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FSU Football: One more reason defensive expectations should be high

By Kelvin Hunt

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Josh Sweat #9 of the Florida State Seminoles looks to sack quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Josh Sweat #9 of the Florida State Seminoles looks to sack quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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FSU football underachieved on the defensive side of the ball in 2017, but things should be different in 2018.

FSU football should have had a top 10 defense in 2017, but things went from sugar to sh** after its strong showing against Alabama in the opener.

No question there was elite talent on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, three NFL draft picks and likely another three future NFL Draft picks on that team.

A combination of lack of accountability and poor situational tactics cost FSU at least two wins in 2017.

Ask anyone, (9-4) would sound a lot better than (7-6).

The Noles play one of the toughest schedules in the nation in 2018 according to most preseason rankings. However, there’s one factor among several teams that should be in favor of the FSU defense.

The slate of opposing quarterbacks they’ll face will not be as strong as in recent years according to Athlon Sports top 130 ranked QB’s:

  • Virginia Tech-No. 19
  • Samford-Not ranked FCS
  • Syracuse-No. 23
  • Northern Illinois-No. 66
  • Louisville-No. 63
  • Miami-No. 39
  • Wake Forest-No. 65
  • Clemson-No. 20
  • NC State-No. 13
  • Notre Dame-No. 43
  • Boston College-No. 69
  • Florida-No. 95

Just so you know, Athlon ranked James Blackman at No. 30 on its list.

Thoughts

I think Virginia Tech’s QB is ranked a tad too high, but everyone else is fair game as Ryan Finley from NC State is the best QB the Noles will face.

Harlon Barnett’s defenses are usually stout against the run, so whoever faces him will need to be able to make throws in timely situations. How many quarterbacks on this list put fear in your heart as a Nole fan?

Now, I know we don’t quite know what Barnett’s defenses will look like at FSU. However, if we use Michigan State as a blueprint with better athletes that should good foreshadowing.

Michigan State’s defense finished No. 4 according to S&P + advanced metrics. Virginia Tech’s team lost a lot from last year and Syracuse isn’t on the same tier as FSU talent wise.

Louisville will be breaking in a new QB and NC State lost a lot of talent that surrounded Ryan Finley.

I like FSU’s defense against almost all of these offenses, but the question will be can Willie Taggart’s new offense click fast enough to be the Clemson’s and Notre Dame’s on the schedule?

Next: Analyzing Harlon Barnett's Defenses in 3 Losses Last Season

The opening night against Virginia Tech should be a good barometer for what to expect.

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