Oh the good ol' internets. Where bloggers can have disagreements via twitter over athletic budgetary data compiled by a 3rd party. David Wunderlich, of TeamSpeedKills.com (follow him @year2 and check out his piece on college revenues and profits), posited via twitter yesterday that, based on the USA Today story, FSU athletics were $16 million 'in the hole' or 'in the red.' This prompted me to say, based on the numbers in the story, "nuh uh, FSU over spent by 500k, strike that, over spent by 800K + last year, you are adding the numbers wrong, I'm adding them correctly, come at me bro." In the end, both of us were wrong. Though I'm not sure he is willing to say he agrees with this statement, I hope this article goes a ways in convincing him.

Inside we'll figure out why I was WAY off with my 800K number and why saying FSU athletics is $16 million 'in the hole' is also not accurate.

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As a loyal reader and follower of Tomahawk Nation, you are probably aware that we use different criteria than many when ranking teams during the season. What a team has accomplished such as close victories, close defeats, blowouts victories, and blowout losses, all play a part in determining where a team is ranked. But here we are. It's 41 days until the first day of summer. Players are yet to wrap their heads around, "HOLY CRAP, TWO-A-DAYS IN 102 DEGREE WEATHER."

Accordingly, our criteria is drastically reduced to include slightly more than 'huh, those guys might be pretty good at the game of football." But seriously, thanks to the work that's being done by some super stat nerds* and taking into account traditional powerhouses, it's not a completely useless exercise. There will be disagreements, but hey, I can't get it 100% right. I'm not a computer.

Who should be included, bumped off, higher, lower? Do the South Florida Bulls belong? They ranked 40th in F/+ by the aforementioned nerds at the end of 2011 and they return a bunch of players. As the joke goes, the Mountaineers just scored again on Clemson. Was that an anomaly or was that just the most epic Clemson collapse ever? West Virginia will also have to prove they are worthy of any preseason hype in a brand new conference. LSU, BAMA, USC, are probably 1a, 1b, and 1c. Whichever order you think they should go is just fine. Kansas State was ridiculously lucky last year. Maybe that luck runs out and they go 6-6. OU had a little bit of a meltdown. Will they turn it around or do worse? Which also leads to the fact Baylor is now RGIII-less, which means they are rank-less. FSU is probably too high, or low. Whichever.

Inside, find Tomahawk Nation's very own speculative ballot on who will be elite and who is total garbage (lookin at you Maryland).

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Inside some photos and notes for the Garnet and Gold Game. Click on the photos for a larger view.

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Tomahawk Nation moves spring preview moves on to the defensive. First up, the linebacking corps. Be sure to read up on the Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Offensive Line, and Receivers/Tight Ends. At this point, it's important to note that Jeff Luc will not be a part of this preview, as we can neither confirm nor deny that he was injured in a scooter accident . However bad the injury, he would certainly be an asset to the team if he could make it back healthy and the sooner the better.*

Coach Stoops has transformed the FSU defense. This is not hyperbole. With the help of Coach Hudson, the linebacking corps is no exception. Gone are the days of freelance play making. There's a system and each player has a job depending on actual plays the defense runs. Playing defense is a game of read, react, and make the play accordingly. Blow the read and the react and the make the play part goes out the window. A standard 3 yard run turns into a 15 yard run. To say the least, the linebackers have made major strides in learning the concepts that are so important in today's defensive schemes.

Florida State only loses one linebacker from the 2011 team in Nigel Bradham. Though, as the leader for the team in tackles for the 3rd year in a row, he takes roughly 34% of production with him. That's a total of 86 tackles for one player. That production will have to be picked up by the remaining players.

Vince Williams is the only true senior that returns to the linebacking corps (well, technically two but we'll get to that in a bit). Williams impressed last year as he earned starting job at middle linebacker. He finished 5th in total tackles. While he may not make the splashy highlight reel hits often, he continually did his job and played his position, not trying to do other people's assignments. As a middle linebacker, this is of utmost importance. What resulted was a solid performance that had many 'Nole fans pleased and in many cases surprised with his level of play. Look for Williams to continue to mature as a smart, heady player. For Vince to have a shot at the second level, he will need to be even better this year and that all starts with a solid spring performance.

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With the 2011 season in the books and a top 5 recruiting class signed and sealed, it's time to take a look at what the Florida State Seminoles were able to accomplish. There were some high hopes going into the 2011 season. For some fans, 10-12 regular season wins were expected. While there was reason to hope for something special, injuries and off the field circumstances would have FSU struggling to put together a solid season.

