FSU football: 3 things in favor of Noles against Wake Forest

By Kelvin Hunt | Sep 15, 2021

Players for the Florida State Seminoles raise their helmets in celebration after winning the NCAA Nokia Sugar Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship Game against the Virginia Tech Hokies on 4th January 2000 at the Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. The Florida State Seminoles won the game 46 - 29. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

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Third Down Conversions

I bring up third-down conversions because I just said I expect Wake Forest will try to make them execute drives down the field, right?

That means the Noles will need to convert third-down opportunities at a higher percentage than the first two games. Wake Forest comes into the game, allowing two FCS teams to convert third downs 39 percent of the time.

FSU has converted third-down opportunities 40 percent of the time on average against their two opponents.

FSU would have a solid shot of surpassing 40 percent on third-down conversions if they can avoid the self-inflicted wounds.

It’s imperative the Noles stay ahead of the chains and out of predictable passing situations. They are not good enough to consistently overcome those situations.

FSU receivers struggled to get open against Jacksonville State, and when they did, they had issues catching the ball. That’s why FSU must concentrate on running the ball down their throats.

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