FSU football: Running on first down being predictable narrative is wrong

Passing on First Downs

FSU has passed the ball 220 times this season, averaging 8.3 yards per attempt, ranking No. 42 nationally.

The offense averages 31 passing attempts per game, No. 72 nationally, but averages 261 passing yards per game, No. 51 nationally.

These numbers are against six Power 5 teams, whereas most teams have already played multiple non-Power 5 teams.

When passing on first down, 39 percent of FSU’s total passes have come on first down, completing 67.4 percent. Six passes have gone for touchdowns against one interception, and 18 completions have gone for 15+ yards.

First downs (86 attempts) account for 34 percent of all passing yards this year, with a passer rating of 148.39. Second downs (73 attempts) account for 46.6 percent of all passing yards, with a passer rating of 170.27.

Mike Norvell has passed more on first down than any other down, with second down chiming in at 33 percent and third down at 25 percent of total passing attempts. The passing attempt completion percentage on second down is 61.6 and 55.6 on third downs.

So when Mike Norvell passes the ball, it happens most often on first down. The narrative some fans and media have spouted would make you think that would be far from the case.