Putting FSU recruiting into perspective

It seems like a pretty good bet that, at next week's ACC media conference, Florida State will be selected as the winner of the Atlantic Division and overall ACC Champion. You can't really blame the voters, given Florida State's 10-win season last year and unbelievable recruiting haul.

Florida State is poised on reclaiming its role as ACC overlord and destroyer-of-worlds, right? As a former FSU player said, "...Not so fast, my friend!" History shows that, if the Seminoles are going to return to the glory years, it's not going to be on the back of their recruiting rankings.

     Recruiting Class Rankings (Rivals)

  Team

  Florida State

  Virginia Tech

  2004

  #3

  #41

  2005

  #2

  #14

  2006

  #3

  #32

  2007

  #21

  #29

  2008

  #9

  #18

  2009

  #7

  #23

  2010

  #10

  #23

 Overall Record

 57-34

 73-21

On average, Florida State’s recruiting classes have outclassed Virginia Tech’s by almost 18 spots since VT’s inaugural ACC season. Yet Virginia Tech has more ACC championships, more BCS appearances, more 10-win seasons, and a significantly better overall record.

Say what you will about Florida State – there is no denying that they are a talented team that sure can recruit – but they have been pulling in top classes for quite some time. Virginia Tech has shown that, by coaching up your players and playing with a bit of a chip on your shoulder, you can often times forego the need for a top 10 class. I look for them to beat Florida State again in Charlotte this season.

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