FSU football defense: Improve these 3 areas and be elite in 2023
By Kelvin Hunt
![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 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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b1a225ffd0ddaac5e81c202632c53961cc2deeb84c61cd4d61acef5465ae5b54.jpg)
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.