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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Red Zone Defense

All these aspects go hand in hand. Georgia’s defense ultimately only faced 34 red zone opportunities last season, allowing 13 touchdowns and 10 field goals.

FSU ‘s defense faced 41 red zone opportunities(in two less games), allowing 24 touchdowns and 10 field goals. FSU allowed opposing offenses to score touchdowns on 22.3 percent of their drives last season.

Georgia was at 13 percent in the same category. Ultimately, Georgia’s defense could win more consistently on early downs, create more predictable third downs, and force teams to punt more often than FSU’s defense.

However, once teams got in the red zone, Georgia’s personnel was stout to run against, which gave teams fewer options with a smaller field. Georgia only allowed touchdowns in the red zone at a 38.24 percent clip (No. 2 nationally). FSU was at 58.54 percent(No. 60) nationally.

FSU needs to avoid allowing teams to get in the red zone, and if they get there, they need to hold them to field goals. That’s the difference in allowing 20.6 ppg(FSU), and 14.3 ppg(UGA).

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