By Dalton Ray–

FSView and Florida Flambeau is Florida State University’s student newspaper. Ariya Massoudi is the sports editor of the FSView. Massoudi does play-by play and sideline work for the ACC Network Extra. A senior at FSU, Massoudi is a double-major in digital media production and sports management.

QuestionWhat are the expectations surrounding redshirt freshman quarterback Deondre Francois?

Answer: The expectations are always very high for quarterbacks at FSU, especially under Jimbo Fisher. He’s put three into the NFL, all as first-round picks, and he’s comes from a QB background, so he’s incredibly tough on them. Francois has received the hype of the next, great FSU signal caller and so far through two games, he’s looked very promising.

Q: Where would you rank this FSU defense amongst previous teams?

A: This FSU defense is talented as any Fisher has had. They’re extremely talented on the defensive line and in the secondary, with a blend of experience. Some think this could be as good as the one that helped the Seminoles win a national title in 2013.

Q: Who are some of the big weapons outside of Dalvin Cook on offense?

A: Outside of Cook, Francois has stepped up admirably for the Seminoles’ offense. He’s a pass-first QB with enough ability in his legs to make a defense stay honest. His progression at the position will determine how opposing teams decide to dedicate players to stopping Cook or respecting his arm.

Q: Is the FSU team and fan base realistically expecting another trip to the College Football Playoffs?

A: The FSU fan base is expecting a run at the playoffs. It’s a tough schedule FSU plays, but outside of Clemson, who looks like a shell of their 2015 squad, the Seminoles should be favorites in all games they play in 2016. The offense is experienced, the defense is talented and the Seminoles get the major game of the season at home versus the Tigers.

Q: Who wins and why?

A: Louisville has looked fantastic through the first two games of the season. Lamar Jackson is one of the best players in the country and the Cards’ defense is loaded with talent. If Francois doesn’t turn the ball over, then I think FSU escapes Papa John’s with a win. The Seminoles showed what they are capable of in the comeback vs. Ole Miss, and the coaching staff had a great plan in place last season to contain Jackson’s legs in Tallahassee. I think they’ll be ready for the challenge and win a close game, 34-27.

Photo by Nancy Hanner / The Louisville Cardinal