FSU football: Noles could have familiar defensive gameplan against NCSU

FSU football fans seem a bit more optimistic heading into Saturday’s contest against NC State. Could the defensive game plan look very familiar?

FSU football (2-2) looks to win back-to-back ACC conference games for the first time since 2016 when they host NC State Saturday night.

The Wolfpack (3-1) have beaten the Noles in consecutive seasons but FSU will go into the game as betting favorites (-6.5).

I think the biggest reason for that aside from FSU’s offense being one of the best in the country is the progress the Noles have seen on the defensive side of the ball.

Frankly, the defensive game plan should be basically the same as it has been for the previous two opponents on FSU’s schedule.

FSU will again face a team with a mobile QB that struggles to complete passes down field. The key to their success on defense will hinge on their ability to stop the run and contain their QB from extending plays while getting off the field on third downs.

The good news? FSU’s defense has looked markedly improved against the run the past two weeks as they held both Virginia and Louisville below their seasonal averages.

They’ve also been able to get off the field a bit better on third downs. FSU’s defense was on the field for 187 plays the first two games compared to just 147 in the last two.

The Wolfpack are converting third downs at a 41 percent clip, albeit against really weak schedule through four games. The lone power five team (West Virginia) held them to a 29 percent third down conversion rate.

So it’s the same song and dance really. FSU needs to stop the run with the defensive backs playing aggressive while not allowing the easy completions underneath.

They have to force NC State’s QB to beat them over the top just as they Louisville, and we saw aside from a couple of fluke plays the Noles were fairly good in that area.

If they can continue that defensive success and cut out taking off 40 percent of the second half the Noles should be in great shape Saturday night. If you’re a FSU fan be sure to come out to the game and support the team!