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FSU Football: Opposing coach thinks ‘Noles pass defense is suspect

By Kelvin Hunt

TALLAHASSEE OCTOBER 7: Defensive back Stanford Samuels III #8 of the Florida State Seminoles intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Lawrence Cager #18 of the Miami Hurricanes during the second half of an NCAA football game at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE OCTOBER 7: Defensive back Stanford Samuels III #8 of the Florida State Seminoles intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Lawrence Cager #18 of the Miami Hurricanes during the second half of an NCAA football game at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /
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FSU football looks to reestablish the defense as one of the best in the nation under new Defensive Coordinator Harlon Barnett.

FSU football has a lot of prove on both sides of the ball in 2018. The offense and defense were suspect in 2017, but the offense had legitimate reasons since they had to play a true freshman quarterback that didn’t early enroll.

The FSU defense on the other hand continued to underwhelm with former defensive coordinator Charles Kelly at the helm.

The Noles finished with an average S&P defensive rating of 23.75 (38, 10, 14, 33 the four years under Kelly’s lead. FSU had an average rating of 9.5 (30, 4, 3, 1) the four years prior to Kelly which includes the first year under Jimbo Fisher.

To put it in perspective, the last FSU defense prior to Jimbo Fisher becoming coach saw the FSU defense finish ranked 76 in S&P upon completion of the 2009 season.

It hasn’t gone unnoticed by coaches in the conference. Athlon Sports spoke with coaches anonymously and had this to say about FSU’s defense:

"“The biggest difference between the FSU that won it all (in 2013) and now is the defense. They don’t get after the quarterback like they used to, and as important, they don’t cover like they used to. They used to man cover as good or better than anyone in college football. The last couple of years, guys in our league have been running wide open on them.”"

Thoughts

We’ve been saying it and other media have picked up on it as well. The Noles have played soft the past few seasons, particularly the secondary that’s been stacked with blue chip talent.

It’s true offenses have been having more success in the passing game the past few years. A combination of not getting pressure on the quarterback and poor technique in the secondary couple with poor situational calls by coaches have been the culprit.

Aside from the 2016 season when the Noles were No. 2 in the nation in sacks, they have struggled to get to the quarterback.

The good news is those things should change under new defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett who implores a more attacking defense opposed to Charles Kelly.

They’ll be built to stop the run while forcing quarterbacks to make low percentage throws on a consistent basis to win, and that shouldn’t happen to often going forward.

Next. 3 Improvements To Expect From FSU Defense. dark

Not to mention the Noles will only face one quarterback that’s NFL caliber in NC State Ryan Finley. Those ingredients are a recipe for success with the talent FSU football has on the roster.

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