FSU football: Advanced metrics predict much improved 2020

By Kelvin Hunt | Feb 16, 2020

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: A Florida State Seminoles cheerleader runs with a flag on the field during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2015 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Defense

The FSU defense started the first few games of last season terribly but got better the more they moved away from the 3-4 defense they were trying to implement.

I’m sure it helps when a defensive coordinator is running a defense he knows.

The Noles finished with the No. 61 ranked defense according to SP+, which was a step back over from 2018 where they finished No. 37.

The good news is they have a defensive coordinator in Adam Fuller who has turned less talented defenses around in one season.

Related Story. Projected FSU Defensive End Depth For 2020. light

He helped the defense at Memphis jump nearly 40 spots last year, finishing No. 40 which includes their game against Penn State where he didn’t coach.

FSU returns its entire defensive line, linebacker core and most of the secondary. It’s like they should improve by default with better coaching and running a 4-3 defense most of the players are familiar with.

The Noles lost two starters for most of the season in Joshua Kaindoh and Jaiden Lars-Woodbey. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this defense crack the top 25 as long as the injury bug stays away in 2020.

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