It seems FSU had a relatively low % injury rate in 2022. I would expect regression to the mean there.
For the first time in his career, Jordan Travis was healthy throughout the season. If that changes, their season is doomed.
In 2022, FSU was 4-2 in games decided by a TD or less. I would expect some regression to the mean there.
[BGCOLOR=initial]They were a more or less middle third team in turnover margin (48th). I would expect that to be about the same (maybe a hair worse).[/BGCOLOR]
[BGCOLOR=initial]They finished 11th in the Final AP Poll (and 13th in the last CFB Playoff rankings).[/BGCOLOR]
[BGCOLOR=initial]Their best win last season was 1-point victory Week 0 against an LSU team with a brand new coaching staff that didn't start clicking until late in the season. This seems to be a consistent theme for FSU's 2022 season, as they seemingly played many teams at the best time to play them. Otherwise, they played 3 teams who were ranked in the top 25 at the time they played and lost to all three (Wake at home, NC State away, and Clemson at home).[/BGCOLOR]
On the balance, FSU improved its roster somewhat from last season to this season (moreso on the offensive side of the ball, IMO). That will help them.
Based on opponent's win % last season (very simplistic method) SI has their SOS at 78th in the country, with only two ACC teams (UL and Miami) behind them. That will give them a fairly easy path to success.
Overall, I expect them to have the ball (and injury breaks) bounce their way a somewhat less this season as compared to last. I expect 8 or 9 regular season wins from them (obviously less if they lose Travis for a considerable length of time)... call it an 8.5 o/u. Vegas has them a bit better at 9.5. If they win even 9 games and one of their losses is out of conference to LSU, there's a good chance they end up in the ACCCG. Then again, if they lose to LSU and Clemson, they'll be 2-2 to start the season and the wheels could come off at that point. But, even then, the schedule helps them and they get a BYE after Clemson, followed by VT, Syracuse, and Duke all at home before having to travel to Wake.
I don't discount the possibility that the 2023 FSU team competes for a playoff birth, but I don't think it's likely. I think it's more likely they finish with an 8 win regular season and a disappointed fanbase.