Inside a collection of short game reviews, numbers, player superlatives, and what it means going in to next season.

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This afternoon Tomahawk Nation brings your way too early, completely meaningless, preseason top 25 BlogPoll. Really what we have here is a discussion starter. For certain, when the championship game ends in 2013, the 2012 rankings won't look anything like this. A promising team will lose 6 heart-breakers (Texas A&M), an undeserving team that doesn't play anyone (Houston, Southern Miss, etc.) will take their place, and a juggernaut will stumble...hard (Oklahoma).

Until all of that transpires, jump in and let us know what you think. Keep in mind this poll is not like the blogpoll during the season. Season blogpolls are based on body of work. Since we are months away from not only from the football season but also spring games, we decided a simple power poll would work the best. Someone left off the list that shouldn't be? Someone should be top 10 that isn't? There are still questions to be answered about the 2012 'Noles, but when looking at the teams around them, FSU just makes it into the top 10.

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LSU deserves #1, so does Alabama, especially taking into account the criteria we set forth doing this blogpoll. Alabama was/is better than LSU and LSU was very fortunate to win the first game against the Tide. I thought about ranking LSU #1 based on overall schedule and the fact they won at Alabama and played an extra game against a very good Georgia team in the SEC Championship. But the beat down that took place in the championship game trumps that. If LSU kept it at least close, I think LSU is #1.

For any blog/AP voter that chooses LSU for the top spot, they aren't in the wrong. Does Oklahoma State have equal rights to claim the #1 spot? Perhaps. Either way, I'm sure the powers that be will work out a fair, amicable system that takes all parties interests into account and is best suited in deciding the number 1 team in all the land.*

For Florida State fans, FSU finishes in the top 25. After a 2-3 start this is perhaps...acceptable. Though a win over Virginia and a better bowl game and FSU could have finished much higher. We will do a preseason ranking at the beginning of next week ( I know, I know, what is the world coming to) and be on the look out for the second annual season end review, perhaps this weekend.

Inside find the rankings. There will be sound arguments for moving any team a bit up or down. If you see any glaring errors, make it known in the comment section (thinking maybe we can boot BYU and put back USC even though they were not allowed to play in a bowl). Also, if you have ideas for a top 25 preseason ranking, let us know. We've had some great input this year and have tried to adjust the poll accordingly. It will be the same drill next year.

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Today the 'Noles face off against the Fighting Irish for the 2011 season finale. Both teams started off highly ranked and both have suffered disappointing losses. Join us here at Tomahawk Nation as we watch and discuss. Lots of questions remain for FSU. Florida State will have what is quite possibly the youngest 'Nole offensive line since? Seriously, I have no idea. Possibly ever. It was noted that the UF game might prove difficult for the FSU offense. The 'Noles did everything to not only prove the point, but hammer it home, over, and over, and over... Notre Dame might not possess the same level of talent as UF, but for a the 'Noles to come out with a win, the defense will need another dominant performance. For those going to the game, have a great and safe time. Everyone have a great New Year. We might bring back game threads for the BCS games. Until then, GO NOLES!

Excellent preview from Bill Connelly.

Florida State vs. Notre Dame 5:30 PM ESPN

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter/Halftime

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

It's time to extend the Tomahawk Nation Pick'em to the bowl season. It's your last chance of 2011 to watch and enjoy football. Prove just how much/little you know. Just like the regular season, make your picks based on the spread. Championship Game will be the tie breaker.

To get in, go to funofficepools.com and look for the Bowl Championship Series. Click Join Pool.

Pool name: Tomahawk Nation Bowl Games

Password: fsufootball

Sorry for the timing. If you miss the early games, don't worry, you can still select the games that start on the 26th. However those games will all be locked after that date so do them all at once. Best to just make all your selections now and tweak after if you feel the need.

For the regular season, congratulations to Travnole (runner up is Kylefsu02, so close, but trav had the tiebreaker). His football knowledge is superior to yours. Bow down. A look at the top 10:

1 travnole 194-134 194 (*)

1 Kylefsu02 194-134 194

3 nole_it_all 192-136 192

4 caine115 188-140 188

4 Gulfport Nole 188-140 188

4 bluegillz 188-140 188

7 Robert's guess 187-141 187

7 BostonNole 187-141 187

9 EABbGD's Picks 186-142 186

9 Jd_nole_37 186-142 186

This is not a power poll. I don't attempt to rank teams based on how good I think they are. I only rank teams based on their resume. What have they done? Not how talented are their players or what other polls project them to do, but what have they done? The poll is designed to be dynamic. I try to start from scratch every week.

