Thoughts From the Morning After: FSU 38 Syracuse 20

Oct 11, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange running back Adonis Ameen-Moore (34) is tackled by Florida State Seminoles defensive back Nate Andrews (29) during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Situational Football

Following yesterday’s game Jimbo Fisher admitted his defense didn’t play its best game but complimented it on playing good situational football.

“Even though they moved the ball on us we played tremendous redzone, tight zone defense,” said Fisher. “We created some turnovers down there, held them to field goals, got some fourth down stops. They were really — I thought — critical in the game.”

FSU’s redzone defense was absolutely stellar on Saturday– especially in the first half.

On Syracuse’s very first possession the Orange moved the ball well enough, but a Jalen Ramsey interception down at the 20 ended things. Syracuse’s second drive stalled at the four yard-line, forcing the Orange to take three. Then, after turning the ball over at the FSU 16 — the result of a Mario Pender fumble — FSU’s defense gave up just one yard and forced another field goal.

A drive later — on Syracuse’s fourth trip to FSU’s redzone — the Seminoles turned the Orange over on downs inside the 10.

At halftime it was 24-6 despite Syracuse having had four legitimate scoring opportunities.

Fisher talks all the time about how you can play a great game, but misplay a few situations and lose. Or, vice versa, a team can play mediocre football but navigate a few situations well and come away with a win (the Les Miles approach).

Yesterday, FSU could have been down 28-24 if it hadn’t been good in key situations. Instead FSU essentially had the game in hand by the half because its defense stood up when it needed to.

FSU is still a work in progress on defense, but being able to play good situational football is a promising development.