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

Limit Missed Tackles

This aspect will determine how successful the FSU defense is Saturday afternoon. NC State isn’t an incredibly explosive offense, but they do a good job of managing down and distance.

They only average four tackles for a loss allowed per game, so FSU defenders will need to swarm to the ball and make the tackles when opportunities present themselves. Missed tackles were one of the main culprits behind Clemson’s touchdown drives last week.

Other than that, the defense played well, but Devin Leary is a better quarterback than what Clemson brings to the table. There’s a reason he threw for four touchdowns against Clemson’s defense. FSU’s defensive line will need to limit the run game.

NCSU’s running backs aren’t special, but they run hard and usually fall forward. They have a slot receiver that ate FSU’s lunch last year, so they’ll look to get him in space. FSU’s defense has to make NC State earn every yard they get Saturday afternoon.

I think FSU will be able to score some point, but the defense has to be able to get off the field on third downs or force NC State into kicking field goals.

They can likely succeed in doing both if they don’t miss tackles and prevent explosive plays. If that’s the case, they have a decent shot of getting a much-needed victory.