FSU football: 3 reasons Noles beat Clemson, two reasons they lose
By Kelvin Hunt
Can’t Get Off The Field On Third Down
One of the biggest things plaguing the FSU defense against Boston College was their inability to get off the field on third down. The FSU defense did a great job putting the Boston College offense behind the chains, with 10 tackles for a loss.
However, the Eagles converted 8 of 19 third-down conversions and 4 of 5 on fourth down. They had the Eagles in prime positions to punt the ball, with the FSU offense likely receiving the ball with excellent field position.
However, filling the wrong gap on QB runs and “bad eyes” from the linebackers and secondary allowed multiple explosive gains through the air to convert. Clemson’s offense isn’t the same as Boston College, and while mobile, I don’t think Clemson’s QB can move the way the Boston College QB could move.
Nevertheless, the FSU defense has to find a way to get off the field on third down. Doing so ultimately gives the offense more opportunities to score and keeps the defense fresh as the game progresses.
If they have another game like Boston College, Clemson’s defense isn’t as porous, meaning it would be more difficult to score with limited possessions.