FSU Football: Top 10 bold predictions for 2018 season
By Kelvin Hunt
FSU defense will hold opposing offenses to 4.6 yards per play or lower
The FSU defense definitely underachieved in 2017 despite having nothing but blue chip players at almost every position.
They finished No. 33 in the S&P defensive metric, a far cry from the top 10 defense we were expecting.
The ‘Noles allowed opposing offenses to average 4.75 yards per play last season, and I expect that to drop in 2018. In fact, that metric would have been a lot better had FSU’s third and long defense not been so suspect.
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The FSU defense lost almost all of the backend of its defense. It’ll be difficult to replace Derwin James, Matthew Thomas and Derrick Nnadi.
However, there a solid amount of talent along the defensive line which should help the linebackers and secondary.
Aside from Ryan Finley, the Noles defense will not be facing an upper tier quarterback unless Trevor Lawrence is starting for Clemson by then. However, a true freshman is a true freshman.
This defense should feast barring major injuries and should have better coaching when it comes to situational tactics (i.e. third down and long calls).