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FSU football: 3 disturbing in-game trends for Noles against Clemson

By Kelvin Hunt

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 27: A group of Clemson Tigers defenders make a tackle for loss against Jacques Patrick #9 of the Florida State Seminoles in the third quarter of the game at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Tallahassee, Florida. Clemson won 59-10. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 27: A group of Clemson Tigers defenders make a tackle for loss against Jacques Patrick #9 of the Florida State Seminoles in the third quarter of the game at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Tallahassee, Florida. Clemson won 59-10. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Third Down Conversions

One of the biggest issues the past two seasons is FSU’s inability to sustain drives on offense while getting off the field on defense.

Clemson’s offense has converted 15 of 31 third down opportunities (48 percent) over the past two seasons when facing the Noles.

The FSU offense has only converted 8 of 31 third down opportunities (26 percent) over the past two seasons when facing the Tigers.

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So when you look at FSU’s terrible starting field position coupled with their inability to convert third downs this is what you get.

A demoralized defense that’s having to defend about 60 yards of field instead of 75 yards or so. It’s difficult for offenses to consistently drive 75-80 yards for touchdowns, but shortening that by 15-20 yards increases the probability of a score quite a bit.

FSU has improved on their third down conversions over a year ago, but struggled defensively the first three games before clamping down against teams with terrible QB play.

That won’t be the case with Trevor Lawrence running the Clemson offense Saturday.

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