Chop Chat
Fansided

FSU Football: ‘Noles offensive line will need to improve in 2017

By Zack Scott

LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 17: Jonathan Greenard #58 of the Louisville Cardinals sacks Deondre Francois #12 of the Florida State Seminoles at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 17: Jonathan Greenard #58 of the Louisville Cardinals sacks Deondre Francois #12 of the Florida State Seminoles at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

FSU football will have some challenging tests in 2017 given their strong schedule. Therefore, the ‘Noles offensive line will need to make a jump from last season.

Front seven defensive rankings have started to be released as we get closer to opening weekend. All had something in common, FSU football will play several of the top 10 teams.

My personal front seven defensive rankings are as follows:

  1. Clemson
  2. Florida State
  3. Ohio State
  4. Miami
  5. NC State
  6. Alabama
  7. Auburn
  8. Washington
  9. LSU
  10. Wisconsin

By my rankings FSU football will play three of the top five and four of the top 10. Pretty much all rankings have Clemson, FSU, and Ohio State in the top three.

Although it’s still early, it’s safe to say those three are going to be the elite defensive fronts judging by their rosters. Also, the ACC will have several defensively dominant teams in 2017.

While the line isn’t terrible it has not been great either. Run blocking has been a strength of this group in recent seasons. However, pass blocking is where the ‘Noles have struggled most.

That’s a big reason why Deondre Francois was on his backside every other snap it seemed like last season.

Although the line is decent it needs work and has to step up in 2017 to help Francois. Alec Eberle must become a  more consistent center (if Baveon Johnson doesn’t take his spot) and the right tackle position needs to be established. The left side of the line is fairly strong. So, if those two key positions can get solidified and everybody plays consistent as a unit the ‘Noles should have an explosive offense to go along with their elite defense.

FSU has heavily invested in their offensive line. Signing more offensive linemen in the past five years than most. Also noteworthy, six linemen (four 4-stars) were apart of their 2016 class.

The Seminoles have plenty of depth on the line. Now its just a matter of developing that depth and producing a quality pocket for Francois to stand in unlike last year.

In conclusion, fans will see from day one how the Noles look in the trenches. Florida State will face an always physical front seven against Alabama in their season opener in Atlanta, Georgia September 2nd.

Home/FSU Football