FSU football: Georgia Tech chance for ‘Noles defense to shine

The FSU football defense has faced some undeserved criticism this season, not to mention they have faced a tough schedule without some of their best players.

However, a game against Georgia Tech coming off of a bye-week could be just what the doctor ordered for the ‘Nole’s defense to turn in an impressive performance.

They haven’t completely shutdown an offense since the Boston College game, and Georgia Tech doesn’t have a QB or wide receiver like Phil Jurkovec or Zay Jones.

The Yellow Jackets will likely be without starting QB Jeff Sims, as Georgia Tech’s interim head coach indicated he expects Zach Gibson and Zach Pyron to play:

"With Sims’ availability uncertain, Key said he plans for Zach Gibson (who played in place of Sims against Virginia) and Zach Pyron to play against the Seminoles. It is a strong indication, at the least, that Sims may not be available Saturday."

That report came two days ago, but he had to have some certainty Sims wouldn’t play or limited by Saturday.

Even with Sims, Georgia Tech’s offense has been bad, averaging 16 ppg and 4.72 ypp. They struggle to run the ball and convert third downs 29.73 percent of the time.

Gibson and Pyron have virtually no experience outside the last game when Gibson came in for the injured Sims. He threw for 99 yards on 25 pass attempts. I know Mike Norvell said Fabien Lovett returning to action would be a game-time decision, but I’d likely hold him out or play him limited snaps because they shouldn’t need him in this game.

It should be a similar game plan as what they did against Boston College. Georgia Tech has allowed 26 sacks and 60 tackles for a loss. I’d stack the box and get pressure on these young quarterbacks in hopes of forcing some mistakes.

The betting total for this game is 47.5 with a -24 point spread, which implies a 36-12 score favoring FSU. Unless the FSU offense provides a short field on a turnover, I wouldn’t expect the Yellow Jacket offense to do much unless it’s in garbage time when the game is over.

It’s the perfect time for the defense to show out for the first time in while. Not to mention they’ve had two weeks to prepare for the game.