina – neither slouches – before taking on Jacksonville in a midweek game. This stretch ends by traveling to Louisville to face a very tough Cardinal squad and traveling to Gainesville.
Projected Record: 9-6
Hard Finish
FSU better have its starting pitching together by this point, as the road gets even tougher. The Noles host Boston College before traveling to Georgia Tech, who should return a strong squad.
Following a midweek game against Stetson, the Noles take one last breath against Troy before playing at Notre Dame, against Clemson at home, and ending the season in Raleigh against NC State. We project the Noles to rise to the competition and get better as the year goes along.
Projected Record: 15-4
Full Season Projected Record: 35-14
In the three years we’ve been doing this, we’ve never projected a 40-win regular season for the Noles. There’s always been a hole or young portion of the team that gives pause. In this case, it’s the starting pitching.
We’re optimistic that Jimmy Belanger can have his young staff ready to face the challenges of a long season, but it’s going to be tough for the Seminoles. We do foresee, however, a 40-win season when you include the ACC Tournament and, of course, the NCAA Tournament.
Do well this season, and the good recruiting work Mike Martin, Jr. has been putting in will kick into high gear.
Ready or not – it’s time for baseball.
Related Links
Year 1, Take 2: What Was 2020 for FSU Baseball
Year 1, Take 2: Previewing the 2021 FSU Pitching Staff
Year 1, Take 2: Previewing the 2021 FSU Lineup