FSU Football: Assessing every third down play for 'Noles defense

FSU Football: Assessing every third down play for ‘Noles defense

By Kelvin Hunt | Nov 5, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 21: Linebacker Matthew Thomas #6 of the Florida State Seminoles runs the ball downfield after recovering a fumble during their game against the Louisville Cardinals at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

NC State

This game was where the FSU defense looked okay at times, but then foreshadowing of what was to come on third downs came to fruition.

NC State converted (5-12) third downs (41.6 percent) during the game, and allowed three plays over 10 yards (12, 10, 15) on third down in the game. In other words, 60 percent of their third down conversions went for 10 yards or more.

NC State had 63 yards on 12 plays averaging 5.25 yards per play and averaged 8.41 yards to go on third downs for the game.

NC State is a good offense, averaging 6.06 ypp going into week 10. They are also converting third downs at a 39.62 percent clip including the FSU football game.

NC State performed better against FSU on third downs than their seasonal average. I should point out it was FSU’s first game in three weeks due to the hurricane. Normally I’d say that was a big factor, but issues in the secondary have been prevalent all season.

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