FSU football: 3 defensive keys to defeating Wake Forest

Defensive Backs Win 1-on-1 Battles

This aspect is the ultimate key to the game. Wake Forest is looking to put their offensive playmakers in 1-on-1 situations. We saw it over and over again against Clemson last week. Their receivers routinely torched Clemson, and Jarvis Brownlee and Jarrian Jones from FSU in last year’s matchup.

Can FSU get enough pressure up front, so the FSU defensive backs don’t have to cover Wake Forest receivers all day? Another aspect will be Wake Forest throwing jump balls to their receivers and either looking to win those 50-50 balls or draw a defensive pass interference flag.

Clemson got flagged 11 times for over 100 yards last week, and many were defensive pass interference calls.

I feel like FSU’s secondary is better overall than Clemson’s. Akeem Dent and Jammie Robinson at safety will likely prevent Wake Forest from going over the top like they did last year and last week against Clemson.

I think Renardo Green and Omarion Cooper can hold their own much better than who FSU had out there last year. If they can prevent the long explosive plays for touchdowns and force Wake Forest to operate in the red zone?

The Noles have allowed eight touchdowns in 12 red zone trips. One of those was in garbage time against Boston College last week. I like our chances.