FSU football: 3 offensive areas to improve to be unstoppable in 2023
By Kelvin Hunt
Short Distances on Third/Fourth Downs
Notice a trend? Although the FSU offensive line improved considerably between 2021 and last year, they still were sub-par in predictable down and distances.
Prime examples were the final possession before halftime against LSU. It’s 3rd down, and two from the LSU eight-yard line, and FSU gets zero yards.
They fail to convert fourth and two on the next play. A conversion and touchdown make it 14-3 at halftime instead of 7-3. That’s a big difference.
Fast forward to the Clemson game. It’s 14-14 in the second quarter, and FSU has fourth and two on the Clemson 31 yard-line and can’t convert. FSU has it first, and goal on the Clemson two-yard line early in the fourth quarter can have a turnover on downs.
There were way too many instances of FSU getting on the opposite side of the field and failing to convert short distances. However, it goes back to the offensive line additions and how that should improve the offense in those predictable situations.
The ability to change the line of scrimmage is a key factor in finding success in those situations.