FSU football: 3 keys to Noles defeating NC State in 2021

By Kelvin Hunt | Nov 5, 2021

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 25: Tyler Baker-Williams #13 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack celebrates after his game-winning pass breakup against the Clemson Tigers during the second overtime of their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 27-21 in double overtime. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Red Zone Defense

I mentioned NC State’s efficiency in the red zone. The Noles have been decent in that area, allowing touchdowns 56 percent of the time.

Again, this is a game where I expect NC State to move the ball against FSU’s defense. They’ll target FSU’s linebackers by putting them in space against their receivers.

They also have a couple of big wide receivers that have been the type to give the FSU secondary problems on 50/50 balls.

Related Story. Options For Mike Norvell After Chubba Purdy News. light

They dink and dunk a lot, so the FSU defensive line will need to get their hands up if they can tell the rush won’t get home. When NC State gets in or near the red zone, that’s when FSU’s defense will need to do their best to force field goal attempts.

They can win this game if they can force 2-3 field goal attempts. NC State’s kicker is 9 of 13, with only one of the misses on the road.

The other three came in the Clemson game, but he’s 0-2 from 50+ yards. One thing of note, Dave Doeren isn’t afraid to go for it on fourth down as they are 4 of 9 on the season.

Home/FSU Football