FSU Football: 5 areas that separate the Noles from Louisville

By Kelvin Hunt | Sep 28, 2018

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 21: Running back Cam Akers #3 of the Florida State Seminoles looks to run the ball by safety Dee Smith #11 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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(Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /

Defenses

FSU has had the better defense through four games, checking in with a No. 17 ranking according to S&P stats.

The Noles have been excellent on third downs, only allowing teams to convert first downs at a 31.15 percent clip and holding teams to scoring touchdowns 41 percent of the time in the red zone.

They are allowing 5.12 yards per play, but are excellent against the run allowing just 2.87 yards per carry.

Louisville checks in with a No. 57 ranking according to S&P stats. They are allowing teams to convert first downs 49.23 percent of the time, but allowing teams to score touchdowns 56 percent of the time in the red zone while allowing 5.65 yards per play.

Louisville isn’t as stout against the run as they have allowed 4.41 yards per carry to opposing offenses.

The FSU defense is good, but it can be great if they get any help from their offense with field position.

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