FSU football: 3 keys to Noles upset over Notre Dame in primetime

Stop The Run

The No. 1 thing the FSU defense has to do is stop the run. Notre Dame’s offense is predicated on establishing the run.

They averaged over 250 rushing yards and over 40 carries per game in 2020. They have an incredible 1-2 punch at running back, and the offensive line is usually a strength.

If FSU can stop the run, that’ll force Wisconsin transfer Jack Coan to beat the Noles with his arm. He’s not a bad quarterback, but it’s the best shot the Noles have at pulling off the upset.

Who knows, but he might throw an interception or two if he’s under pressure.

If the Noles can’t stop the run, this game will get ugly in the second half as the ‘Noles front seven will get worn down because of a lack of depth.

If I’m Adam Fuller, I’m selling out to stop the run and forcing Notre Dame to put the ball in the air.

The FSU secondary should improve over last season, and hopefully the defensive line can get pressure on Coan and put him in predictable passing situations.

Coan only converted third down and seven + yards 31 percent of the time while at Wisconsin. He completed 70 percent of those passes, which tells me they were not comfortable with him throwing the ball downfield.

If FSU stops the run, they have a decent shot of pulling off the upset. If they stop the run, don’t turn the ball over and hold them to field goals in the red zone?

The good guys win.