FSU football: 3 areas to improve after Louisville loss
By Kelvin Hunt
Third Down Conversions (Both Sides)
Third down conversions have been awful on offense, and the defense allowing conversions have been worse. The Noles are converting third downs at a 34.62 percent clip, and FSU’s defense allows at 44.93 percent.
The offensive woes are a lack of success on first down, with teams forcing them to throw the ball by stacking the box against the run. FSU quarterbacks have taken too many unnecessary sacks, which have put them behind the chains in predictable passing situations. They are not good enough to consistently convert 3rd and 7+ yards, and not many teams are unless they play FSU’s defense!
The frustrating part is FSU’s defense does a solid job of putting teams in predictable passing situations but has a difficult time getting off the field. However, the second-half against Louisville was impressive as they forced eight consecutive punts.
Hopefully, the defense can continue a similar trend, which could help the offense with more offensive possessions. I also tend to believe the two units feed off one another’s energy. If the offense scored more points I think the defense would likely give up less because they play with different energy when the offense moves the ball.