FSU Season Preview: The Seminole Defense

Florida State is just just one week from its first game, and as ChopChat’s FSU Season Preview continues, we take a look at the 2014 Seminole defense. 

2013 was a return to form for the Florida State Seminoles’ defense. For years — under Mickey Andrews and head coach Bobby Bowden — FSU employed a hard-hitting, take-no-prisoners brand of defense that defined the program throughout its heyday. Casual fans will be quick to mention Weinke and Ward — the Heisman winners — but the most tried and trued of Seminole fans will point to those vaunted defensive units as the true backbone of those teams.

Marvin Jones. Derrick Brooks. Peter Boulware. Reinard Wilson. Andre Wadsworth. Deion Sanders. Terrell Buckley. Leroy Butler.

Those are hallowed names in Florida State history. Some of the greatest defenders to ever come through the program. And after a down period — the lost decade — during the 2000’s, Florida State finally has a group of talented young defenders, many of whom may one day be worthy of mention along with those names.

Last season FSU’s defense finished the season ranked first in the country in scoring defense (12.1 ppg) and fielded a secondary that was first in passing defense (156.6 ypg) and interceptions (26). This season — as departed safety Terrence Brooks liked to remind reporters throughout 2013 — “that secondary might be even better.”

Let’s preview Florida State’s 2014 defense.

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