FSU football: Top 3 areas defense must improve in 2022

By Kelvin Hunt | Aug 15, 2022

Sep 18, 2021; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Akeem Dent Sr. (27) listens to defensive coordinator Adam Fuller (left) as he talks with the defensive unit during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

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Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports /

Red Zone Defense

One area the defense performed well was in the red zone. The Noles tied for No. 7 nationally with only 34 red zone trips allowed while only allowing a score 70.59 percent of the time, which was also No. 7 nationally.

FSU got stops, or teams failed to make field goals on 10 of those trips, which is outstanding, but they also allowed teams to score touchdowns on 21 of those possessions, which was No. 86 nationally.

FBS teams with winning records scored touchdowns on 62 percent of those red zone trips. It was almost like a catch-22. FSU either prevented teams from getting into the red zone, but if teams got in the red zone and scored, it was usually a touchdown.

I’d much rather have the defense hold opposing teams to more field goals or get more stops altogether.

However, getting 10 stops in the red zone is a good sign for a defense looking to be even better in 2022.

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