SEMINOLES LOOK TO HAVE DANDY D

FLA.» Florida State TALLAHASSEE, has largely been known for its offense during Jimbo Fisher’s eight seasons as head coach.

This could be the season where that could change. FSU has a defense with enough talent to outshine the Seminoles’ offense.

The third-ranked Seminoles return nine starters on defense, including two that were named to The Associated Press preseason All-America team. With plenty of depth on the line and in the secondary, defensive coordinator Charles Kelly has not quieted expectations going into the Sept. 2 opener against No. 1 Alabama in Atlanta.

“This is probably the best unit since I’ve been here,” said Kelly, who is in his fifth season at the school and fourth as coordinator. “We certainly have more experienced guys. Any time you are returning a lot of people who have played in plenty of situations it helps you.”

That is quite a difference from this time last year, when the defense was inexperienced (only five starters returned from the 2015 squad). Things got worse when Derwin James suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second game.

After a last-second loss to North Carolina on Oct. 1, the defense was last among the 65 teams in the power five conferences, allowing 7.0 yards per play, 9.4 yards per pass play and 25 plays of 30 yards or more.

The defense’s performance in the final eight games of the season has served as a springboard to this year. The unit improved to 22nd among power five teams in average yards per play (5.3) and 29th against the pass (7.1 yards per play).

JC transfer cleared to play.

IOWA» Iowa State says AMES, junior college transfer Kamilo Tongamoa has been cleared to play this season.

The junior defensive lineman chose the Cyclones over Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon and Texas. But Ton- gamoa had class work to finish up at Merced Community College in California, delaying his debut for Iowa State.

Tongamoa had 25 tackles for a loss last season. He joins Ray Lima and Matt Leo as highly regarded junior college players signed by the Cyclones to bolster their defensive line.

Pair of Gators cited for weed.

FLA.» Two Florida GAINESVILLE, players have been cited for misdemeanor marijuana possession.

Wide receiver James Robinson and linebacker Ventrell Miller, both freshmen from Lakeland, Fla., were cited for possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana early Monday. According to the University Police Department, Robinson and Miller were found with the drugs at their dormitory after a smell of marijuana emanated from their room. Both were given a notice to appear in court.

A team spokesman said Gators coach Jim McElwain “is aware, and it has been dealt with.”