Chop Chat
Fansided

FSU Football: How ‘Noles special teams were disastrous against Alabama

By Kelvin Hunt

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Jimbo Fisher of the Florida State Seminoles looks on during warm ups prior to their game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Jimbo Fisher of the Florida State Seminoles looks on during warm ups prior to their game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

FSU played straight up with Alabama until special teams of last few years showed up.

If you’re a FSU football fan reading this you how much we’ve harped on how FSU special teams have to improve for the ‘Noles to be a complete team.

In fact, it was the FIRST thing mentioned in our three key battles to watch against Alabama earlier this week.

READ: 3 Key Battles to Watch Against Alabama

It was the biggest difference in the game no question as the ‘Noles offense played on played on par with Alabama. FSU’s defense actually outplayed Alabama despite what the numbers say.

Let’s take a look at how FSU special teams failed the ‘Noles on Saturday night:

The Miscues

  • Blocked Field goal
  • Blocked Punt
  • Block Punt
  • Fumbled kickoff

One blocked punt gave Alabama the ball at the FSU six yard line and the FSU defense was able to force a field goal.

The fumbled kickoff gave Alabama the ball at the FSU 11 yard line and the Crimson Tide punched it in the end zone on one running play plus the two point conversion.

That’s 14 potential points solely off special teams. Guess what, the ‘Noles lost by 17 points but there was a defensive pass interference that went uncalled against Alabama that caused FSU too.

The difference in the game is right there.

In-Depth Stats

  • Logan Tyler averaged 31.5 yards per punt(awful)
  • Alabama started three drives in FSU territory related to special teams (two blocked punts and kickoff fumble)
  • Averaging starting field position on those plays were FSU 16 yard line (FSU 6, FSU 11, FSU 31)

The defense played lights out to hold them to two field goals and a touchdown on those plays. Let’s not talk about the FSU offense with interceptions on back-to-back drives in the second half.

The FSU football defense is elite, but the offense is hard to judge because of poor field position in most of the game.

It’ll be interesting to see how it goes moving forward if Deondre Francois isn’t able to play for an extended period of time, but there’s enough talent to win.

Next: How FSU Lost To Alabama Saturday Night

However, special teams have to see massive improvements if this team plans to win 10 or more games this season.

Home/FSU Football