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FSU football: Improved QB play can be a gamechanger in 2021

By Kelvin Hunt

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 29: The mascots of the Florida State Seminoles Chief Osceola and Renegade on the field during the game against the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on October 29, 2016 in Tallahassee, Florida. Clemson defeated Florida State 37 to 34. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 29: The mascots of the Florida State Seminoles Chief Osceola and Renegade on the field during the game against the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on October 29, 2016 in Tallahassee, Florida. Clemson defeated Florida State 37 to 34. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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FSU football has one of the tougher schedules in the 2021 season, and most expectations have the Noles winning between 5-7 games.

I wrote Friday about how the defense will face a slate of legitimate offense, so although they could greatly improve, it’ll still be tough sledding.

This reason is why I believe the improvement of the offense is more important for 2021 FSU football.

One way that can happen is if the Noles have improved quarterback play. Mike Norvell has a reputation as an offensive guru and has gotten great production from less-heralded quarterbacks in the past.

We saw glimpses of it in 2020 once Jordan Travis became the starter. The Noles couldn’t do anything against Georgia Tech, Miami, and the first quarter against Jacksonville State last year.

Related Story. How Much Can McKenzie Milton Improve Before Notre Dame Game?. light

Travis ignited the offense and led the comeback against Jacksonville State, kept the game competitive against Notre Dame, and helped upset No. 5 North Carolina.

The offense was still limited with Travis in the lineup. He struggled to be effective in intermediate passing areas and was dependent upon his legs to make things happen.

Once he got banged up, the offense changed and became even more limited against Louisville. Freshman Chubba Purdy played like a freshman against Pittsburgh in the second half and NC State.

A relatively healthy Jordan Travis returned against Duke, and we saw glimpses of what’s possible with competent quarterback play(although Duke was terrible).

Here’s how improved quarterback play can be a gamechanger in 2021.

mckenzie milton
Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports /

Real Proof

Games are won and lost in the trenches, but good improved quarterback play can make a difference if the changes in the trenches can’t be fixed overnight.

A prime example is a leap North Carolina made between the 2018-19 seasons.

North Carolina went (2-9,1-7 ACC) in 2018, with their only wins coming in a three-point win against Pittsburgh and Western Carolina(FCS). They lost by 22 points against ECU, 37 points against Miami, 10 points against UVA and Georgia Tech.

light. Related Story. Improved or Not? How Team Positions Rank Compared To Last Year

They lost to some awful teams and averaged 27.4 ppg and 5.95 yards per play. Former FSU commit Sam Howell flipped to North Carolina and early enrolled to become the starter for the 2019 season.

He had an excellent season as a freshman and led North Carolina to a (7-6, 4-4 ACC) record. The offense improved to 33.1 ppg and 6.43 yards per play. They improved in third-down conversions, red zone scoring, and only turned the ball over 12 times. North Carolina beat South Carolina and Miami and blew other teams out, while all six losses were by a touchdown or less.

The talent around Howell didn’t get exponentially better in a year. That 2019 team was stacked with a ton of three-stars with a freshman QB.

The latter changed everything for that team.

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