FSU football: 3 areas ‘Noles offense must improve in 2021
By Kelvin Hunt
![Nov 16, 2019; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Jordan Young (83) runs the ball during the second half against the Alabama State Hornets at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports Nov 16, 2019; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Jordan Young (83) runs the ball during the second half against the Alabama State Hornets at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/eaad5624fea8fe71a6226dcbfdda8f6442d48cec6e84c3040f149736dd07677b.jpg)
Third Down Conversions
One of the biggest issues with last year’s team was the inability to convert on third downs. The Noles ranked No. 101 nationally, converting only 35.61 percent of the time.
The inability to convert was a big factor in the Noles only averaging 25.8 points per game. The frustrating part was the Noles were excellent in manageable situations.
FSU had 63 third-down opportunities of third and six or shorter and converted 36 times (57.1 percent).
light. Related Story. 3 Hidden Areas Noles Need To Improve in 2021
However, it was the predictable passing downs on third and seven or longer that saw them fail more often than not.
The FSU offense had 47 third-down opportunities where they needed seven or more yards for the first down. They only converted 14.8 percent of those last season.
The other concerning detail was 35.6 percent of all of their third-down opportunities fell into the third and seven or longer category.
Those opportunities usually were a result of a successful first down play followed by a penalty or tackle for a loss.
FSU must stay out of the predictable passing situations on third down to convert at a higher percentage.