By Dave Holcomb
SouthernPigskin.com

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The sooner the Florida State faithful accepts that a rebuild is exactly what this program is going through, the better.

As the cliche goes, x9cRome wasnt built in a day.x9d

Anything worthwhile takes time to develop and grow. Building a college football program is no different.

At Florida State, Seminoles fans dont expect to go through rebuilding processes. After all, the program has been to a bowl game 36 straight years, which is the longest streak in college football.

But the sooner the Florida State faithful accepts that a rebuild is exactly what this program is going through, the better. The Seminoles need to display patience when it comes to judging new coach Willie Taggart.

Its obviously incorrect to say former Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher was fortunate to lose quarterback Deondre Francois in the season opener last year. But the injury to the teams most important player allowed the fan base to make excuses for the teams poor 2017 performance.

In actuality, there were far more problems with Florida State football last season than just its injured quarterback. One of the biggest issues is resurfacing again this season, and thats the offensive line play.

Last season, the Seminoles allowed 32 sacks, which was tied for the second-most in the ACC. Only the Louisville Cardinals, who have been notorious for poor offensive line play in recent years, yielded more in the conference.

Behind its offensive line, Florida State also featured just an average running game a year ago, recording 4.37 yards per attempt. The Seminoles gained about 155 rushing yards per contest in 2017, which was the fourth-lowest in the ACC.

In the 2018 recruiting class, Taggart landed one 4-star and two 3-star offensive linemen, and they didnt figure to start immediately. He must do better in 2019 to give the position more starpower and depth, but the poor recruiting and development of the offensive line began years ago under Fisher and former Seminoles offensive line coach Rick Trickett.

Fishers last three Florida State recruiting classes included zero elite (five stars) and five 4-star offensive linemen. In 2017, which was his final class, Fisher successfully recruited just one offensive linemen — 3-star prospect Brady Scott.

Florida States offensive line depth was so thin heading into 2018, the Seminoles converted defensive tackle Arthur Williams to the offensive line. He is now starting at left guard.

Still, its not fair to completely blame Fishers recruiting. In 2014, Florida State landed three 4-star offensive linemen. The Seminoles couldnt have been counting on all of them still being on the roster in 2018, but if the 2014 recruits redshirted and used their entire eligibility, Florida State would have eight 4-star offensive linemen on the roster in 2018.

However, only half of those 4-star linemen remain, and just one of them is currently a starter — left tackle Abdul Bello.

Part of the development issue could be contributed to inconsistent recruiting. 247Sports reports there was a lack of continuity between how Fisher and Trickett wanted to build the offensive line. The head coach wanted giant run blocking monsters while Trickett valued agility for his zone-blocking scheme.

While they didnt possess the top talent in the country, Florida State should have plenty of quality offensive linemen. They dont because of poor development from the previous regime. And the talented linemen that still reside on the roster dont compliment each other because of the conflicting philosophies between Fisher and Trickett.

On top of that, injuries have plagued the Florida State offensive line. Former 4-star tackle Landon Dickerson left Week 1 with an injury and hasnt played since then. Fellow tackle Derrick Kelly, who is the most experienced tackle on the roster, exited against Syracuse with an ailing knee.

Those injuries have forced Fishers lone offensive line recruit from 2017, 3-star Brady Scott, into a starting role.

Fishers lack of recruiting success, poor development and injuries have left Taggart with one of the worst offensive lines in the country. Florida State is averaging 3.37 yards per carry, which is a whole yard lower than last years below average mark. Florida State is also ranked 116th nationally in opponent sack percentage.

Last Saturday at the Carrier Dome, the Seminoles posted five 3-and-outs in the first half alone. Against a Syracuse defense that allowed 42 points against Western Michigan, Florida State tallied just seven points and went 1-for-14 on third-down conversions.

A big part of these horrific offensive stats can be contributed to problems up front.

Thats hardly the only problem for Florida State, but its certainly the biggest. Its also not an issue thats going to disappear soon. Taggart needs time to recruit top offensive line talent and develop a more cohesive unit to help the Seminoles move the ball.