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Unfortunately this is not 'Tomahawk Nation's Gameday Central: ACC Championship Edition.' For that we'll have to just wait another year an undetermined amount of time. However, Florida State did beat both instate rivals. This accomplishment fuels another year of bragging rights and will keep my blood warm through the harsh 40ish degree Tallahassee winter. But since FSU is not playing in a conference championship game, you are forced to look into the memorizing eyes of The Hat. CAN'T...LOOK....AWAY....

In the Noon slot we have some Big East action coming at you. You could not pay me to watch this game. I would rather watch Joe Bauserman and OSU play 12 straight quarters, offense only, against Alabama's defense. For those of you not familiar with Joe, here is his passing completion chart. Think UConn misses Randy Edsall yet? I bet Randy Edsall misses UConn but I digress. Also in the nooner, Houston takes on Southern Miss. Both are ranked. Will Case Keenum continue to throw for ridiculous yardage? Or will a very good (?) Southern Miss team match up well with, uh, those guys on Houston's WR corps? Who knows, I haven't payed attention to either (over/under is in the 70s so that should keep it interesting. I guess.)

In the afternoon slot we have Texas vs Baylor. Texas is not ranked, Baylor is. Baylor has reached 8 wins for the first season since the colonial period (for an idea of what players looked like then, see picture of Wisconsin o-lineman). If Robert Griffen III of Baylor is not considered for the Heisman, it should be considered a crime. Hopefully RGIII of Baylor has 5 rushing TDs and 10 passing TDs against Texas to secure his invite and the #1 spot. Oh yeah, there's also that SEC Championship game. If LSU manages to lose, expect game announcers/football analysts to use the word 'chaos' no less than 100,000 times before Sunday. It will be annoying. LSU needs to win so we can all make it through College Football Final without throwing things.

Have to hand it to ESPN, they did a great job spacing out the championship games here for our last weekend of football watching enjoyment. Three ranked teams playing 3 ranked teams. ESPN wants to ensure you have to head to your local sports pub to catch all the action. ESPN therefor wants you to be an alcoholic. Tell your wife/husband/significant other it's ESPN's fault you have to go out for 'a while.' No telling what will happen in the Wisconsin/Michigan State game. Perhaps Wisconsin will find a way to lose not just once, but twice on a hail mary in the same game. What does Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have in common? They both lost games in which they were 28 plus point favorites. Ouch. Should still be a great game to watch. Oklahoma State has a lot more on the line as they have the closest shot at playing in the championship game. That means they'll lose.

Finally, we get to Dabo. Oh Dabo, thank you for being you. If you don't feel like clicking that, just know that Dabo spent time and energy complaining about something Steve Spurrier never said about Dabo or Clemson. Clemson has lost 3 of their last 4 games including an absolute whooping at the hands of NC State. I'll be honest. I was sure just a month or so ago that Clemson would not melt down. Sure, 1 maybe 2 losses, but not melt down. I was wrong. And it's glorious. What's wrong with Clemson? Well, apparently a lot. There is probably quite a bit riding on this game for Dabo. Get blown out by VT, maybe lose a bowl game? Dabo might start feeling the heat. Even worse, what if his coaches get poached? Could get interesting for an emerging FSU rival (sorry I got all serious there).

Well that does it. We'll bring back Gameday Central for the FSU bowl game (TBD) and perhaps a thread here and there for the better bowl games. Enjoy your football Saturday.

Full TV Schedule at SB Nation

Noon Games

12:00 PM ET Connecticut 5-6 at Cincinnati 8-3 ESPN

12:00 PM ET 24 Southern Miss 10-2 C-USA Championship 6 Houston 12-0 ABC

12:30 PM ET Iowa State 6-5 at 16 Kansas State 9-2 FSN

Afternoon Games

3:30 PM ET Texas 7-4 at 17 Baylor 8-3 ABC

4:00 PM ET 14 Georgia 10-2 SEC Championship 1 LSU 12-0 CBS

Night Games

8:00 PM ET 5 Virginia Tech 11-1 ACC Championship 20 Clemson 9-3 ESPN

8:00 PM ET 10 Oklahoma 9-2 at 3 Oklahoma State 10-1 ABC

8:17 PM ET 15 Wisconsin 10-2 Big Ten Championship 13 Michigan State 10-2 FOX

No Pictures.

No Pictures.

No Pictures.

This is not a power poll. I don't attempt to rank teams based on how good I think they are. I only rank teams based on their resume. What have they done? Not how talented are their players or what other polls project them to do, but what have they done? The poll is designed to be dynamic. I try to start from scratch every week.

