FSU football: Why advanced metrics like FSU in 2022

Final Thoughts

Connelly’s preseason rankings don’t include special teams, but FSU was among the worst in the nation in 2021. The biggest issues were kickoff and punt return units, and the Noles added some talent from the transfer portal to address those needs.

Punter Alex Mastromanno was solid but should improve in his junior year. Placekicker Ryan Fitzgerald improved in 2021, making 10 of 13 field goals.

If special teams can avoid being atrocious and the injury bug stays away from a couple of key positions?

I think FSU has a chance to surprise some folks and be in the ballpark of where Connelly’s projections place them in the preseason.

Mike Norvell and staff have proven they can coach and develop players. We’ve seen Jordan Travis improve and how they schemed lesser talented wide receivers open.

Other players like Kalen DeLoach, Omarion Cooper, Treshaun Ward, and Malcolm Ray emerged in 2021. Another thing FSU did a solid job of was avoiding offensive turnovers.

Jordan Travis only had three turnovers after the Notre Dame game, and none of those three were his fault. If they can put it all together, things might get spooky in Tallahassee for the first time in a while.