Thoughts From the Morning After: FSU 20 BC 17
By Patrik Nohe
Nov 22, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles quarterback Tyler Murphy (2) runs the ball past Florida State Seminoles defensive back Nate Andrews (29) during the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Concerns
Boston College ran for 240 yards against FSU. It’s only going to get harder from here too.
The real takeaway from last night is that Florida State’s only going as far as its defensive interior can take it this season and right now there are some serious problems there.
Most of FSU’s issues stem from the loss of Nile Lawrence-Stample at the outset of the season. Without the big man in the middle to absorb double teams and hold at the point, FSU’s other defensive linemen are either playing out of position or being asked to do thing that aren’t necessarily playing to their strengths.
Take for instance Derrick Mitchell. Mitchell should probably be playing a three-technique if he’s inside, otherwise he’s more of an end. But he’s been forced to line up over the center and play the nose this season. A guy like Eddie Goldman, who would have a lot more flexibility were NLS lined up beside him, is seeing more double-teams and is having less of an impact as a result.
And FSU’s lack of depth at linebacker contributes even more at the next level.
All in all, the defensive interior for Florida State is a mess right now and FSU’s next two opponents — Florida and Georgia Tech — are both going try and exploit that. Up until now the Seminoles have gotten away with their issues in the middle. That could end next Saturday. While UF may not have a lot of offensive firepower, it can run the ball and shrink the number of possessions. And if FSU can’t stop that run, UF is going to be in very good position to pull the upset.
Then there’s Georgia Tech and that triple option.
Don’t feel too good about things yet, the next two weeks could see FSU’s season fall apart. It all depends on whether the ‘Noles can shore up the middle.
Next: This and That