UL Monroe @ Florida State preview

THE STORY: After a successful start to the Jimbo Fisher era, Florida State seems primed for a return to national prominence in 2011. The No. 5 Seminoles, who enter with their highest preseason ranking in nine years, are the favorite to win their first ACC championship since 2005. The Seminoles are 56-13 in home openers and 48-5 at home in September since 1987. Louisiana-Monroe, meanwhile, returns 18 starters from a team that fell one win short of its first bowl bid. The Warhawks are 0-20 against ranked opponents.

TV: ESPNU. Line: Florida State - 28

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (2010: 10-4, 6-2 ACC Atlantic): The Seminoles lost QB Christian Ponder to the NFL, but they are in good hands with junior E.J. Manuel – a dual-threat with plenty of big-game experience. There are questions at receiver, but the running game should thrive even without leading rusher Chris Thompson (back injury). Defensively, All-American end Brandon Jenkins (13.5 sacks) helped Florida State finish third in the nation with 48 sacks, and cornerback Xavier Rhodes’ strong play earned him ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.

ABOUT LOUISIANA-MONROE (2010: 5-7, 4-4 Sun Belt Conference): The Warhawks were picked to finish tied for third in the conference in preseason voting. The offense is led by sophomore QB Kolton Browning (2,552 yards, 18 TDs, 12 INTs). Second-year coach Todd Berry’s 3-3-5 scheme, anchored by senior LB Ken Dorsey (five sacks), will emphasize pressure. That may leave it vulnerable to Florida State’s superior speed. The defense will be without promising sophomore CB Otis Peterson, who is out six weeks after surgery.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Florida State registered 10 wins for the first time since 2003 in its first season without the legendary Bobby Bowden.

2. ULM’s only win against a BCS team came in 2007 when it shocked Alabama, 21-14, as 24.5-point underdogs.

3. The Warhawks managed just 3.1 yards per carry last season.

PREDICTION: Florida State 45-7. The Seminoles will control both lines of scrimmage.