FSU football: Noles have the best O-line in the ACC?

Is it possible for FSU football to have the best offensive line in the ACC in 2023? That’s a question that would have been laughable a couple of years ago.

We aren’t too far removed from opposing teams cutting up footage of FSU quarterbacks getting demolished behind terrible offensive lines and showing it to recruits. Talk about trying to overcome negative recruiting!

However, that’s what FSU offensive line/offensive coordinator Alex Atkins has done in three short years. FSU will enter the 2023 season with the most experienced offensive line in the nation.

However, is it the best in the ACC? ESPN write David Hale believes they are in the conversation. You may recall a recent post about Hale stating FSU had the best secondary in the ACC going into the 2023 season.

Here’s what he said about the FSU offensive line:

Clemson’s offensive line only allowed 28 sacks and 69 tackles for a loss. Their two main running backs averaged 5.44 yards per rush. FSU’s offensive line allowed 20 sacks and 77 tackles for a loss. However, FSU used a three-headed rushing attack, averaging 5.98 yards per rush.

Both teams averaged 39 rushing attempts per game, with FSU averaging about 37 more yards per game. It’s probably safe to say FSU was the better rushing team, and Clemson was the better pass-blocking team.

Clemson returns 81 percent of their snaps from last season, with FSU checking in at 76 percent. However, FSU added three massive upgrades from the transfer portal. FSU adding new talent from the portal, plugging and playing, is almost second-nature, so I don’t worry about losing much continuity because each new guys brings so much experience.

One of the biggest differences between Clemson and FSU will be QB experience. Whoever has the better QB play in that game will likely win it. I’ll take Jordan Travis over an inexperienced but talented Cade Klubnik in a new offense every time.