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It's the last regular season weekend for many football teams. 'Nole fans aren't too upset over that as they are already in 'there's always next year' mode. Indeed, with a loss to Virginia last week, the season earned the dreaded FAIL label. However with a win against hated rival Florida, FSU could prevent the season from turning into a disaster.  UF is down this year, but the 'Noles haven't won in the Swamp since -- wait for it -- the Chris Rix come back drive of 2003. Despite UF playing Ron Zook quality football, the 'Noles will have their hands full. UF's very good defensive line should give FSU's hodgepodge offensive line all sorts of trouble. If there is any gas left in the tank for FSU's defensive front, the UF o-line could also be in for a long day. All in all it could be one very long, very ugly, field goal heavy game. If FSU wins they earn the 'state champion' title and the Gators drop to .500 for the season. Yes, this game is on ESPN 2 and no, it is not being talked about by the national media. But this game means a lot to the players and the fans. It doesn't matter what the records are. It's FSU/UF, so get excited. I SAID GET EXCITED! GO NOLES! 

Rivalry Weekend Schedule at SB Nation

Noon Game Thread

12:00 PM ET 13 Georgia 9-2 at 23 Georgia Tech 8-3 ESPN

12:00 PM ET Ohio State 6-5 at 15 Michigan 9-2 ABC

Afternoon Game Thread

3:30 PM ET 2 Alabama 10-1 at 24 Auburn 7-4 CBS

3:30 PM ET 5 Virginia Tech 10-1 at Virginia 8-3 ABC or ESPN 2

3:30 PM ET 19 Penn State 9-2 at 16 Wisconsin 9-2 ESPN

7:00 PM ET Florida State 7-4 at Florida 6-5 ESPN 2 Game Preview

1st Quarter Thread

2nd Quarter/Halftime Thread

3rd Quarter Thread

4th Quarter Thread

NO PICTURES, Afternoon Game Thread. 

NO PICTURES, FSU 1st Quarter Thread

NO PICTURES, 2nd Quarter/Halftime. 

NO PICTURES, 3rd Quarter Thread.

NO PICTURES, 4th Quarter Thread. 

NO PICTURES

This is not a power poll. I don't attempt to rank teams based on how good I think they are. I only rank teams based on their resume. What have they done? Not how talented are their players or what other polls project them to do, but what have they done? The poll is designed to be dynamic. I try to start from scratch every week.

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When do you feature a picture of a punter on gameday central? When that picture is of Shawn Powell who will be playing his last game in the Doak. Do not weep for Shawn. He will be making bank soon enough. Senior LB Nigel Bradham will also get his shot along with CB Mike Harris. For other senior 'Noles, the future isn't quite as clear. Beau Reliford, Terrance Parks,  and Jermaine Thomas may not find their way to the next level. However, they have played hard for the garnet and gold and 'Nole Nation wishes them the best as their college careers come to a close. What is on the line for Florida State? A win against UVA will give the 'Noles their first 6 game win streak since 2004. 

 You will notice the few games highlighted below are...less than spectacular. I apologize but I have no control over the SEC choosing to play 4 FCS teams on the same weekend (seriously, 4). But as noted it's senior day. Which means that football is almost over. So cherish these last couple weekends. With the off season looming, there are no bad games. Well, except those SEC vs Southern Conerence match ups. Seriously, I'm not watching those.

Oh and as I write this, Iowa State beats #2 Oklahoma State. Seriously. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State both lose games that they are 4 TD favorites to win. You hear that 'Noles? FOCUS!

Full Schedule at SB Nation

Noon Games

12:00 PM ET 16 Nebraska 8-2 at 18 Michigan 8-2 ESPN

12:00 PM ET 17 Wisconsin 8-2 at Illinois 6-4 ESPN 2

12:30 PM ET Georgia Tech 7-3 at Duke 3-7 ACC Network

Afternoon Games

3:00 PM ET Maryland 2-8 at Wake Forest 5-5 Raycom Sports

3:30 PM ET 7 Clemson 9-1 at NC State 5-5 ABC (ESPN mirror)

3:30 PM ET Miami-Florida 5-5 at So Florida 5-4 ESPN U

4:00 PM ET Boston College 3-7 at Notre Dame 7-3 NBC

7:30 PM ET Virginia 7-3 at 25 Florida State 7-3 ESPN 2 FSU vs UVA Preview

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter/Halftime

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

No Pictures. Afternoon Games.