FSU football: How Nole defense matches up with Clemson offense

Passing Game

This area of the games gives me the most concern. The Clemson quarterback has been erratic, but he’s put some balls on the money that have not been hauled in several times as well.

DJ Uiagalelei enters the game completing 54 percent of his passes, and the FSU defense allows opposing quarterbacks to complete 58.2 percent of their passes. Uiagalelei has thrown four touchdowns and five interceptions this season, and the Clemson offensive line has allowed 13 sacks on 199 pass attempts(6.5 percent).

So we have an inaccurate quarterback coupled with a group of receivers with the propensity to drop passes facing a pass defense, allowing teams to complete 58 percent of their passes.

The Noles have broken up 27 pass attempts with six interceptions(the same number as Clemson’s defense). Clemson’s passing offense ranks No. 112 in terms of explosiveness, with only 49 pass plays of 10-yards or more and 15 plays of 20-yards or more, and seven plays of 30-yards or more.

FSU’s defense ranks No. 67 with 64 pass plays of 10-yards or more and 25 plays of 20-yards or more, and nine plays of 30-yards or more.

However, those plays have decreased significantly over the past three games as the secondary has settled on a set rotation of players. The FSU defensive line could play a role in making their quarterback get rid of the ball quicker than he wants, which would help contribute to his inaccuracies. The other question is can FSU defensive backs win those 1-on-1 matchups consistently?