FSU football: 3 things to look for against Syracuse Orange

By Kelvin Hunt | Oct 12, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 11: Chief Osceola and Renegade of the Florida State Seminoles planet the flaming spear on the 50 yardline before the game against the Boston College Eagles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on November 11, 2016 in Tallahassee, Florida. Florida State defeated Boston College 45 to 7. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

Syracuse Defensive Pressure/Turnovers

The Orange have a new defensive coordinator who’s a legend in the game. Rocky Long is one of the innovators of the 3-3-5 defensive stack and plays with many aggressive tendencies. It’s one reason why Syracuse ranks tied for No. 9 nationally, with 47 tackles for a loss.

They average nearly eight tackles for a loss per game. They are tied for No. 18 nationally with 18 sacks. One might look at their easy schedule in the first four games and conclude they padded some stats. There might be some truth to it, but they have got after opposing offenses.

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They had two sacks and five tackles for a loss against Purdue earlier this season. They had three sacks and 13 tackles for a loss against Clemson.

They had two sacks and six tackles for a loss against North Carolina. The last two have come over the past two weeks in back-to-back losses.

The Syracuse defense ranks No. 11 in turnovers forced, six interceptions, and six fumbles recovered. The FSU offense must execute well and avoid getting behind the chains or turning the ball over.

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