FSU Football: 5 areas that separate the Noles from Miami
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 25.7 yard line.
However, the opponents FSU have faced have enjoyed an average starting field position of their own 34.6 which is ranked No. 127 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, turnovers or dumb decisions like bringing the ball out of the end zone on kickoffs and getting tackled at the 13 yard line.
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.
Louisville has an average starting field position of their own 34.5 yard line with opposition starting at their own 30.
If the FSU offense can at least flip the field and force Miami’s inexperienced QB offense to march 80 yards that’ll be in FSU’s favor.