GET OFF THE FIELD ON THIRD DOWN DEFENSIVELY
Florida State ran into a Miami team that was 1st in the FBS in third down conversion as an offense. The Seminoles allowed the Hurricanes to convert eight out of twelve opportunities. The biggest two were both on 3rd and down and 20.
Those moments were critical as they helped Miami continue their drives on the field. As Seminole fans have learned, the program cannot have lapses in judgment, as Florida State needs all the help that it can get to secure the win.
That is one of the biggest complaints of defensive coordinator Adam Fuller. Some individuals feel that Coach Fuller is the problem in all of this. However, it could be wise to remember that the players also have to make the appropriate plays.
Florida State cannot make it easy for North Carolina, who ranks 74th in the FBS in third down conversion rate as an offense (39.4%). I realize that the Seminoles did not allow Duke to convert many third-down opportunities either, but they have to first stop them on third-down to allow the defense to be successful.