FSU football defense: Improve these 3 areas and be elite in 2023

By Kelvin Hunt | Jun 25, 2023

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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(Photo by Jeff Gammons/Getty Images) /

FSU football saw its defense improve for the third consecutive year under Adam Fuller. As the roster continues to improve, I think it’s fair to expect that to continue for a fourth consecutive year.

ESPN has the FSU defense as a top 10 unit going into the 2023 season. However, before we go any further, let’s look at how for the unit has come in some key statistical areas:

2020

PPG allowed: 36 ppg
YPP allowed: 6.47 ypp
Third down conversions allowed: 46.49 percent
Rushing yards per carry allowed: 5.12 yards per rush

2021

PPG allowed: 26.5 ppg
YPP allowed: 5.19 ypp
Third down conversions allowed: 41.27 percent
Rushing yards per carry allowed: 3.64 yards per rush

2022

PPG allowed: 20.9 ppg
YPP allowed: 4.85 ypp
Third down conversions allowed: 35 percent
Rushing yards per carry allowed: 3.96 yards per rush (much lower if Fabien Lovett doesn’t miss half the season)

FSU finished the No. 36 ranked defense nationally according to advanced metrics at BCF Toys(FEI). Here are three areas the Noles need to improve if they want to have that projected top 10 defense.

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