FSU offense: better, worse or about the same? Why?

After losing 7 NFL draft selections off of last years offense, including the overall # 1 pick, the 2015 FSU offense can’t help but be worse — but it won’t be as bad as you may think.

FSU averaged 441.4 yards per game and 33.7 points per game last season with Jameis Winston at quarterback. Now you take away Winston, the program’s leader in receptions (Rashad Greene), the school’s best tight end all-time (Nick O’Leary) and four starting offensive linemen? It’s easy to expect less offensive production and fewer points.

But on the bright side, Sean Maguire should be able to provide stability at quarterback and Dalvin Cook was a 1,000-yard rusher as a freshman.

If the offensive line settles in, FSU should move the ball down the field. And if the offense stalls out, the Seminoles can always lean on consistent, clutch kicker Roberto Aguayo.

FSU defense: better worse or about the same? Why?

An argument can be made for FSU being better on defense in 2015 despite losing defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (NFL 2nd round), defensive tackle Eddie Goldman (NFL 2nd round) and cornerbacks P.J. Williams (NFL 3rd round) and Ronald Darby (NFL 2nd round).

FSU can’t replace the talent of Edwards and Goldman up front. But the pass rush (just 17 sacks in 14 games in 2014) should be much better under new defensive ends/outside linebackers coach Brad Lawing.

Linebackers Reggie Northrup and Terrance Smith should return healthy for their senior seasons. And Jalen Ramsey moves into one of the corner spots (vacated by Williams). The secondary remains deep, arguably the best unit on the team.

You buying or selling this team in 2015? (How many games they winning this year? Playoffs?)

Coach Jimbo Fisher has sent 29 draft picks to the NFL the last three years. It’s tough to replace that much talent and a spot in the four-team playoff is unrealistic this season.

FSU should do well against an early schedule that features Texas State, South Florida, Boston College and Wake Forest. But the road is tough with games at Georgia Tech and Clemson, not to mention home games with Louisville and Miami.

FSU could go 10-2 in the regular season. The Atlantic Division will again come down to FSU at Clemson on Nov. 7.

Bob Ferrante of The Palm Beach Post provided the information for our Florida State Football 2015 Spring Wrap Up. For more Seminole  football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Bob on Twitter @bobferrante.