FSU Football: Five areas 'Noles need to improve in 2017

FSU Football: 5 areas ‘Noles need to improve in 2017

By Kelvin Hunt | May 26, 2017

Nov 28, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles cheerleader waves a Florida State Seminoles flag against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 27-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 26, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (91) chases down Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) during the second half of the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

Explosive plays allowed

The FSU defense was swiss cheese early in the season, but they were also playing some of the most high-powered offenses in the country.

They settled down after the loss to UNC and managed to play fairly consistent the rest of the season to finish No. 10 in S&P+ advanced metrics.

The FSU defense gave up 178 plays of 10 yards or longer in 2016 which was ranked No. 57 in the nation.

They gave up 64 plays of 20+ yards, 30 plays of 30+ yards and 11 plays of 40+ yards. I feel like the majority of these plays came in like four games.

However, this is an area the FSU defense has to improve upon and it’s doable since they’ll be facing a number of teams breaking in new quarterbacks in 2017.

Also, the defense will be more experienced in key areas than last year as the ‘Noles only two key players off last years squad.

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