FSU football: Running on first down being predictable narrative is wrong
By Kelvin Hunt
Running on First Down
FSU has run the ball 254 times this season, averaging 5.63 yards per rush, ranking No. 14 nationally. The impressive thing?
The offense averages 36 rushing attempts per game, No. 63 nationally, but averages 204 rushing yards per game, No. 26 nationally.
These numbers are against six Power 5 teams, whereas most teams have already played multiple non-Power 5 teams.
When running on first down, 52 percent of FSU’s total rushes have come on first down, but average 5.87 yards per rush, which is the second-highest average.
When it’s third and 4-6, FSU averages 8.44 yards per rush(9 attempts). That’s such a small number, I think it’s safe to say FSU’s highest average per rush happens on first down. If a team can average over five yards per rush on first down?
Why wouldn’t you run it? Not to mention, 36 of those 132 attempts (27 percent) have gone for 10+ yards.
When looking at total rushing yardage, 54 percent of FSU’s rushing yards have come on first down. So while half of the total rushes have come on first down, it’s hard to deny the success overall. If it’s so predictable, why aren’t these numbers worse?