FSU Football: 5 areas that separate the Noles from Louisville
By Kelvin Hunt
Field Position
The ‘Noles offensive limitations have been well documented but one huge part of their problem has been starting field position.
FSU has seemingly played half their offensive snaps pinned inside their own 15 yard line. It’s not far-fetched to say that because their average starting field position is their own 26 yard line.
However, the opponents FSU have faced have enjoyed an average starting field position of their own 35 which is ranked No. 128 in the country.
What that means is FSU’s offense starts with poor field position and can’t flip the field because of lack of execution or because of turnovers. That means the opposition is fielding FSU’s punt with almost guaranteed good field position or gathering a turnover on FSU’s side of the field.
It’s incredibly difficult for offenses to drive 70-80 yards and score touchdowns. The shorter the field the higher the probability it’ll happen as evidenced by FSU given up 19 points a terrible Northern Illinois offense who had multiple short fields due to turnovers.
Louisville has an average starting field position of their own 30 yard line with opposition enjoying the same. If the FSU offense can at least flip the field and force Louisville’s terrible offense to attempt to march 80 yards that’ll be in FSU’s favor.