FSU football: Is Syracuse make-or-break game for Adam Fuller?

FSU football defensive coordinator Adam Fuller hasn’t been a fan favorite for some Nole fans since hired by Mike Norvell.

The FSU defense was arguably the worst FSU football defense in our lifetime, but several factors outside Fuller’s control had influence. Fuller had a track record of improving defenses at two different places in his first year. However, the inability to have a full offseason was big, and there was roster mismanagement by the previous staff.

The lack of a pass rush was apparent, which made the secondary look completely lost at times. The coaching staff addressed the pass rush need via the transfer portal, but the secondary has still allowed too many big plays through the air.

The run defense looks much improved, and Kalen DeLoach looks like he’s becoming a player at linebacker. Has the FSU defense been great in 2021 through four games? No, far from it, but they might catch more heat than they should be based on the following:

I’ve said it time and again, but the offense is more to blame for the 0-4 record than the defense. The ending of the Jacksonville State game notwithstanding, Fuller has done a solid job of putting players in a position to make plays.

The secondary, in particular, isn’t consistent enough, whether it’s a lack of buy-in or a talent or both. We saw the FSU defense get shredded in the first half against Louisville but saw the complete opposite in the second half.

Can the Noles carry over that second-half performance to the Syracuse game? Fuller better hope so because Syracuse is tailor-made for his defense to have a strong performance.